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The
following workshops will be presented at MOP15:
F111 Job Opportunities with the City of Los Angeles
Careers/Legal Issues & Rights
Employment opportunities currently available with the City of Los Angeles and the benefits of civil service and merit based employment practices will be described. Background on legal issues regarding employment relative to sexual orientation, expression, and self-identification relative to policies and practices will be explained. Career advancement opportunities within the City workforce will be outlined.
Jeanie Molinar, Sexual Orientation Coordinator, City of Los Angeles - Personnel Department |
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J101 God Made Me This Way. What’s Your Excuse?
Spirituality/Religion
Young church members will express their process of reconciling faith and orientation. Various passages from the Christian Bible that are used to condemn the GLBTQ community will be discussed. Much of what the Bible says is misinterpreted. We will try and clarify for you what the Bible really says.
Jerrell Walls, Pastor, Christ Chapel of the Valley |
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J103 Disability Sensitivity Training for the LGBTQ Community & Friends
Disabilities/Education/Relationships
This disability sensitivity training is designed to make a nondisabled audience more comfortable with the issues around disability and with interacting with people who have disabilities. Definitions of disability, different kinds of disability and how they are or are NOT related to one another will be discussed. We will give tips and practice with techniques for alternative communication. Making connections between the LGBTQ communities and disability communities will be explored.
Eva Sweeney, Director, Queers On Wheels |
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J104 How To Get Politically Active
Political Activism/Legal Issues & Rights
Youth are underrepresented in the political process. Every year, there are a slew of bills coming out of the California State Legislature that affect LGBTQ youth--tolerance curriculum, Juvenile Bill of Rights (for incarcerated LGBTIQ youth), marriage equality, and discrimination & harassment legislation--and the list goes on. Some of these bills are not passed because of the lack of public support. It is important that youth get involved with affecting their rights. This workshop will teach you how.
Shirin Buckman, Legislative Analyst, The Lambda Letters Project |
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J200 Coming Out, a Scary Thing When You Have No Clue How to Get Started
Coming Out/Family Issues/Culture
Did you ever wanted to learn some extremely helpful tips and steps on how you or a loved one could COME to parents or friends? We will explore a different area of coming out as it relates to each individual, with helpful step-by-step questions, scenarios, and actions to take into consideration. COME OUT safely and more prepared. This workshop can help you get started with that process. Knowledge is power!
Geovanni Lopez, Health Educator, Bienestar
Albert Martinez, Health Educator, Bienestar |
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J201 SEX Etiquette 101
Relationships/Education
Everyone knows how to do it, but are they doing it safely? Sex Etiquette 101 will explore how to make sexually responsible decisions. Peer health educators will utilize engaging activities to illustrate how to practice safe sex as well as encourage participants to effectively communicate and negotiate safe sex practices with their partners. HIV/AIDS prevention and proper hygiene will be discussed.
Michelle Horton, Manager of Young Women’s Programs, REACH LA
Tara Perry, G2G Leader, REACH LA
Nicole Ujadughele, G2G Leader, REACH LA
Lidi Armenta, G2G Leader, REACH LA |
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J204 Queer Time Travel
LGBTQ History/Culture
Journey with me through my lifetime and the awesome story of our LGBTQ community from our invisibility and shame to life today--being out there in the world with dignity and self respect. Many of you who live openly in relative freedom stand on the shoulders of countless generations before you. Nothing must hide our lineage that binds us together. Take a fascinating trip from the Jazz Age, the Depression, World War II, the postwar 50’s, and acid trip of the 60’s, Black Liberation, Vietnam, The Pill, The Beatles, Rock-n-Roll, to the revolution that began at Stonewall.
Arnold Pomerantz, Activist, Writer, Under The Bridges, Gays & Lesbians Initiating Dialogue for Equality |
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J205 Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Support
Relationships/Family Issues
PFLAG Parents will present their personal stories of supporting their LGBT children. A panel of PFLAG parents (parents with one or more LGBT children) will tell their personal stories, describe PFLAG and offer advice in coming out and seeking ongoing support, education, advocacy, resources, and answer questions for those seeking information on how to be themselves with friends and family!
