J101 Let’s Talk About Sex Baby...Let’s Talk about You and Me!
•Relationships, Substance Abuse, HIV
Let’s talk about S-E-X baby, let’s talk about YOU and ME, Let’s talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be...Let’s Talk about sex! This workshop will provide participants information and knowledge about safer sex, condom usage, basic knowledge about HIV, and most importantly, it will give you the skills on how to protect yourself and have fun at the same time. This will be an interactive workshop where we will be having role-plays and other activities to make it fun!
Alexander Goncalvez, Director of Prevention Programs, BIENESTAR
Roberto Gomez, Health Educator, BIENESTAR

J103 Community in Need: LGBTQ Immigrants
•Immigration
Have you heard of the DREAM Act, but are not really sure how this legislation may impact your life? Do you wonder what immigration rights you as a non-U.S. citizen have if you were to fall in love with a same-sex U.S. citizen and how your rights would differ from those of a straight couple? Have you heard of the HIV ban, but aren’t sure how it affects immigrants? Are you aware that LGBTQ people may qualify for political asylum? Come to our workshop and find the answers!
Chris Haiss, Outreach Director, Out4Immigration
Ana Grande, Project Director, PowerPAC

J104 LGBT Student Rights in Public Schools
•Legal, Gender, Empowerment
The LGBTQ Antibias training will enable students to understand their rights under the law through lecture, video, discussion and hands on activities. Students will be able to apply state and federal laws and school district policies to their 1st Amendment rights, their right to be ‘out’, and their right to file a harassment/discrimination complaint. This workshop will empower students to stand up for their rights as a proud LGBTQ person.
Stephen Jimenez, Project 10 Specialist, Los Angeles Unified School District

J200 Los Angeles Transgender History
•Activism, History, Transgender
“Ex-GI Becomes Blonde Beauty” blared the front-page headline of the December 1, 1952, New York Daily News. This started a media frenzy that brought “sex change” into America’s living rooms and celebrity to Christine Jorgensen. Los Angeles “transvestites” had already done important community building. But the news about the “pretty blond girl in a topsy turvy new world” lead to L.A. becoming one of the main places where new ways of being gendered were invented, disputed, and policed. We will talk about how the lives of trans people in 1950s and 1960s L.A. made our lives possible, and knowing about them might help us experience more empowering connections to other people.
C. Jacob Hale, Director, Center for Sex and Gender Research Professor, Department of Philosophy, California State University, Northridge

J201 Roots of the Gay Liberation Movement & Creation of the Gay Community
•Culture, Activism, History
The workshop will present an overview of the history of the organized gay community in Los Angeles from 1952 to the present. Participants will watch rare footage, made in 1970, from the first documentary on the birthing the Gay Liberation movement in Los Angeles--Ken Robinson’s “Some of Your Best Friends.” Scenes include the first Gay Pride March on Hollywood Blvd., scenes of the Stonewall Inn, a Gay-In in Griffith Park, a gay man talking about his arrest by the Los Angeles Police Dept., and the Gay Liberation Front’s take-over of an international psychology conference to talk to them about their homophobia.
Don Kilhefner, Ph.D., Psychologist

J204 Special Report: An Exploration of Sex and Gender
•Gender, Identity, Esteem
LifeWorks presents “Special Report: An Exploration of Sex and Gender”. This fun and innovative youth video project is a 16 minute hilarious but poignant mockumentary that deals with the issues young people face around sex and sexuality. The project was driven and came from the creative minds of LGBTQ youth and facilitated by Lifeworks and two graduate students from Smith College. The video has real life interviews, skits and BARBIE! A Q&A session and discussion with the filmmakers and actors will be held after the video presentation.
Daniel Dumont, Programs Manager, Lifeworks Mentoring
Chris Murphy, Student/Film Maker, LA Pierce College
Kathleen Jaffee, Student/Film Maker, LA Pierce College

