8 True Colors XIX: Celebrating Our Allies

Transcription

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True Colors, Inc. Mission, Vision & Values
True Colors works to create a world where youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued
and affirmed. We challenge all forms of oppression through education, training, advocacy, youth leadership
development, mentoring and direct services to youth and those responsible for their well-being.
We expect every participant, presenter and volunteer to abide by these values:
1) Inclusion
 You are welcome and valued here! We will do everything we can to make sure you feel included –
and we ask that you do the same for everyone that you meet today.
2) Respect
 We respect our similarities and differences; respect each other’s privacy, personal space, and right
to be safe at True Colors functions. We respect the space. We clean up after ourselves.
 GRRL, BOI, Stud, Aggressive, Masculine female, Fem man, Fem, Butch, CisGender, Transgender and
lots, lots, more: SOME IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT GENDER:
 Don’t ASSUME you know a person’s gender
 Genitals and Gender are NOT the same thing
 WRITE YOUR PREFERRED PRONOUNS ON YOUR NAMETAG
 READ – AND USE – THE PREFERRED PRONOUNS ON OTHER PEOPLE’S NAMETAGS
 If you don’t know which pronouns someone prefers, either ask or use the person’s name, or
use descriptive statements like, “the person in the red shirt”
 Every attendee has the right to use the bathroom that reflects their gender identity or that they
feel most comfortable in. We ask that you respect the decisions other attendees make regarding
their bathroom use; it is up to an individual to decide which bathroom is best for them.
 Don’t ask questions about people’s body parts, use of hormones, surgery or other transitioning
mechanisms unless you are invited to do so
3) Safety
 There will be NO alcohol, illegal drugs or sexual contact of any kind at the conference or
conference activities including the dance and the drag show.
 TC believes that sexual contact between adults and youth is never okay, regardless of the situation.
In addition to the relative age of individuals, we consider an imbalance of power and authority to be
an important factor. Sexual contact is not appropriate or acceptable if one person, regardless of
age, has or is perceived to have significantly more power or authority than the other person.
By attending the True Colors conference, all participants agree to abide by these values and
policies. Any person(s) who violate them will be asked to leave the conference and may be
prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Cover design by Jason Tillotson, info@jasontillotson.com
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True Colors XIX: Celebrating Our Allies
Table of Contents
Mission/Vision/Values
Please Read for Important Information
Inside Cover
UCONN Map
See insert
Building Abbreviations
page 4
Conference at a Glance
page 5
Conference Rules and Policies
Please Read for Important Information
page 6
Continuing Education Credits/Units Information
page7
LUNCH Information
page 7
Organizers & Volunteers
page 8
Friday
Pages
Friday Agenda
page 9
Friday Opening Session
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
page 10
Friday, Mandatory Session for Youth Under 16
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
page 10
Friday Session I Descriptions
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
page 11 - 17
Friday Double Sessions
1:15 - 4:00 p.m.
page 17
Friday Workshop Session II Descriptions
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
page 18 - 23
Friday Workshop Session III Descriptions
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.
page 23 - 29
Friday Closing Description
4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
page 29
Saturday
Pages
Saturday Agenda
page 30
Saturday Opening Session
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
page 31
Saturday Workshop Session I Descriptions
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
page 31 - 34
Saturday Double Sessions
1:15 - 4:00 p.m.
page 35
Saturday Workshop Session II Descriptions
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
page 36 - 37
Saturday Workshop Session III Description
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.
page 37 - 39
Saturday Closing Description
4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
page 39
Saturday Night Drag Show
5:45 - 7:15 p.m.
page 40
Saturday Night Youth Dance
8:00 p.m. - Midnight
page 41
Donors, Co-Sponsors and Supporters
Pages
Conference Co-Sponsors and Donors
page 41 - 42
Resource Room Vendors and Tables
page 43 - 44
Presenter Bios and Contact information
page 45 - 59
Supporters and Advertisers
page 60 - 72
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True Colors Conference XIX Map
There is also a map insert in your package
Conference Buildings and Abbreviations
BUSN
SU
JORG
CB
NWRH
N
All of the Cultural Centers are in the
Student Union on the 4th Floor
School of Business
Student Union
Jorgensen Theater
Classroom Building (behind the Student Union)
Northwest Residence Hall (NW lunch)
North Dining Hall (N lunch)
(AACC) African American
(WC) Women’s Center
(RC) Rainbow Center
(PRLACC) Puerto Rican/Latin American
() Asian American
Schedule at a Glance
True Colors, XIX
March 16-17, 2012, University of Connecticut, Storrs
CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE
Friday, March 16th
Saturday, March 17th
9:00 - 5:00 p.m.
9:00 - 5:30 p.m.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Registration, Jorgensen
(Volunteers and Presenters
register in the Student Union)
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Registration, Student Union
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Opening Session, Jorgensen Auditorium
Deputy Commission Leonard Lee
Senator Richard Blumenthal
John Boiano, from Bystander to Ally
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Opening Session, Student Union Theater
Dale Madison Performance
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Workshop Session I
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Workshop Session I
Lunch: 11:45 - 1:15 p.m.
North & Northwest Dining Halls
(shuttles available)
Lunch: 11:45 - 1:15 p.m.
