Dozens of community members came together at HACC Gettysburg last week to learn more about issues of inclusion and how the community can create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth through allyship and inclusion.
The first hour of the event was led by Phacelia Cramer, a LGBTQ+ Youth Support Consultant with the Center For Youth and a consultant for developmentally disabled youth and families.
“Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ+ youth by 40%,” said Cramer.
Community members in the training learned about common myths and facts about LGBTQ+ individuals, how to properly address transgender people, and how they can help make their own communities safe for all.
During group discussion, community members brought forward solutions and further questions for training and education to support LGBTQ+ youth in Adams County. A general consensus was reached that establishing safe spaces for youth is a life-saving measure. “Studies consistently find that LGBTQ+ young people report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces,” said CFY Community Impact Coordinator Meghan Riordan. “Educating adults brings us closer to creating these safe spaces. This includes both physical safe spaces or safe people/allies.”
The group also intends to synthesize information and continue these impactful efforts in their own lives and roles throughout the community. Following this event were two community opportunities over the weekend including a youth meetup at Gettysburg College and an LGBTQ+ parent and guardian discussion group at the Respective Solutions Group Center For Families.
Maia Niedererr is a student at Biglerville High School and holds the position of Communications Chair in the youth coalition Collaborating for Youth. In her role, she helps strengthen communication between the coalition and the community. She also enjoys writing, reading, and putting a smile on people's faces whenever possible.