Rebecca Parrilla’s Post

This year, the Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ rights for the first time in its 40 year history. In 2023 alone, more than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law. This figure is more than double that of 2022, which was formerly the worst year on record. Considering this environment, it’s no surprise that the HRC’s 2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report (a survey of 13,000 young people from across the US) finds that almost half of LGBTQ+ youth feel unsafe in at least one place at school. Amidst increasing barriers and hostility, there are still ways that educators, community leaders, and others who work to support youth can create transformative spaces that celebrate diversity, foster belonging, and empower LGBTQ+ youth. reframe52 believes that all young individuals in your community deserve to thrive as their authentic selves. Want to check out a few creative, unique, and impactful ideas for catalyzing and fortifying inclusive environments? Check out our full blog post, linked in the comments below! #reframe52 #allyshipisaverb #deieducation #inclusion #dei #edi #inclusionmatters #deib #diversityandinclusion #diversityequityinclusion #belonging #allyship #SupportTransYouth #QueerYouth #CelebrateDiversity #LGBTQYouth #LGBTQpride

Searching for a resource that caters specifically to LGBTQ+ youth of color? Take a look at this reflection tool created in collaboration with the Youth Engagement Network (YEN), a past project of ETR. This tool is intended to: ➡ Describe a healing centered and trauma-informed approach to youth engagement. ➡ Raise awareness about the ecosystem of institutional, interpersonal, and individual stressors and supports that affect the lives and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth of color. ➡ Spark reflection among youth-serving professionals to facilitate shifts in mindsets and actions to create a more trauma-informed and healing centered space for LGBTQ+ youth of color. This five-page PDF is drawn from collective experiences working with youth-serving organizations and elevates the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ youth of color who participated in youth-led listening sessions. Bookmark, download, and share this vital tool with others. #LGBTQ #YouthHealth #Education #TraumaInformed #HealthEquity #Innovation #SRH #SexualHealth #TeenHealth #AdolescentHealth #HealthEducation #Youth #LGBTQHealth #BIPOC #HealingCentered

Navigating high school is challenging for many teens, but LGBTQ+ students often face additional pressures. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for their well-being and academic success. As a community, we must provide inclusive and supportive environments to help these students thrive. Creating supportive environments for LGBTQ+ teens in high school is not just beneficial for them but enriches the entire school community. It fosters a culture of understanding, respect, and inclusivity. If you're interested in learning more about how to support LGBTQ+ teens or want to get involved with our outreach services, please don't hesitate to reach out. Visit us at https://lnkd.in/gsFHYsUi to discover how you can make a difference. #aoсoutreachservices #communityservice #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #therapy #lgbt #teens #highschoolsupport #inclusiveeducation #teenwellbeing #safespaces #peerupport #educationalinclusion #antibullying #selfesteemboost #visibilitymatters #respectforall

🚨🌈 #ActNowForEquality 🌈🚨 Join the Vanguard for LGBTQ+ Youth! The National Time to THRIVE Conference - sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign/HRC/ has illuminated the urgent plight of LGBTQ+ youth. As a leader serving as T-Mobile's head of K-12 Education /NE/, I am empowered by T-Mobile’s commitment to these essential values and grateful for the unwavering support of our sponsors. In this pivotal moment, LGBTQ+ youth face unprecedented challenges. They seek validation, yearn for a nurturing educational environment, and courageously confront bigotry. It’s imperative that we, as a community of educators, rise as allies—embracing love, compassion, and the resolve to advocate for change. We are at a crossroads, battling against a tide of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that endangers the essence of our society. The call for allies is clear and present. We must mobilize with empathy and activism. The urgency is palpable; the call for action is undeniable. I stand with pride alongside T-Mobile, HRC, and the National Education Association, whose contributions were pivotal to the success of the conference. Yet, the path ahead beckons us to continue the fight. How You Can Impact Change: #EducateYourself: Immerse in the realities faced by LGBTQ+ youth. #AdvocateForChange: Foster inclusivity within educational realms and beyond. #SupportTheCause: Empower those at the forefront of equality. Your involvement is the cornerstone of progress. Stand up for rights, stand up for love—embrace bold action! 🏳️🌈💪💖 #RiseWithPride #ChampionEquality #LGBTQYouthMatter #TimeToThrive #BeTheAlly 🌐🤝

What We’re Talking About… Let's dive into a crucial discussion on the shrinking of traditional gayborhoods and the emergence of pop-up LGBTQ+ spaces to foster inclusive communities. As cities face "heterofication"—where heterosexual residents and businesses displace established LGBTQ+ spaces—planners have a unique role to play in supporting inclusivity. Here’s how planners can help: - Encourage Pop-Up Spaces: Temporary LGBTQ+ spaces can offer safe environments and strengthen community bonds. - Support LGBTQ+ Businesses: Promote and protect businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community. - Inclusive Zoning Policies: Implement zoning laws that preserve and protect LGBTQ+ cultural and social spaces. - Community Engagement: Involve LGBTQ+ voices in urban planning decisions to ensure their needs are met. - Cultural Programming: Develop events and programs that celebrate LGBTQ+ history and culture. Read the full article here: https://rb.gy/bu4rg8 #WhatWereTalkingAbout #LGBTQSupport #InclusiveUrbanism #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #Heterofication #Gayborhoods #PopUpSpaces