J205 Have you? Do you? Want to? Issues Relating to HIV/AIDS
•Culture, Esteem, HIV
Have you ever felt embarrassed because of who you are? Do you feel shame within your culture because of how you identify yourself? Do you want to be more open about your sexuality with your peers, family and community? Surprisingly, some of your responses to these questions will help you recognize potential situations that could put you at risk for HIV transmission. No matter if you are brown, black, white or orange, we all share similar experiences. This workshop will raise these questions and allow a safe place for open and honest discussion to occur. Come, taste the rainbow and embrace our similarities.
Alejandro “Alex” Chavez, Community Health Educator, AIDS Service Center
Becky Vanderzee, MSW, Outreach Project Director, AIDS Service Center
Karen Tinsley, LCSW, Director of Clinical Services, AIDS Service Center

J206 “Ya Got Me Trippin, Ya Got Stumblin”
•Relationships, Legal, Esteem
During the workshop participants will engage in a dialogue around what it means to have a healthy or unhealthy relationship. Intimate partner violence occurs in LGBTQ youth relationships with the same severity and frequency as in heterosexual ones. This workshop will present the impact of intimate partner violence, the unique issues that are encountered, as well as the challenges and barriers that survivors face when they are seeking help. We will discuss how to help a friend, some of the red flags, and strategies to assist including: safety planning, supportive listening and resources.
LaDawn Best, Client Advocate-Domestic Violence Legal Project, LA Gay & Lesbian Center
Mary Case, Program Coordinator-STOP DV, LA Gay & Lesbian Center

J208 Navigating Gender Differences in School and Social Settings
•Culture, Gender, Identity, Transgender
Through interactive activities we will demonstrate how gender expression discrimination affects everyone, not just transgender youth. The discussion will focus on interacting with peers with diverse gender presentation and identities in a respectful way. We will devise strategies for awareness and minimizing gender segregation in school and social settings.
Kim Pearson, Executive Director, TransYouth Family Allies

J308 Leviticus 18:22– Who’s Sleeping With Who and What’s a Modern Boi or Grrl To Do?
•Identity, Spirituality, Religion
Most religious-based bigotry against LGBT people can be traced back to one verse in the Bible. In this workshop, participants will explore the ways in which the biblical “prohibition against homosexuality” in Leviticus 18:22 has been translated and interpreted over time. Through creative activities, attendees will gain an understanding of the cultural context of when the verse was written and how different authorities have interpreted it. Participants will create their own personal interpretation of the verse to understand it in modern times and to consider the verse’s relationship to an integrated and healthy queer spiritual/religious identity.
Joel Kushner, Director, Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation
Casey Pick, Student, UCLA School of Law
Bob Goss, Reverend
Dr. Jeffrey Siker, Professor & Chair, Department of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University

J309 Allies: Adding the A to LGBT
•GSA, Education
The focus of this workshop is on ALLIES. We will discuss options for Ally Trainings or Safe Zones, including resources available, topics that should be covered and how to cover them, and how to do more outreach. We will develop strategies to get ALLIES more involved on your campus or within your group. ALLIES are needed in this movement!
Amy Narevsky, Coordinator of Ally Programs, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

J101 My Deep Dark Pain is Love – A Poetry Writing Workshop
•Literature, Arts, Media
The presenters will facilitate the writing of poetry by the youth in attendance. We will discuss the different aspects of poetry by looking at popular song lyrics. Several writing prompts will be provided, and the youth will be given the “opportunity” to write. We will end with written pieces by those who wish to share their work. Attendees will go home with instructions on creating their own poetry chapbooks.
Kalil Cohen, Organizer, Trans/Giving arts showcase
Karin Gonzalez-McClellan, Organizer, Trans/Giving arts showcase