Student Union, 3rd Floor Ballroom
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Workshop Session II
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Workshop Session II
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.
Workshop Session III
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.
4:15 - 5:00 PM
Conference Close, Jorgenson Auditorium
4:15 - 5:30 PM
Conference Close, Student Union Theater
Everyone is Gay!
NOTE:
5:45 - 7:15 p.m.
Drag Show, Student Union Theater
Featuring Harlette LeFleur
VENDORS, PROVIDERS AND LGBT ORGANIZATIONS
WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE
STUDENT UNION THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE FOR
YOUR CONVENIENCE.
Youth Dance, Student Union Ballroom
Featuring DJ Ron, back in the house!
_____________________________
SU = Student Union
GEN = General Audience;
BUSN = School of Business
HIGH = High School ONLY;
CB = Classroom Building
COLL = 18+; PROF = Adult
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CEU and Lunch Information
CONFERENCE GROUND RULES/POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS
RECORDING DEVICES, tape recorders, etc. are not allowed in any workshop for any reason without explicit
prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law. In addition, violators
may also be liable in a civil action for invasion of privacy.
RESPECT: Please clean up after yourself!
YOUTH ONLY SPACE: Youth Only Space is restricted to high school, junior high and/or middle school youth.
Adults should expect to be asked to leave if they intrude . College only workshops are restricted to those
who are currently in college, regardless of age.
BATHROOMS: True Colors policy is that all bathrooms are gender neutral. We invite all participants to use
the facility in which they feel the most comfortable.
WORKSHOP SIZE LIMITATIONS: IF ALL THE CHAIRS ARE FILLED, CHOOSE ANOTHER WORKSHOP.
SAFETY: All True Colors youth events are alcohol, drug, violence and sexual activity-free spaces. Any
individual who chooses to engage in any of these behaviors during True Colors sponsored activities or events
will be asked to leave. Reach out to a TLC if you need help in staying drug, alcohol, violence and sex free.
TLC (TENDER LOVING CARE) COUNSELORS: Throughout the conference you will see young people with
special TLC arm bands. They are available anytime you want to touch base with someone or take some
private “time out space” or just want to talk. Supervisors are on-call if needed.
TLCs ARE MANDATED REPORTERS. That means that if you tell them something that makes them think you
are being abused or that you are a danger to yourself or others, they MUST report it to the supervisor who
MUST report it to the proper authorities.
SU = Student Union
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CEU and Lunch Information
CEU & Lunch Information
TC XIX “Mall”/ Resource Room: Located on the First Floor of the Student Union, the
resource mall includes lots of information, cool stuff to buy, and many new people to meet! Be sure to
check it out!
Continuing Education Units or Credits (CEU/CECs):
If you are requesting CEUs or CECs, please make sure you:
a. Sign in and out of workshops
b. Fill out and drop off your CEU/CEC REQUEST FORM in the box labeled “CEUs” in the
Resource Room or at the Information Desk.
c. YOU MUST DROP OFF THE FORM IN ORDER TO RECEIVE YOUR CEUs.
Lunch: If you didn’t pre-register in time to have lunch provided, some options in the food court in the Student
Union will be open to allow you to purchase lunch on your own.
For pre-registered folks, lunches will be provided as follows.
FRIDAY: Hot lunches will be provided on Friday from 11:45– 1:15 p.m. in one of two
locations. The Northwest Dining Hall is located across the street past the Math and Science
Building. North Dining Hall is located further up the road from Northwest. Look for signs! A
shuttle bus will run between the Student Union and the Lunch Halls from 11:45 – 1:15 p.m.
SATURDAY: Boxed lunches will be provided in the Student Union Ballroom, which is located
on the 3rd floor.
SU = Student Union
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Conference Volunteers and Organizers
Thank you to the University of Connecticut Programs and Organizations whose contributions made the
conference possible:
UCONN Rainbow Center
UCONN Events Management
UCONN Counseling and Mental Health Services
David Daniel Berdon Fund
Fredrick G. Humphrey Clinic
UCONN School of Business
UCONN Cultural Centers including: African American Cultural Center; Asian American Cultural Center; Puerto
Rican and Latin American Cultural Center and the Women’s Center
Special Thanks to:
 Fleurette King and William Hickman of the UCONN Rainbow Center
 Nick D’Agostino & Tim Marshall from DCF as well as Becky Rondeau from UCONN Events Management
THE ORGANIZERS:
Conference Staff:
Robin McHaelen, MSW, Executive Director; Lea Dantz, Office Administrator; Al Riccio, GSA Coordinator; Kamora
Herrington, Mentoring Program Coordinator; Alison Berk, Group Activities Coordinator
Interns: Megan, Carrie, Grey, Kathy, Tessa, Cassie and Becca
Conference Organizing Committee and Volunteers: Javier Adams; Ethan Avery; Louise Benjamin;Davey Brine; William
Burk; David Brennan; Will Burk; Alexander Croxton; Barbara Curry; Katlin Davies; Haley DiDomizo; Jen Donnelly; Jon
Donovan; Dramere Graham; Sherice Green; Nick Fahnders; Holly Fontana; Debbie Freed; Richard Goldman; Kahtia
Howard; Stephanie Jacobs; Zev Jobes; Wendy Kwalwasser; Joan Lawrence; Joy Lawrence; Sarah Levine; Tucker Le;
Stephanie Lumbra; Adam Lyford; Courtney Martise; Rachel McCall; Holly McHaelen; Riley McHaelen; Rebekeh Meyers;
Daniel Massaro; Bryce McKinzie; Roseann Muro; Michael Nelson; Chris Richard; Molly Rickett; Julio Rodriquez,
Jr.;Wendy Ryalls; Betsy Sanz; Sarah Scully; Meaghan Stoke; Shadae Sweeney; Becky Taylor; Erin Townsend; Brennan
Yau, Katy Watkins
Alternative Spring Break Volunteers: Adeline; Faithlynn; Geena; Haley; Heidi; Kelsey; Linda; Martina; Rebecca H; Rebecca
T; Richard; Sherice;
Volunteer Coordinators: Jen LaRose; Roseanne Muro; Nick Fahnders; Betsy Sanz
Information Desk: Robin Gazza
Sign Language Interpreters: Holly Fontana; Sandra Lee, Elizabeth LaFlamme-Baker, Nicholas Dionne
Technology and Entertainment Diva: Barbara Curry
TLC Trainers: Doris LaPlante and Barry Schreier
Presenters, Co-Sponsors, Benefactors and Supporters: Without them, none of this could happen.
