Jan 14 (Wednesday) from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST: Brave Spaces: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in a Shifting World • Khush Mathur, Training and Capacity Building Coordinator, The Hetrick Martin Institute LGBTQ+ youth are navigating a world where their rights, safety, and well-being are under unprecedented attack. Brave Spaces: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in a Shifting World is a dynamic, solutions-focused workshop designed for educators, advocates, and anyone committed to standing with LGBTQ+ youth in this critical moment. This workshop is meant to be a call to action. We’ll confront the harsh realities of anti-LGBTQ+ policies, amplify the resilience of queer and trans youth, and equip you with concrete tools to create spaces where they can thrive. Whether you’re pushing back against discriminatory laws, supporting a young person facing rejection, or simply asking, “How can I do better?”, this workshop will meet you where you are and help you take meaningful steps forward. This workshop will include: • An overview of the current political climate and its impact on LGBTQ+ youth, including anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, shifts in social attitudes, and media representation. • Exploration of key challenges, such as legislative barriers, mental health disparities, school environments, family rejection, and intersectional identities. • Strategies and best practices for validating, affirming, and empowering LGBTQ+ youth, including how to foster allyship and address backlash. • Practical tools for creating inclusive environments, with examples of small but meaningful actions. • Resource sharing, including organizations and up-to-date information for continued learning and support. Register Here for Brave Spaces: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in a Shifting World