J103 Pathways to Success: Making College a Reality for Foster Youth
•Foster Care, Education
As many as 80 percent of the 20,000 youth who leave the system each year aspire to enter college. Unfortunately, most leave the foster care system feeling marginalized and inadequate in a society that expects them to quickly become self-supporting adults. These youth face far more barriers in entering college and attaining a degree than other historically disadvantaged groups. A panel of former foster youth will share their journey out of the system and the positive impact of self-advocacy had on their ability to become successful in post-secondary education. Attendees will also learn about on-campus support programs serving foster youth throughout California and how to access resources and programs through the California College Pathways Project.
Sean Guthrie, Senior, California State University, Fullerton
Nicole Demedenko, Graduate Student, University of Southern California, School of Social Work

J104 Money Matters for the Young, FABULOUS and Queer!
•Culture, Legal, Education
Prada or Frauda? Fucci or Gucci? Can afford an iPod? How does my credit score affect my life? Who cares? These questions and more will be answered in this presentation on money matters and how to be FABULOUS!
Aaron Saenz, President, San Gabriel Valley Pride

J200 Crystal Meth and Young Gay Men
•Substance Use & Abuse
This workshop will provide background information about the problem of crystal meth use among young gay men. The information being presented was obtained from the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center as well as their partner agencies that assisted in data collection. In addition, the workshop will provide a panel of experts who work with meth users to provide further insight about their lives and the challenges they may face on a day-to-day basis.
Claud K. Moradian, MPH, Program Coordinator, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
Linda Santiman, HIV Counselor/Health Educator, The Spot, West Hollywood

J201 Point Foundation: Granting Scholarships to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Students
•Education, Scholarships
The mission of the Point Foundation is to provide financial support, mentoring and hope to deserving students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We will discuss the process of applying for the Point Scholarship and the benefits of becoming a Point Scholar and discuss other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered scholarship opportunities. Current scholars will share their experiences both as applicants and as scholars. In addition, panelists will discuss resources that are available to locate LGBT friendly colleges and universities and other LGBT scholarships.
Vince Garcia, Scholar Relations & Selections Program Director, Point Foundation
Jennifer Wolner, Point Scholar & USC Student, Point Foundation & University of Southern California
Mikael Miller, Point Scholar & UCLA Student, Point Foundation & University of California Los Angeles
Mark Cornelsen, Point Scholar & Woodbury University Student, Point Foundation & Woodbury University

J204 Race and Ethnicity in Our Community: A Closer Look at Racism and
Prejudice in the LGBT Community
•Relationships, Culture, Identity
This workshop is an interactive dialogue on race and ethnicity in the LGBT Community. The format is called “Human Barometer.” The barometer allows students to physically see where everyone stands in response to statements related to racism and prejudice within our community. The context is set under the guise of “safe space;” to challenge ideas, not people, agree to disagree and not judge others. The outcome for students is a reality check of where they stand and how that fits in a personal, social and global context.
Lester Alemán, Trainer, The Posse Foundation, Inc.

J205 Considering a Career in Law Enforcement “Out and Proud”
•Careers/Coming Out
This workshop will have a panel of “out” law enforcement personnel. Panelists will share their experiences of being hired on to work in Law Enforcement. A question and answer period will follow the panel discussion. Over 50 years of combined experience working in Law Enforcement will be shared.
Captain Tina Nieto, Los Angeles Police Department, Hollenbeck Division Commanding Officer
Deputy Theresa Clark, Deputy Sheriff’s Department, Court Services
Police Officer III Kristi Nielsen, Los Angeles Police Department, GLBT Liaison

J206 Two Roads Become One: Merging Sexuality and Spirituality
•Spirituality, Religion
Can you truly identify as LGBTQ while being spiritual? This workshop will engage participants on how to free themselves by openly and honestly talking about sexuality and spirituality. Personal, small-group, and large-group activities are involved in this workshop as students dialogue with each other and themselves about how sexuality and spirituality can merge together for balance and wholeness.
Brad Rice, Young Adult Ministries Coordinator, Metropolitan Community Church, Los Angeles

