Unified for Youth (U4Y) workshops are arranged into two different tracks. Track one will be presented for youth and track two for adults.

There will also be two sessions which are intended for all of the participants.

Download a copy of the U4Y conference schedule.

Track 1 (Youth)

Integrating the Arts – U4Y Quilt Project
This project will be created in three separate groups. Each group will be given a topic. The group facilitator will begin the session with a 15-minute discussion of the topic. Then the participants will have 45 minutes to interpret the subject through images or words on a fabric square. The individual squares will be collected and assembled to form a quilt, which will be exhibited at venues/events throughout the year and may be carried at PRIDE the following year.

What is Gender Identity?
Examining the concept of gender. This workshop will introduce what it the phrase “Gender Identity” means. It will cover topics such as: Is gender a social construct? How does gender define the decisions we make and the roles we take on in society? Can gender be understood only in binary terms? How does a person’s gender identity differ from their sexual orientation? How does one define their own gender identity? How does one choose to express their gender identity? This session will also address vocabulary, stereotypes, assumptions, homophobia, heterosexism, and transgender health & social issues.

Becoming an Advocate
A discussion of when, how and who you should talk to in order to make your voice heard. Just because you have rights doesn’t mean they’ll be respected. You need to know your rights and ask for them in a way that gets results. Learn some positive steps you can take to help create a safer environment at your school.

Diversity in your Future
In today’s workplace, more companies are welcoming diversity and expecting acceptance. They’ve learned that customers are more comfortable working with businesses where the employees resemble themselves. Simply put, having a diverse workforce opens more opportunities. In additions, any employee who is intolerant of diversity exposes the company to legal issues they don’t want so prejudice quickly becomes a barrier to an individual's success.

Track 2 (Adults)

Creating the New Dream
From their birth we begin to plan for our children’s futures. The plans we make are generally based on our own heterosexist ideals and often include marriage and grandchildren. The day that our kids “come out” those plans are shattered. This doesn’t change who they are and it doesn’t in any way limit their potential in life. It simply means it’s time for a new dream. The first step in this process is coming to terms with your own fears, heterosexism and homophobia.

What is Gender Identity?
Examining orientation in terms of gender roles (the labels that a put on us by society), Identity (our inner-most sense of self), and expression (how we express and present our selves to the world) to help define LGBTS. This session will also address stereotypes, assumptions, homophobia, heterosexism, and transgender issues.

Becoming An Advocate
As parents, we want to help our children but we struggle with when and how to intervene on their behalf. This session will help you to know when, how and who you should talk to in order to protect your child. Learn some positive steps you can take to help create a safer environment at your school.

Picking a good therapist and
knowing when you need one
Counseling is not necessary for every teen who comes out. However, it’s good to know when your child needs counseling and when you, as the parent/family member need additional support. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy. This workshop will help participants to identify key steps in recognizing when you need counseling and finding the right therapist for their needs. The workshop will also examine how to make best use of the counseling process.

Bullying - An Epidemic
What is bullying? While bullying not limited to LGBT students, the results of GLSEN’s annual school climate survey show that it is a big problem for these kids. We’ll discuss what constitutes bullying, how to positively respond to it and where/when to turn for assistance. We’ll also look at the most recent school climate survey results as they relate to our local schools.

Life After High School – Panel discussion
For some, the high school years are their best. For others this isn’t the case and statistics show that this is less likely for LGBT students. This panel is made up of college students and will address what lies beyond high school. How is college different? Is the school more inclusive? Will I fit in? We’ll also discuss what to look for when choosing a school so that you can ensure that you’re picking an inclusive, accepting environment.