Steve Krantz, Ph.D., President, PFLAG Los Angeles.
Additional Presenters |
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J206 Ex-Gay? NO WAY!
Sexual Orientation/Self-Esteem/Religion
In this workshop, you will learn about the history and current strategies of the ex-gay movement, which claims to help people change their sexual orientation or gender identity to what some view as “normal.” Today’s ex-gay movement aggressively targets LGBTQ youth and young adults. Often these “ministries” ally themselves with extreme elements of the Religious Right. You and your peers will develop strategies for what to do if confronted by people trying to recruit you to ex-gay ministries and what to do if friends or loved ones announce they are now “ex-gay.”
R. Scott Harrison, Program and Leadership Developer, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays |
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J208 Trans-Youth Panel
Family Issues/Substance Use/Abuse/Trans Issues
This is a trans youth specific panel that will provide participants knowledge through personal testimony about the specific trans issues related to school, legal system, foster care, substance use, and HIV/AIDS.
Bamby Salcedo, Project Coordinator, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Risk Reduction Program
Additional Presenters |
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J308 LGBTQ Youth Video OUT-REACH
Arts/Self-Esteem/Media/Communications
Video artists from REACH LA’s youth LGBTQ video production program will screen and discuss six video shorts that focus on personal story as political issue and how this group is involved with L.A.’s OUTFEST and FUSION Festivals. They will also discuss the importance of telling LGBTQ youth stories in the first person as a right/necessity and using video a tool to raise community awareness.
Gina Lamb, Director of Arts and Technology Programs, REACH LA
Maria Cruz, Video Artist, REACH LA
Catey McSweeny, Video Artist, REACH LA
Maurice Lopez, Video Artist, REACH LA |
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J309 How to Have a Kick-Ass GSA
Gay-Straight Alliances
This workshop will focus on giving students a brief overview of the tools they will need in order to have a successful GSA meeting. Topics covered will include: starting a GSA; facilitating a meeting; putting together an agenda; the importance of making a GSA diverse racially, economically, and in terms of gender and sexual orientation; and a brief introduction to the students’ legal rights. Interested college/university students are also welcome.
Marco Castro-Bojorquez, Southern California Program Coordinator, Gay-Straight Alliance Network |
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F111 Coming OUT Doesn’t Mean Getting OUT: Why So Many Youth End Up Homeless
Orientation/Family Issues/HIV/STDs
Thousands of queer youth are homeless, and more than half of them are on the streets because they came out to their family as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. Homelessness can be avoided. Living on your own doesn’t mean living on the streets, and it definitely doesn’t mean that you are alone. The topics that will be covered include: Coming Out and Getting Kicked Out, Where Can I Go if I End Up on the Streets, Can I Ever Talk to My Parents Again, and What Does it Mean to be Homeless and Gay. We will discuss HIV/AIDS prevention and provide resources for testing and healthcare.
Ismael Morales, Health Education Specialist, Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center |
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J101 Let’s Talk About Sex Baby. Let’s talk About You and Me
Sexual Orientation /Education/HIV/AIDS/STDs
Have you ever awakened and thought, “What have I done?” Learn how to make it safe and keep it hot. Attend this interactive and fun, yet serious workshop on safer sex and risk reduction techniques. This workshop includes role-playing, team competitions and self-evaluations. Don’t be another statistic. Know the facts!
Elias Martinez, Health Educator, Bienestar
Alexander Goncalvez, Assistant Regional Director, Bienestar |
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J103 Accessing Higher Education for Foster Youth
Higher Education/Foster Youth
It is a fact that 80 percent of the 20,000 youth who leave the foster care system in the US each year aspire to enter college. Foster youth face far more barriers than other historically disadvantaged groups due to the lack of support programs in higher education. Renaissance Scholars, a Cal State Poly University, Pomona program, honors the achievements and aspirations of motivated former foster youth. Renaissance Scholars is a comprehensive program to provide critical support services to youth and their unique needs that will help to ensure student success.
