A panel discussion with leading experts on youth development, gender identity, and community resources for LGBTQ+ young people

young people embracing

We know that trans and LGBQ+ youth experience disproportionate levels of mental health distress. Yet we also know that when LGBTQ+ youth have affirming adults in their lives, they enjoy greater mental wellness. Learn about the factors influencing the mental health and emotional wellbeing of trans, nonbinary, and LGBQ+ youth and how you can be an affirming adult.

Come early, stay late! Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the panel will start promptly at 6:30. Come early if you can and browse information on local LGBTQ+ resources.

After the panel, we welcome you to join us for an extended Q&A with JF&CS's Director of Mental Health and/or sign up for a Conversation Circle for a deeper exploration of the subject at a later date.

Speakers

Welcoming remarks

Cara Presley, Director of Mental Health, JF&CS

Panelists

Jaimie H. Krass, Director of Youth Programs, Keshet

Norman Spack, MD, founder of the Gender Management Service (GeMS) Clinic, Boston Children’s Hospital

Rebecca Sneider, LICSW, Brookline Public Schools

Kurtis Washington, Program Manager, Boston GLASS

Registration

This event is open to the public and is appropriate for parents and caregivers of teens/tweens, professionals, educators, and other caring adults. A donation of $18/person is suggested but not required.

Register

Conversation Circles

Following the workshop, participants are invited to join a conversation circle led by JF&CS's director of mental health. These small groups sessions will provide the chance to explore the workshop topic in greater depth while connecting with peers.  The conversation circle for this topic will take place:

  • Thursday, April 25, 7:30-8:45 p.m., virtual via Zoom

No One Alone series

This is the second event in a three-part workshop series for parents on youth mental health.

Accessibility

JF&CS prioritizes access to its programs and activities for persons with all abilities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 781-647-5327 or info@jfcsboston.org in advance of your participation or visit.

Requests for American Sign Language interpreters should be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program, if possible. *Additional language interpretation services will also be provided for requests made at least two weeks in advance. Indicate your interpretation needs on your registration form.

*(Spanish) También se proporcionarán servicios adicionales de interpretación de idiomas para solicitudes realizadas con al menos dos semanas de anticipación. Indique sus necesidades de interpretación en su formulario de registro.

*(Russian) Дополнительные услуги лингвистического перевода также будут предоставлены по запросам, сделанным не менее чем за две недели. Укажите свои потребности в устном переводе в регистрационной форме.

*(Portuguese) Serviços adicionais de interpretação de idiomas também serão fornecidos para solicitações feitas com pelo menos duas semanas de antecedência. Indique suas necessidades de interpretação em seu formulário de inscrição.

Please note that JF&CS will make every effort to secure interpretation services but that services are subject to availability.

Sponsorship

This event is cosponsored by Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Boston and Gateways: Access to Jewish Education together with Boston GLASS, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston, Keshet, OUT MetroWest, and the Jewish Teen Initiative at CJP. Funding provided by the Ronald G. Casty Family Foundation, the Frieze Family Foundation, Steve and Stephanie Kasok, and the Ruderman Family Foundation. JF&CS gratefully acknowledges the efforts of the JF&CS Youth Mental Health Task Force in making this series a reality.