SU = Student Union
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Friday Agenda
Friday, March 16, 2012
Agenda
Registration
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
(Volunteer & Presenter Registration is in the STUDENT UNION on the 1st floor)
Jorgensen
Opening Session
Featuring John Boiano
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Jorgensen
Session I
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Various Locations *
Lunch
11:45 to 1:15 p.m.
North or Northwest
Dining Halls
Session II
1:15 to 2:30 p.m.
Various Locations *
Session III
2:45 to 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations *
Closing Activities/Performance
Featuring Everyone is Gay!
4:15 – 5:00 p.m.
Jorgensen
*See workshop descriptions for specific locations
SU = Student Union
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Friday Opening Session
Friday, March 16, 2012
Schedule and Descriptions
Welcoming Ceremonies:
Robin P. McHaelen, True Colors Executive Director
Fleurette King, Director, UCONN Rainbow Center
Senator Richard Blumenthal
State Comptroller, Kevin Lembo
Department of Public Health Deputy Commissioner, Leonard Lee
Reality Show Maven Andrew Sullivan
Crossing the Middle Ground… from bystanders to allies. Creating Allies takes more than just wishing things could
be different. Join us in our first ever interactive opening session. You will learn a few fun and
interesting skills, meet new people and perhaps discover some new things about yourself! Together
we are going to create a welcoming, inclusive, respectful and joyful community! John is the
Founder/Director, Crossing the Middle Ground. He is a dynamic motivational facilitator who has a
unique approach for working with students and faculty alike. He specializes in “connecting the dots”
with peer-to-peer and teacher to student relationships. John’s ability to break through the rhetoric
while motivating participants to new levels of awareness and accountability is as creative and thought provoking, as it
is compassionate. He focuses on creating sustainable positive school cultures with an emphasis on motivating
bystanders to become allies.
Also returning this year is Infamous Squad, a hip hop dance group that consists of youth
between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. The group hails from a number of Waterbury High
Schools and the surrounding community. They are back by popular demand after a standing
ovation performance three years in a row! Infamous Squad members include: Yomi Ayala,
Tamara Lucas, Rose Martell, Rashon Mourning, Rebecca Saunders, and director Shaneka
Hernandez.
Friday Session I
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Various Locations
All First-Time Attendees 16-And-Under
MUST ATTEND This Session
Crossing The Middle Ground: SU 330/331
Returning High School and Middle School Youth attendees are also welcome to attend!
Please join dynamic and engaging facilitator John Boiano of Crossing the Middle Ground for a unique and
interactive workshop specifically geared for our first time and younger conference attendees. What to expect: Get
to know and mingle with other first time True Colors Conference goers; Participate in fun inter-active games; Get a
rundown of all your conference options; Engage in conversations about your individuality and uniqueness; Gain a
feeling of camaraderie and connectedness with other new people; Learn how you can make a difference at your
school or agency; Have a LOT of FUN! This fully inter-active and opening workshop is designed specifically to
enhance your True Colors conference experience!
SU = Student Union
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Friday Session I: 10:30 – 11:45 AM
General Audience
A Label you Want to Embrace: A How-To on Being an Ally
SU 321
Join Jamie and Dylan in this highly interactive workshop of activities and reflective discussions on the power, impact, and
deep satisfaction of being an ally. Facilitators include Dylan Orr, a policy maker at the Office of Disability Employment Policy,
who will discuss the Add Us In grant from conception to where things stand on a national level and Jamie Goddard who will
discuss the progress in the state of Connecticut. Dylan will share his personal experience as a member of the LGBT community
and both he and Jamie will share their passion and energy as allies of the disability and LGBT communities.