Jenny D. Vinopal, M.S.W., Director, Renaissance Scholars |
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J104 Young, Queer and Spiritual - Can it Be?
Sexual Identity/Spirituality/Religion
Join us for a youth focused panel discussion about the spiritual issues that are faced today. Spirituality isn’t just for our parents...we have a lot to say and to share. How can you be spiritual or religious and queer? Let’s talk about it. This panel will be made up of a number of people from various faith traditions, bringing a broad perspective to the discussion. Your thoughts and experiences will complete the workshop.
Joel L. Kushner, Psy.D., Director, The Institute for Judaism & Sexual Orientation at Hebrew Union College
Rev. Neil G. Thomas, Senior Pastor, Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles |
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J200 Legislating LGBT Rights: A Discussion with California
State Assemblymember Lloyd Levine
Sexual Orientation/Political Activism/Education
Assemblymember Lloyd Levine will discuss some of the recent legislation that has been drafted to support the LGBT community. This year he proposed legislation that would provide guidance to teachers and school districts to ensure compliance with the California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act, 2000. There will be a Q & A session about legislating LGBT rights, and how lawmakers and citizens at the grassroots level can work together to educate the public and achieve their goals.
Lloyd Levine, Assemblymember, 40th District
Barri Worth, Field Representative, Office of Assemblymember Lloyd Levine |
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J201 Beyond Entertainment: Examining the Power of LGBTQ Media Representation
Political Activism/Media/Communications
Through this workshop, we seek to convey why Outfest is about more than ‘going to the movies’. By conducting a crash course in media literacy, we will contextualize historic LGBTQ representations in mainstream media, and then elaborate the role that LGBTQ-created media serves in furthering our culture, struggles, and politics.
Chris McLaren, Production Coordinator, OUTFEST
Additional Presenters
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J204 Money Rules for the Young, Fabulous and Queer!
Finances/Education
Money, what is it good for? Absolutely EVERYTHING. Is credit just plastic, like people in LA? Gucci or Fucci, Boss or Ross? Do interest rates keep your interest? Answer these questions, and more, and you too can be Young, Fabulous and Queer!
Aaron Saenz, Instructor, LAUSD/Division of Adult and Career Education
Monica Viveros, East LA Community Corporation |
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J205 Immigration in the LGBTQ Community (Joteria Sin Fronteras)
Immigration/Legal Issues & Rights
We will explore the “immigration myths” and take a closer look at the real situation members of the LGBTQ community face when dealing with immigration issues. This includes political asylum based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the HIV ban, and same-sex binational couples. We will also address recent legislation and policy issues.
Chris Haiss, Board Member, Out4Immigration
Ari Ruiz Reyes, Los Angeles City Youth Council Representative for Councilmember José Huizar, (Dist. 14) |
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J206 Hate Crimes and the LGBTQ Community
Sexual Orientation/Hate Crimes/Legal Issues & Rights
We will provide students with the mechanisms whereby victims can address issues of hate violence. This will include components from the victim advocacy/assistance services so students are aware about what they can do if they or someone they know is directly victimized by hate violence on campus or in the community. Information about HOW to address these issues, and how to report them to law enforcement will be presented. Strategies will be explored on how to change the culture on school campuses.
Dalia Arriaga-Infante, Anti-Violence Project Bilingual Victim Advocate II, Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center’s Anti-Violence Project |
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J208 Living A Healthy Life as a Transgendered Youth
Relationships/Trans Issues/Self-Esteem
Some transgender youth feel a great relief that they have discovered how they are most comfortable expressing themselves. Other transgender youth feel frustrated at being discriminated against or because they aren’t yet able to transition. Still other transgender youth find that being transgender is just one part of who they are and that they mostly think about all the things that many youth think about - school, dating, work, and family. There are many ways that transgendered youth can live a healthy and comfortable life. This workshop will explore those ways and more!