J208 We Are Your Parents and We Love You! – Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Panel
•Family Issues, Relationships, Esteem
We are all parents of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender children. We love and accept our children for who they are. We want to be a source of encouragement to those of you who attend our workshop by telling our stories and listening to yours. We encourage you to share your thoughts and feelings and to ask us whatever you might want to know. We love you as we do our own children.
Patti Loitz, President, Pasadena PFLAG
Domingo & Evelyn Torres-Rangel, High School Teachers, Gabrielino High School
David & Lynda Hennon, Parents of a Gay Son
Athleen Novak, Mother of a Gay Son
Peter Sutheim & Betsy Hanger, Parents of lesbian daughter & transgender FTM son
Leonor Holmstrom, Leader, Spanish Pasadena PFLAG

J308 Combating Bias and Discrimination
•Hate Crimes/Harassment
Join us for this interactive workshop focusing on racism, homophobia, transphobia and other forms of personal and institutional discrimination. Explore issues of identity and bias, and develop techniques to respond to the things you see in your school and community.
Jenny Betz, Project Director, A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute

J309 When does drug or alcohol use become a problem? Tools for an effective peer-counseling program
•Substance Use & Abuse
This workshop allows us to explore drug and alcohol use among the LGBT youth population. Learn how to be a supportive peer and leader. Acquire knowledge and skills to create an effective peer education program to address these issues in your school or community setting.
Joey Aguilar, Student
Rebecca Sirmons, Case Manager, Children Youth, and Family Services, LA Gay & Center

J101 Dreaming BIG with Momma
•Esteem, Empowerment
What does your future hold? The good news is that today’s LGBT youth have the opportunity to do whatever they can dream of. This is the first time in history that LGBT youth have the advantage of technology and a more “open” and “aware” society. Momma will help you to “Dream Big” and encourage you to recognize that your future is bright.
Momma, a BIG Dreamer

J103 Loving Your Life
•STDs, Family Planning
We will discuss STDs and their prevention within the youth population. You will learn about the different bacterial and viral infections and the timeframe between initial exposure to symptoms, if any! What is the difference between treatment and curing, and treatment and not curing? Educate yourself about the most current methods of safer practices of oral and anal sex. Also, learn how birth control works in the female body, including different hormonal methods of birth control, intrauterine devices available, as well as a description and usage of barrier methods of birth control.
K. Marie Anthony, Registered Nurse Practitioner

J104 How to Have a Kick-Ass GSA
•Activism, GSA, Education
This workshop will be led by GSA activist youth. Using a mixture of discussion techniques, role-playing activities, and interactive group activities, participants will gain new skills in organizing their GSAs. Participants will explore issues they face at their schools and create plans for overcoming those issues.
Daniel Solis, Southern California Program Coordinator, GSA Network

J200 INSIDE OUT – A ONE PERSON SHOW IN TWO PERSONS
•Gender Identity, Transgender Identity, Esteem
INSIDE OUT – Is a One Person Show in Two Persons, written by Jody Vaclav and Ludwig Manukian, starring Jody Vaclav and directed by Ludwig Manukian. INSIDEOUT is an autobiographical journey into the depths of internal conflict to eventual discovery of a joyful inner and outer life. INSIDEOUT follows the experiences of Jody Vaclav, her life long contradiction of body and soul, and her search for integration as a transsexual woman in an unenlightened world.
Jody Vaclav, Actor, Other Eye Films, Performer, Writer, Speaker

J201 GLBTQ Youth in TV and Films: A Chronicle of How-to-Break-In
•Careers, Education, Arts
We will present a work-in-progress video from TV pilot “America’s Jr. Chefs”, a show with an all-gay cast. A panel of the shows’ cast will discuss their experience with the show. The workshop aims to highlight how to submit projects for TV, film, and documentary filmmaking in a safe manner and to help participants in contributing to the advancement of the passionate cause of their choice.
Carlos M. Aguilar, CEO, Producer, Ethnic Pictures