College
Be Gay, Go Greek
BUSN 227
This workshop is designed to give college students interested in being in a fraternity or sororoity information about
organizations targeted to the LGBT Community. In addition, we want to show individuals that there is more out there besides
the organizations considered "normal" or "standard" to college campuses. Fernando Abreu; Lucius Miles
General Audience
Binary Defiance: Non-Binary [Trans]gender Identities
CB 106
Feel like your gender is more than girl or boy, man or woman? Want a place to discuss your own concepts of a fluid or
expanded notion of gender? Want to be an ally to those who may not fit neatly into standard thoughts about gender? We will
defy the common ideology around gender by creating a space for non-binary gendered people, whether or not they identify
within the transgender umbrella. Discussion will center on what non-binary [trans]gender identities can mean, experiences of
individuals, and ways for allies to challenge both individuals and institutions within everyday life and activist circles. Lynden
Dolan
General
Bisexuality 101 and Beyond
CB 101
What is bisexuality? What does it mean to identify as bisexual? What are some of the challenges to understanding and
representing this often overlooked segment of the GLBT community? Please join us for a lively presentation by award-winning
speaker, writer and educator Robyn Ochs. Bring your own list of myths: we’ll analyze them a bit, explore their origins and
we'll learn how to respond to ignorant and biphobic comments. Robyn Ochs MA
High School
Breaking Up is Hard to Do!
CB 109
Sometimes romantic relationships do not turn out to be what we had envisioned. Once you realize that the relationship is not
going to work, you have to make the difficult decision to break up. Unfortunately, most people are not taught how to break
up in a respectful or healthy manner. This interactive workshop will provide teens with information about breaking up in a
healthy way including how to communicate effectively, how to take responsibility for your own actions, how to prevent
messiness and how to set healthy boundaries. Colt Meier MA, PhD-Candidate
Activist Institute
Building a Youth-led Movement
BUSN 218
This session will engage participants in understanding youth-led work in local communities and the LGBTQ equality
movement. This workshop will explore youth-led advocacy by providing a academic foundation and historical context using
practical and intellectual frameworks. Participants will have the opportunity to develop ideas for youth-led advocacy in their
communities, states, or on the national level to better understand the importance of and best practices of collaboration with
youth leadership. Jason Landau Goodman BA, MUSA; Chevon Ocasio
Professional Audience
BUILDING BRIDGES: Helping Transgender Teens and Their Parents
BUSN 112
Parents are often bewildered when teenagers disclose their transgender identity, and fear for their child’s safety. Teens are
adamant about their need for authenticity and have little patience with their parents’ uncertainties. In this workshop we will
examine the delicate balance between authenticity and safety in the lives of transgender teens and their parents. We will
discuss ways to help parents address the fears and concerns that arise when they find out that their teen is seeking gender
transition. By supporting the adolescent while at the same time endorsing the parents’ need for time and understanding, the
clinician helps the family move from conflict to cooperation. This workshop presents an approach that has been effective in
helping numerous families move toward a collaborative and positive outcome for their teenager. Irwin Krieger, LCSW
SU = Student Union
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General Audience
Changing the Game: Making Athletics & Physical Education Safe and Respectful
BUSN 215
for LGBT Students
This workshop will focus on athletics and physical education and how to make sure that these important school programs are
respectful, safe and inclusive for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Participants will talk
about sports teams and physical education in their schools and identify ways to promote respect in sports. Resources of
Changing the Game: The GLSEN Sports Project will be highlighted. Such initiatives as the Team Respect Challenge, the Safe
Sports Space Campaign, and the Bring Your ‘A’ Game (for Ally) Campaign will be described as well as how your school can
participate. Pat Griffin Ed.D; Dan Woog; Jake Griffiths-Gardner.
High School
Communication before Fornication
SU 304C
We welcome you to this youth-led workshop on realistic and relevant ways to communicate about practicing safer sex.
Engage with your peers through interactive games and peer led discussions. Let’s promote communication before fornication
to make safer sex sexy! Erin Livensparger; S.T.A.R.S. (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality)
Cyberbullying: Same Old Bullying, New Venues
BUSN 203
Cyberbullying is harassment, threats, or humiliation by one child or teen towards another child or teen through the internet
or digital technology. Many youth who have have been targeted by cyberbullying have attempted suicide or engaged in risktaking behaviors. Others suffer from depression, anxiety, or other health issues. Most adults are at a loss about how to
confront this new form of bullying. This session provides an overview of the issue and uses case studies to offer concrete
strategies for addressing and preventing this growing problem. Missy Sturtevant, MSW
Enhancing Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Youth-Serving Systems
BUSN 122
and Communities
The workshop will focus on cultural and linguistic competence (CLC) as a framework for improving services and supports for
youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, or two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S) in the systems that support
them. We will share specific strategies to enhance CLC, which are part of a published practice brief and an upcoming edited
Brookes Publishing volume. Participants will also have an opportunity to discuss related research needs or improved service
ideas, and to discuss potential future partnerships that would be beneficial for participants. Attendees will receive a toolkit of
more than 100 resources from various organizations and learn about best practice strategies. This workshop will highlight the
Child, Adolescent and Family Branch (CAFB) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's activities
related to LGBTQI2-S youth. Mitchell Delaney, BA; Jeffrey Poirier Ph.D. Candidate
High School
Give Us the Facts: Improving HIV Prevention and Sex Education
SU WOMEN'S CENTER
What happens when young people don’t get the facts about HIV and STDs? The Connecticut HIV Planning Youth Advisory
Group will explore this topic with their peers through activities, skits, a youth-produced video, group discussions, and a
question and answer session. Skits will focus on sexual relationships with partners and on the challenges teens face in
getting the facts from adults. Participants will have opportunities to “change the consequences” of skits as part of group
discussions. The Youth Advisory Group was formed to give youth a voice in Connecticut’s HIV planning efforts. We are a
diverse group: teens from different cities and towns, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and sexual orientations. Some of us
have personal experiences with HIV through a family member or friends, and all of us share a common commitment to
preventing the spread of HIV among youth. Dave Bechtel Ed.D.; Gina D'Angelo; Members of the Youth Advisory Group
GSA Advisors Only! Lets Talk…
SU 416A
Being a GSA advisor is both wonderfully rewarding and incredibly challenging. Come share your stories, strategies and
suggestions in this facilitated discussion for GSA advisors only. Whether this is your first year as a GSA advisor or you've been
doing it forever, this is the workshop for you! Deborah Freedman
High School
I’m Beautiful, DAMMIT. Exploring Body Image
CB 201
Beauty is only skin deep? Say what? How can we be happy, creative, productive people without feeling that we should
mirror the “acceptable” images that are forced upon us daily? Let’s discuss the pleasures and pressures of our obsession
with body image. Barbara Curry
SU = Student Union
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High School
iBelong.. In comedy!