Vivianna Hernandez, Health Educator/Case Manager, Bienestar-Transgeneros Unidas
Erika De La Cruz, Health Educator, Bienestar-Transgeneros Unidas |
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J308 Know Your Rights 101: Lambda Legal
Political Activism/Legal Issues & Rights/HIV/AIDS/STDs
Lambda Legal is the leading advocacy organization for the civil rights of the LGBT community. The ‘Know Your Rights!’ workshop will give a broad overview of LGBT-related laws and cases, as well as other methods and avenues to securing your rights.
Adrian Acosta, Community Educator, Lambda Legal
Estuardo R. Ponciano, Help Desk Specialist, Lambda Legal |
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J309 Trans 101: How to be a Good Trans Ally
Gender/Trans Issues/Education
This workshop will outline essential things to know about transgender and gender variant people including understanding the differences between gender identity, gender presentation, sex, and sexuality. We will also discuss certain key things to know about respecting trans people. Legal struggles faced by trans people and how to be allies in fighting for transgender rights will be explored.
Kalil Cohen, Organizer, Trans Equality LA
Karin Gonzales-McClellan, Organizer, The Justice Committee |
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F111 Love Shouldn’t Hurt - Domestic Violence in LGBTQ Relationships
Sexual Orientation/Relationships
Domestic violence occurs in the LGBTQ community with the same severity and frequency as in the heterosexual community. This workshop will present the impact of domestic violence on the LGBT community, 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, what are the red flags and strategies to assist including: safety planning, supportive listening and effective messages that we can share with a survivor.
Terra Slavin, Lead Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project, LA Gay & Lesbian Center |
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J101 Be Counted or Dissed. You Matter!
Political Activism/Legal Issues & Rights/Self-Esteem
The U.S. Census reveals that LGBT numbers in America are HUGE! The 2006 consumer buying power of gays and lesbians was $641 BILLION dollars! There are over 65,000 gays and lesbians actively serving in the U.S. Military. Gay or lesbian parents are raising 70,000 California children. In this session, we will recap the presentation made at the State Capitol in Sacramento before the Commission on the Status of Women. It was a first in Sacramento and an encouragement to all LGBTs that we are many and that we are very supported.
Ivy Bottini, Co-Founder of National Organization for Women, LGBT Community Activist, Artist, Actor
Elaine Suranie, GLIDE speaker, Member of the California Commission on the Status of Women |
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J103 Media Spokesperson Training
Media/Communications
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) works to improve the manner in which LGBTQ issues, events, and people are presented to the media. One of the cornerstones to GLAAD’s work in achieving its mission is our commitment to training both national and grassroots activists in media skills. This spokesperson-training workshop will include opportunities for participants to practice developing and sharing their own stories, and they will learn techniques to stay on message. These skills can be applied not only with the media but can be used on a daily basis when interacting with fellow students, colleagues, neighbors and friends.
Vaishalee Raja, Associate Director of Media Field Strategy, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation |
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J104 The GenderQueer (R)evolution
Gender/Trans Issues/Sexual Orientation
Have you ever felt like “M,” “F,” or even “FTM” and “MTF” aren’t enough? And certainly not “gay,” “straight,” or “queer?” Or that your gender changes by the minute, hour, day, or season? That maybe you were meant to have more than one gender? Ever feel that your gender isn’t so clear-cut? Or that it falls right off the map? Open yourself to complexity of identity and experience, and celebrate your genderqueer, gender-gifted Self! See the Universe, and so-called reality, with a different eye. Help bring about the next phase of human (r)evolution by living authentically, creating possibility, and acting as an agent of change in the world.