J204 Queer Time Travel: Being GLBT from The Jazz Age to Stonewall
•Culture, History, Esteem
Curious? Nothing should conceal our gay lineage that binds us together. Growing up gay in the most tumultuous times of history; the sexy Jazz Age, gay identity without labels, the great depression, electric shock therapy to cure you, a world at war ignites a sexual revolution, the social pressures of the 50’s to be like everybody else, the craziness of psychiatry, witch hunts and politicians scare us, The Rock and Roll revolution, Elvis and The Beatles and the swinging sixties, The Black Revolution inspires the Gay Revolution, The Pill, and then drag queens light the fire that ignites Stonewall. I experienced it all. This workshop will revisit these amazing times, so travel back in time with me to experience it all.
Arnold Pomerantz, Activist/speaker, GLIDE

J205 Teen Hero Program: Crisis & Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ Youth
•Gender Identity, Mental Health
Through lecture, interactive group discussion and role-playing, participants will learn about the relationship between LGBT youth and depression, how to recognize signs of depression and potential suicide, as well as how to help their peers who might be feeling depressed or suicidal. Participants will be provided with the tools necessary to help them identify depression and suicidal ideation in their own lives as well as in others. Youth will leave equipped with new knowledge around these important topics and they will be able to share the information they learn about suicide prevention with other young people in their schools and respective communities.
Phoenix Schneider, Program Director, The Trevor Project
Michael Vacha Jr., West Coast Call Center Manager, The Trevor Project

J206 Safe Schools Now! A Know Your Rights Training on Students’ Rights
•Gender Identity, Legal, Transgender Identity
Do you get harassed at school? Do you have a hard time getting other students and teachers to use the right name or pronoun? Do you ever wonder what rights you have as a student? We will break down the law on your rights in K-12 schools and on college campuses, with a special look at Los Angeles School District policies that specifically protect transgender and gender nonconforming students. Walk away feeling empowered to advocate for yourself on campus in asserting a “preferred” name at school, having safe access to a locker room, and knowing what you can do if you get harassed by another student or by a teacher.
Ben Lunine, Staff Attorney, Transgender Law Center
Kristina Wertz, Legal Director, Transgender Law Center

J208 Coming Out Brown: Strategies for Queers of Color
•Culture, Identity, Family Issues
Coming out to family and community can be a difficult, scary, beautiful experience and people of color often have to negotiate additional cultural dimensions in this process. This is an intentional discussion space for LGBTQQI youth of color who are in the process of coming out. Presenters will share their personal experiences in coming out to family, and will facilitate a group discussion in order to help name some of the specific challenges LGBTQQI youth of color face in this process, and to share/develop strategies for meeting them. Workshop attendees will leave with new ideas on how to approach family and community members, as well as resources for finding LGBTQQI communities of color as ongoing support.
Karin Gonzales-McClellan, Mistress, Trans/Giving Arts Showcase
Aakash Kishore, Sir, Anytown Youth Leadership Program of the National Conference for Community and
Justice, St. Louis

J308 Cyberbullying and Online Cruelty: Challenging Social Norms
•Culture, Self-Esteem, Media
The goal of this workshop is to increase awareness and empathy among students with regard to cyberbullying and online social cruelty. Through visual media and discussion, students are encouraged to reevaluate their own online behavior and to explore their collective civic responsibility to make the Internet a safe “neighborhood.” Students are challenged and given tools to analyze how social norms contribute to negative online behavior.
Jenny Betz, Project Director, A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute

J309 Employment and Navigating the Trans Identity
•Career
This interactive workshop will discuss some of the barriers that trans people face when accessing employment. At what point does an individual bring up their trans identity, if at all. We will discuss employer background checks and how they affect you depending on whether you have changed your name and gender or not, employee rights, and how you are protected.
Drian Juarez, Client Advocate/Transgender Economic Empowerment, LA Gay and Lesbian Center