SU 304A
Comedy is a way to tell a truth. Everyone has a truth to tell. The most important part of being a comic is wanting to make
people laugh, think and consider. You have to be smart to be funny and you have to be smart to get funny. If you have ever
thought or been told you are funny or see things in ways others don't, please consider yourself invited and give yourself a
chance. My world forever changed when I did 8 years ago. From Babysitter, Hairdresser, Jello Wrestling MC, Chambermaid,
Social Worker, Homeless Teen Center Director, Social Media Editor, Activist, True Colors Board Member, Auctioneer and
Comic working colleges, conferences, clubs and very special events. If you think it is for you and aren't sure or were part of
last years epic 'TransRico Meetup' :) fb or tweet me @ christineoleary.com Christine O'Leary
Professional
In Our Own Voices: LGBT Youth in Care Speak OUT
BUSN 202
LGBT youth are disproportionately represented in the foster care system. Some of their experiences are typical of youth in
care, some are specific to their LGBT identity, some are specific to their ethnic identity, some are combinations of these three
factors, and there are many others that I didn’t even list! This workshop will conisist of a panel of True Colors’ mentees. They
will share their stories, anecdotes and observations and then open the floor to questions. If you work with LGBT youth
involved in ‘he system’, this is a panel not ot be missed! They’ve got a lot to say and have been looking forward to this
workshop! Kamora Herrington
High School
Know Your Rights Decathlon
CB 308
How well do you know your rights to permanency, safety, freedom of expression, education and medical care? How willing
are you to put that knowledge to a physical test? The Know Your Rights Decathlon challenges your mind and body in a fun,
interactive and challenging set of activities. Can you handle it? Garry Bevel, JD; Andrea Khoury, JD
High School
Let's Talk About … Your GSA: What's Working and What Isn't
SU 322
Are you in a GSA that is going GREAT? Or maybe one that is just getting started? This is a space to you to get together with
like-minded students and share ideas. Choose your own facilitator or share the role among you. Self-Facilitated
Making the Connection: Connecting with students who have been marginalized
SU 312
This presentation focuses on how to connect with students who are not comfortable in school, and who are hesitant to
connect with adults and others for a myriad of reasons. Students and advisors in GSA’s often face the challenging task of
working to connect with and support students who have never successfully connected with groups or teachers in schools. The
many contexts in which students experience difficulties connecting with others, why they have trouble connecting, as well as
ideas about how to connect with these students, will be covered in this session. Julie Alexandrin, Ph.D.
General Audience
Manning Up! Trans Drag Empowerment
CB 108
What is empowering about watching or participating in drag? How can that experience be possibly more empowering once
you take in gender identity? Come explore the world of performance through the gender bending experience of drag while
taking a closer look through the transgender perspective of drag performance. Alec Levson
Meeting the Educational Needs, as well as Legal Rights of LGBTQ students
CB 111
Connecticut has been at the forefront in this country in the protection of the rights of LGBTQ students. On October 1, 2011
yet another ground-breaking law came into effect adding protections for transgender students. This new legislation has broad
implications on the lives of students. This workshop will review existing laws and discuss the needs of adapting the school
community to better protect the rights of all students. William Howe, Ed.D.
Jr High School
Middle Schools Matter: Building GSAs in Middle Schools
SU 318/319
LGBTQ middle school students have lots of questions but barely get any answers or have any resources available to them. In
this workshop we’ll be brainstorming strategies on how to incorporate GSAs into middle schools to provide a safe and
understanding space for all students. While this workshop is geared toward middle school students, other youth, such as high
school students interested in helping middle schools in their area, are more than welcome to join. This is one of four
SU = Student Union
GEN = General Audience; HIGH = High School ONLY; COLL = 18+; PROF = Adult
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workshops facilitated by GLSEN Connecticut's Jump-Start Student Leadership Team. Be sure to talk with our members on how
to join! Julian Arias ; Spencer Lowry; Alta McKinney
High School
Move Your Hips!
