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What's
the most rewarding aspect of your position?
The absolute
best part of my job is seeing the difference we make in the lives
of the young people we touch. For many of us, coming out was not
a very positive experience. While it is still very difficult,
I feel good knowing that we are providing an environment where
it is safe for kids to ask questions about what they're feeling…to
try and figure out who they are. Along with that, I love the opportunity
to go out to schools, and other community forums to educate them
on GLBT youth issues and to talk about some of the ways that they
can advocate for ensuring the emotional and physical safety of
the kids they see.
What's
the most frustrating aspect of your position?
There are
a lot of big picture frustrations in working for a small youth
serving non-profit. It definitely pulls on the heart strings when
young people don't get the support they need from their families
and schools. It's frustrating when we don't have the resources
at the Center to do as much outreach and education as is needed.
I guess ultimately the hardest part of my job is seeing how much
GLBT and questioning youth have to deal with in their lives. They
are in the highest risk categories for suicide, drug & alcohol
abuse and harassment. I always feel like we should be doing so
much more. I am very grateful that we have an active board, and
supportive community members who are helping us to reach more
youth, and provide more services every month.
What's it really like for LGBTQ youth in schools these days?
The term "that's
so gay" is still one of the most popular put-downs in schools.
Gay jokes are still not as taboo as racial slurs. Kids who don't
fit into gender norms are still made fun of. Gym class is still
horrifying. On the other hand, with the increasing presence of
gay straight alliances in schools, many of our young people have
been able to access support in that way. I am proud to say that
we have helped over 10 groups start here in central Ohio alone-which
doesn't even include the information we send to youth in more
remote places in that state, like Urbana and Tiffin. As more and
more teacher-training programs begin to include information on
GLBT youth, I am hopeful that schools will become a more positive
place for queer youth to be.
How
do youth find out about the Center?
The youth
find us in a number of different ways. Word of mouth among the
kids is probably primary. The advent of the internet and our online
discussion forum has provided a great outlet for youth who are
in rural areas, or don't have transportation to become a part
of the youth to youth interaction that was impossible for many
of us as we were coming out. We also get a great number of referrals
from other youth serving organizations like Huck House and Directions
for Youth. These partnerships are invaluable to us and the youth-the
therapists and caseworkers really work to make sure that the youth
are connected to us so that they can be a part of a safe, chem.-free
space that allows the youth room to explore who they are, ask
questions, and to finally connect with others who have been feeling
the same way they have.
Describe
a typical afternoon at the Center.
We are open
every day from 4- 9pm. From 4 until 6 the youth have the opportunity
to take advantage of the tutoring offered, access the internet,
talk with volunteers, peruse the lending library or just socialize
with each other. At 6 pm we have what we call "check in"
which is a chance for each of the youth to discuss what is going
on with them at school at home, etc. This is most often the time
that our young people bring up what is most exciting or most upsetting
in their lives. This peer support group is one of ther favorite
activities. From 7 until 9 we have different programming every
night. For example, in September we did some presentations on
resume writing and gender expression. In October we have a very
full calendar that includes a self defense workshop that Impact
Safety is facilitating, painting projects, a Youth Speaker's Bureau
training, and we will also begin working with a local film maker
to help the youth produce a short video on what it's like to be
a queer youth in Columbus Ohio.
What
kinds of opportunities do you have to work with parents?
We work with
parents on a couple of different levels. Sometimes it is actually
a parent who will contact us first about their child to try and
connect them with a supportive place to talk, and make friends.
We also frequently help families through the coming out process
of their youth. Many a difficult conversation has been had in
my office! Lastly, we also have a great working relationship with
the local PFLAG chapter which has been a very positive resource
for parents who are seeking that same safe place to talk about
this new dimension to their child.
What
kinds of volunteer help do you need?
There are
a lot of different ways that people can get involved with the
Center. Most of the work we do is driven by a volunteer staff.
There is a lot of committee work that folks could be involved
in, including development, programming, event planning mentoring
youth at the center, technical help, chaperone special events,
present workshops or presentation. Ideally, we would like people
to utilize whatever their particular talents might be. There is
absolutely a place for everyone.
What's
the most important message you'd like to send to the community
about KYC?
That we're
here. That we're the only place dedicated specifically to providing
advocacy, education, support and safe space by and for GLBT and
questioning youth in Central Ohio. That when you invest in Kaleidoscope,
you are investing in the future of the queer community as a whole.
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