As we are embarking on a time where the LGBTQ+ community is at risk I encourage professionals to of course post in solidarity. But what would be more effective and truly create change is providing opportunities to LGBTQ+ professionals in general. Create opportunities for economic empowerment, financial literacy, professional literacy, mentoring and create greater access to resources that nurture talent so they can have a seat at the table and ergo, have a greater influence. The more we provide vulnerable groups with resources and opportunities to empower themselves, the greater chance we have of impact. So quite frankly, instead of just posting a sticker, try and go a little bit deeper and see where you can create actual movement(even if it's just one, it's greater than you know). Here a few tips to get you started: - Reach out to your ERGs and offer your wisdom and expertise -Partner with associations and organizations that support LGBTQ+ equality and rights -Spotlight and partner with your local LGBTQ+ organizations who are supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs & business professionals -Actively seek LGBTQ+ Youth groups that you can support and nurture #lgbtq #entrepreneurship #empowerment #leadership #inclusion #talentmanagement #recruitment #development #training #resources #talentdevelopment #impact #hiring

🌈💖 On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the vital role of young people in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world. This year's theme, 'From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,' highlights the power of digital platforms in connecting those who might otherwise feel isolated. For young people who are considered 'different,' such as those in the LGBTQ+ community, these digital spaces offer a lifeline—allowing them to find connection, representation, and support. At Diversity Role Models, we harness the power of digital content, including online Role Model videos and downloadable classroom resources, to help educators teach the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion. These resources not only help build understanding and empathy among students and empower young people who might see themselves represented, but also lead the charge against bullying and exclusion in schools. 📚🤝 #InternationalYouthDay #LGBTQ #LoveIsLove #Inclusion #Diversity #Equality #EducationForAll #TeacherLife #Pride #LGBTQCommunity #InclusiveEducation #YouthEmpowerment #RepresentationMatters #LGBTQSupport #DigitalInclusion #YouthVoices #StopBullying #EducationMatters #TeachersSupportingTeachers #DigitalInclusion

What We’re Talking About… Let's dive into a crucial discussion on the shrinking of traditional gayborhoods and the emergence of pop-up LGBTQ+ spaces to foster inclusive communities. As cities face "heterofication"—where heterosexual residents and businesses displace established LGBTQ+ spaces—planners have a unique role to play in supporting inclusivity. Here’s how planners can help: - Encourage Pop-Up Spaces: Temporary LGBTQ+ spaces can offer safe environments and strengthen community bonds. - Support LGBTQ+ Businesses: Promote and protect businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community. - Inclusive Zoning Policies: Implement zoning laws that preserve and protect LGBTQ+ cultural and social spaces. - Community Engagement: Involve LGBTQ+ voices in urban planning decisions to ensure their needs are met. - Cultural Programming: Develop events and programs that celebrate LGBTQ+ history and culture. Read the full article here: https://rb.gy/bu4rg8 #WhatWereTalkingAbout #LGBTQSupport #InclusiveUrbanism #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #Heterofication #Gayborhoods #PopUpSpaces

Inclusion should be at the heart of every organization. Creating a safe, respectful work environment must be part of every leader's commitment. The partnerships Google has built with LGBTQ+ organizations and nonprofits are a constant testament to the value of joining forces for good. Pride Live is an organization dedicated to accelerating awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community through social advocacy and community engagement. With funding from Google.org, they are expanding their archive and outreach in New York City and beyond, including their management of the Stonewall National Monument & Visitor Center. This has enabled the creation of a new interactive on-site wall where visitors can explore rich multimedia content.    This is just one of the many initiatives Google is undertaking to support the LGBTQ+ community, as we all recommit to continuing to work toward a more inclusive world. #Pride #Inclusion #Partnership https://bit.ly/4eKSx2g

Friendly reminder: LGBTQ+ young people deserve to feel safe and respected in school 🌈 That’s why we created our guide for Creating Safe Spaces in School for LGBTQ+ Young People, aimed at giving allies resources to signal to LGBTQ+ young people that you are a safe person to turn to. While the majority of young people spend most of their waking hours in school, the education system can be a challenging place to navigate and explore identity for LGBTQ+ young people — especially if they experience harassment, discrimination, and lack of support &  resources. Our allies provide important support for LGBTQ young people, especially in the face of increased marginalization. It’s up to teachers, administrators, and fellow students to find ways to show support, because the costs can be devastating. Read our full guide below ⬇️ #TheTrevorProject #BackToSchool #SafeSpaces #LGBTQ #ProtectTransKids