SU 304B
This is a chance to get together with other folks interested in playing with a simple bellydance choreography. We will learn
some simple moves, put them together, shake it out, and probably laugh at ourselves. If you have a hip scarf, or jingle belt , or
anything to tie around your hips, bring it along. Fiona Moore, BA
oHigh School
Really, What’s an Ally?
SU 325
“Really, what's an ally anyways?” How many times have you heard that? If you're interested in learning how to become an ally
or just want to educate yourself, please come to our workshop! We'll clear up many misconceptions about allies and help
existing allies increase their knowledge on how to educate others. We'll also promote the idea that allies are found in more
places than just the LGBTQ community. This is just one of four workshops facilitated by GLSEN Connecticut's Jump-Start
Student Leadership Team. Be sure to talk with our members on how to join! Mara Skowronek
High School
Recruiting Allies through Social Simulation
SU 320
Social simulations are guided exercises that highlight aspects of naturally occurring behavior in society. Because of their
participatory and improvisational/creative nature, simulations have potential to inform and recruit potential allies in a nonthreatening way. This hands-on workshop is three-fold: (1) it will introduce youth to—and engage them in—simulations that
pertain to the LGBT experience; (2) it will empower youth through knowledge and skill to create and implement these (or
similar) exercises in their micro-communities (e.g. schools, GSA outreach events, drama clubs, etc.); finally, (3) this workshop
will connect youth to new, like-minded friends. Participants will leave the workshop with tailor-made instruction on how to
lead a variety of simulation exercises and debriefings. Brad Forenza, MSW
High School
Rubberwear
CB 307
UConn's Rubberwear, a nationally recognized program, is an interactive workshop that addresses safer sex techniques.
Students will be engaged in numerous activities including a lubrication tasting, dental dam and condom demonstrations, and
how to use all of the above correctly to reduce the risk of contracting STIs/STDs and reduce pregnancies. Students will also
have an opportunity to practice techniques through a condom relay. Abstinence will also be respected as a choice and will be
discussed. Free give-a-ways will be provided! Paola Chanes-Mora, B.A.
High School
Rubberwear
CB 206
discussed. Free give-a-ways will be provided! Paul Grabowski
High School
Rubberwear
CB 309
discussed. Free give-a-ways will be provided! Tara Lutz, B.A.
High School
Russian Roulette: Tempting Fate When it Comes to Healthy Relationships
CB 202
Welcome to this youth led workshop on realistic and relevant ways to communicate as a part of a healthy relationship.
Engage with your peers though interactive games and peer led discussions. Let’s talk about how to truly make
communication a goal! STARS, New London.
SU = Student Union
15
Seeing People as More Than The Junk in Their Trunk: Trans, Gender Variance
BUSN 127
and Its Place in the Classroom
Gender presentation we dress ourselves in every morning, including our voice, mannerisms, hairstyle, clothing, accessories,
and so much more. We are told that this is a rigid structure- pink or blue, boy or girl. If you are not one then by definition you
are the other, but this is a lie called enculturation. The truth is, there are many cultures in the world, and so many variations
of gender, that we hurt ourselves by only seeing people in black and white dichotomies. Students bring this diversity to the
classroom, and we owe it to them as educators to celebrate their place(s) in this world. This workshop will explore gender
variations, how they manifest in the classroom, why we can’t ignore them, and simple steps you can take to provide a more
comfortable, accepting environment. Eva Dayon
General Audience
Sexual Orientation and Sexual Abuse: Related or Not?
CB 205
Who abuses children sexually? Are most pedophiles homosexuals? How does sexual abuse affect victims’ sexuality? Does
sexual abuse cause, lead or induce children to become gay? Are gay children more likely to be abused? Is there a difference
between those who have sexual contact with children and those who have sexual contact with adolescents? This workshop
will consider answers to these and other questions regarding sexuality and sex abuse. We will examine how opponents of gay
rights misuse research to promote beliefs that individuals who are homosexual should be been barred from certain positions
because they might abuse children sexually and lead them into a gay life style. Then, we will discuss three major and separate
issues: how to protect against the damage caused by virulent opponents of gay rights and more importantly, how to protect
children from sexual abuse and how to help those who have been abused. Madeleine Leveille Ph.D., NCSP
Sexual Taboos: Discussing Difficult Topics in Sexuality
SU AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
In this workshop, facilitators will guide a discussion on barriers, difficulties, and concerns for having conversations with youth
about difficult or sensitive topics. Sensitive and/or difficult topics may include, but are not limited to, discussions on sexual
acts, pain, pleasure, working within State laws, professional personal disclosure, personal comfort and discomfort, etc.
Research by Milton (2003) showed educators having difficulties with questions such as “is ‘x’ behavior okay,” “when is it okay
to engage in certain sexual acts,” inclusion of guardians in conversations, and knowing how to navigate boundaries.