Alexander Yoo, MA, Founder and President, GenderQueer Revolution |
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J200 ALMOST WALKING A STRAIGHT LINE
Sexual Orientation/Family Issues/Religion
“Looking straight, acting straight, and turning straight… almost.” This is a theatrical performance about a man, who drowning in his heavy religious upbringing, intimately and comically questions everything including speaking in tongues, his sexuality, his career, his parents, his church and the tens of thousands of dollars he dumped in the collection plate. This workshop covers it all, so come for the play and stay for the Q & A.*
*A Roundtable Session will follow this Workshop.
Greg Haskins, Performer |
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J201 So you’re on MySpace. Now What? An Intro to “Q-Radio”
We invite students connect with networks and stories of other young queer communities internationally and in the US. Learn the power of your Los Angeles queer community and strategies for sharing personal stories and experiences to inspire others. We will look at online outlets such as MySpace, Facebook, and podcasting, and we will listen to radio stories from youth who discuss identity and inclusion.
Sara Harris, LA Bureau Chief, Queer Youth Radio
Luis Sierra, Outreach Producer, Queer Youth Radio |
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J204 Public Office 101
Political Activism/Sexual Orientation/Careers
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could change the world? Imagine yourself as the next Mayor, Councilmember or even President of the U.S. Learn how to be a leader regardless of age. Hear the stories of about and Prou members of your community:
Jasmyne Cannick, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Press Secretary for U.S. Representative Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach), Co-Founder of the National Black Justice Coalition
Ricardo Lara, Serves as District Director for CA State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez
Conrado Terrazas, Southern CA Campaign Director, SEIU Local 1000
Liliana T. Perez, Statewide Liaison to the LGBT Communities, Office of the Speaker of the CA Assembly, Fabian Nuñez |
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J205 Healthy Relationships & You: Make it Work!
Relationships
‘Healthy Relationships & You’ is an interactive and fun way to explore the dynamics of ALL types of relationships: from dating, to long-term loving monogamous relationships, to familial ties, friendships or spiritual/religious relationships. No one is born with a guide or road map to starting and fostering a healthy relationship. In the LGBTQ community, with few role models, often times youth mirror and shadow self-destructive relationship patterns. Topics such as “holding each other accountable” for their respective actions and keeping in mind that just like a plant that needs everyday watering, a relationship is a “24-hour a day, 7-day a week affair,” will be explored further.
Pedro Garcia, Program Manager - Mpowerment Youth Program, Bienestar
Jimmy Ramos, Health Educator, Bienestar |
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J206 Hate Comes Home
Hate Crimes/ Education
This is an interactive movie created by the Anti-Defamation League and WILL Interactive, Inc. It is intended to asist high school aged youth in making decisions about how to prevent and respond to hate-motivated behavior. This interactive CD-ROM deals with themes of cultural identity, conflict, peer pressure, prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, classism, heterosexism, anti-Semitism, and racism.
Jenny Betz, Project Director, Anti-Defamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute |
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J208 You’re Not Alone
Health Care/Suicide Prevention
This workshop is practical and candid. It will discuss depression and suicide in detail, including a short personal testimony by a teen. Reasons for consideration of suicide will be addressed. Ways to cope with suicidal thoughts will be given. The workshop will encourage questions and comments from the participants.
Nancy D Sanford, Psychiatric Nurse, LAUSD School Mental, Valley Clinic
Additional Presenter |
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J308 Flag-Dancing
History/Performance Art
This workshop will explore Flag Dancing, as it exists within a subculture of the gay community Through a short documentary we will examine the historical evolution of the art as well as its status as a means of individual self-expression and meditative introspection.
Daniel Tyler, Flaggers!, UCLA |
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J309 STDs, Facts and Myths
HIV/AIDS/STDs/Sex Education
This workshop is ‘everything you ever needed to know about STDs and more’. The presentation will cover modes of transmission symptoms, testing and treatment as well as risk reduction. You will learn about the implications of STD prevention, risk and untreated STDs for youth and learn to identify the 3 factors of the STD-HIV connection.
Sally Villanueva, Health Education Assistant, Sexually Transmitted Disease Program, L.A. County
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