Participants will share past experiences and brainstorm possible avenues to navigate conversations. Although facilitators can
discuss possible techniques, the conversation will be guided by a contextual framework. Facilitators will also provide a local
resources handout. Christine Muska, M.S.; Joleen Nevers MAEd, CHES, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator
General Audience
Speak Up! Being a Vocal Advocate in the LGBTQ Community
BUSN 211
Want to make it better? Want to make a change? Speak up! Being a vocal advocate in the LGBTQ community is not always
easy, but it is always important. A vocal advocate can be of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion. Come hear
young members of the LGBTQ community discuss their experience being a vocal advocate, the challenges they have faced and
the impact they have made. You will also have an opportunity to discuss with members of The Pride Network what steps you
take to be more vocal and have an impact on your community. Be an Advocate! Speak Up! Erik Anderson; Anthony Crisci, BA
General Audience
Sticks and Stones
CB 301
Collective Consciousness Theatre is a company dedicated to igniting social change through the art of live theatre. ‘Sticks and
Stones’ is a workshop that exposes the relationship between misunderstood individuals, the people who act as their allies and
bullies. Participants will have the opportunity to explore how language and communication effects their lives, and to express
their findings in a creative way through theatre games and improvisation alongside Collective Consciousness Artists. This is
your chance to open up about a time in your life that you were bullied, stood up for someone, acted as a bully yourself, or
wished that you had said something! Work with us to learn how to be an effective ally to everyone and have fun at the same
time! This is your chance to let your voice be heard! Jjoin us for this life changing experience; we cannot wait to meet you!
Madelyn Ardito, BA; Dexter Singleton, BA
General Audience
Studs, Ags, Boi’s, Butch….The Masculine Lesbian
BUSN 106
This workshop is an open discussion about female masculinity and the various identities associated with it (i.e. “Stud” or
“Butch”). Our discussion will cover topics such as the masculine female lifestyle, general issues, relationships and more.
Ternise Barrett
SU = Student Union
16
General Audience
Taking the Personal to the Public
CB 107
You’ve been asked to sit on a panel or attend a meeting to talk about your life. Now what? Sharing your personal story can be
a powerful educational tool, but it is also something that takes planning and practice. In this workshop we will discuss ways to
organize your story and present it in a way that will maximize your impact on your targeted audience. Educators from Youth
Pride, Inc. will share examples of how they share their stories with different audiences, as well as share tips about how to
engage an audience, establish boundaries, and handle sensitive Q & A topics. Elana Rosenberg, MA; Jayeson Watts, MSW
General Audience
The Best Damn GSA Ever
SU PRLAC
Want to learn how to create and maintain the best Gay/Straight Alliance you possibly can? This is the workshop for you. Learn
techniques for gaining membership, training Executive Board members, finding an advisor, forming a supportive network,
hosting events, and much more. Alyssa Kolessar is a senior at Western Connecticut State University. She has been President
and Historian of her GSA and is currently the VP. She is a facilitator of her University's Safe Zone training and is actively
involved in the LGBTQQIA community. She is openly lesbian in the workplace and has helped maintain two very successful
GSAs. Michelle Sciarappa; Meagan Sacco
General Audience
The Bible: Word of Death or Voice of Hope for LGBTQI People?
CB 302
Very loud religious voices want to claim the Bible as their justification for hatred and exclusion of LGBTQI people, in the
church and society. We will acknowledge the short answer to the question, "Is the Bible a word of death or a voice of hope?"
We will explore the voice of hope and briefly examine the issues of proportionality and selectivity. We will then look at the
very few specific texts in light of biblical scholarship. Participants will be asked to share their hopes and interests for the time;
Q & A is welcome throughout. Participants are offered handouts to own or to borrow. Alice O'Donovan, M Div, MARS
High School
The Gauntlet: All the questions you hate to be asked
CB 305
This workshop is a fast paced exploration into the irritating, naive and sometimes invasive questions that LGBTQ youth are
asked. It provides an opportunity to brainstorm the questions and then to practice asking and answering in a quick spin
through the Gauntlet. Bob Brex M.A.T.
General Audience
The UConn Rainbow Center: A Positive Difference for LGBTQQIA College Students
SU RAINBOW CENTER
Participants will learn about the function and purpose for the University of Connecticut Rainbow Center (RC). As one of 5
cultural centers, the RC provides advocacy, resources, information, social activities, educational programs and a facility
designated to the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions. Participants will discuss programs
and policies that aid to the success of LGBTQQIA students, including heterosexual allies; and tour the 3,800 sq. ft center even
though it serves as the True Color Conference headquarters and volunteer space. In addition, UConn students will talk about
the positive impact of the Rainbow Center. High school students, parents and advisors will gain information about factors to
look for in an LGBTQ–friendly college campus. Fleurette King, MA
General Audience
Two Really, Really, Really, Famous* Celebrities Tell You How To Change The World.
SU Theater
*units of celebrity measurement undefined.
Everyone Is Gay is an advice website for all, with an emphasis on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ)
youth. Founded by Kristin Russo & Dannielle Owens-Reid in April of 2010, the website uses humor, honesty, and pictures of
kittens to support these youth while keeping them laughing. In an ongoing effort to promote change and awareness around
and beyond LGBTQ issues, Kristin & Dannielle also interface with students through an ongoing, nationwide tour of college and
high school campuses. Everyone Is Gay strives to encourage a deeper understanding of LGBTQ issues, to constantly examine
how those issues intersect with other communities, to promote peer advocacy and to provide outreach and resources to all.
Dannielle Owens Reid, BA;. Kristin Russo, BA
Activist Institute
WHAT'S YOUR STORY? Education and Social Change Through Storytelling
CB 306
Looking for another strategy to get your message across? From legislative testimonials to fly-by conversations, our stories
serve as powerful tools to create positive change in our schools, communities and friendships. We’ll look at how to pull stories
SU = Student Union
17
Friday Double Session: 1:15 – 4:00 PM
from our everyday experiences and ways to apply them to our leadership work, school clubs, and personal interactions. And
for those who choose, get some practice in! Lyndon Cudlitz
High School
Would You Rather..?
SU 221
Know that game? Well it’s a great conversation starter. We put the game in this room. You come in and play, talk, share and
connect. Self-Facilitated
Friday Session II & III
Double Sessions 1:15 - 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations
Activist Institute
Are the Undead Misread? Using Zombiephobia as a Way to Build Our Activist Selves
CB 305
Have the living been taking you for granted? Have your grunts and desires have been ignored? Feel like your voice hasn’t been
heard just because you’re a zombie? Well that is discrimination my friend, and you don’t have to take it! This workshop will
uses the systemic oppression of zombies as second-class citizens as a hilarious and enlightened metaphor to learn how to
stand up for our rights in powerful ways and persuade even the most zombiephobic individuals to take the issue of zombie
civil rights seriously. We will be using the ‘plight’ of zombies to explore ways in which LGBTQ people are systematically denied
full participation in society. If you can convince the living to take on the issue of zombie rights, you’ll be sure to convince your
greatest adversaries of anything! Alannah Caldwell; Kelly Kroehle, MSW
General
Being Gay is Unnatural. Is it True?
CB 306
What happens when you believe stressful thoughts such as: They don’t accept me as natural? Do you experience anger,
hurt, confusion and depression? How different would your life be if thoughts like this never bothered you again? The
Work of Byron Katie offers a simple way out of the pain and suffering of believing stressful thoughts. Joy Karim
Mythology, Art and Healing: Activities for personal growth and social change
BUSN 106
Healing ourselves is the first step in healing our communities, which we believe is the first step in healing the world. In this
hands-on workshop, participants will experience activities that use world mythology and art to support the process of self
discovery and transformation. We will provide clear steps and space to discuss the logistics for each activity, so that
professionals working with LGBTQ youth can use and adapt the frameworks and resources we explore. This workshop was
developed out of exciting and successful work at the Attic Youth Center in Philadelphia, PA. This workshop is for professionals
only. All others are invited to attend the general audience session of the same workshop on Saturday! Beth Pulseinella;
Tara Rubinstein. BS.Ed
Toward Culturally Sensitive Practice with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
BUSN 226
Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth in Out-of-Home Care Systems
This workshop will provide training on building the capacity, awareness and skills of child welfare practitioners to better serve
and respond to the needs of LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care. Participants will explore many of the issues LGBTQ clients
face in out-of-home care systems and develop a better understanding about best practices to serve LGBTQ youth through
small group discussions, role-plays and learning labs. Flor Bermudez, J.D.
High School
When does IT cross the line? Dating violence in same-sex relationships!
CB 301
What is a healthy relationship? What is an unhealthy relationship? How do you know it has crossed the line from healthy to
abusive? This workshop seeks to help you understand healthy and unhealthy behaviors in a relationship, so you may be able
to set your own limits and boundaries. Media and music play a big part in what we know about relationships, positive and
negative. This workshop will use everyday media and music messages to interactively discuss and understand healthy
boundaries and behaviors in relationships. Tanya Hague-Doehr, MS; Daniel Reyes, BA
.
SU = Student Union
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Friday Session II: 1:15 – 2:30 PM
Friday Session II
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Various Locations
High School
Beyond Binaries: Identity and Sexuality
CB 101
Like snowflakes, no two people are exactly alike. Given that, how do we assign labels to our complicated and unique
experiences? In this fun and interactive program we explore different experiences of identity, the complexity of attraction and
more. Robyn Ochs, MA
High School
Beyond M and F: Implementing gender neutral policies in schools
CB 302
Have you ever thought about a day in the life of a transgender student? Or even any student who doesn’t feel like they fit the
traditional gender “categories”? Does the school and/or the student body provide a safe space for ALL students? Do the
policies represent ALL perspectives? Brandy Niles
General Audience
Binding, Packing, and Passing, Oh My!
SU 330
We will be discussing the various extra pieces of effort, especially binding and packing, put into wardrobes by many transguys,
drag kings, or other. Erik Dossier has been active in the GLBT community since his first year of high school and out as a
transman since 2007. He is a student in veterinary medicine and tends to spend time being mauled by evil cats. When not
bleeding, he enjoys playing with his own menagerie of animals, who are much nicer. We will be discussing the various extra
pieces of effort, especially binding and packing, put into wardrobes by many transguys, drag kings, or other. Skylar Spear
College
Constant Survivors: Sexual Assault and the LGBTSTGNC Community
SU WOMEN'S CENTER
Sexual assault affects us all and being silent about it only serves to reinforce stigma around the subject. Sexual assault
within the LGBT community carries its own set of problems and stigma, which can only be dismantled through bringing
the issue to light. This workshop will attempt to answer three questions: How is sexual assault experienced differently?
How is sexual assault experienced similarly? And what can we do about it? This workshop is geared towards college aged
students and will include discussions on how to create a safety plan, steps to begin the coping process after an assault,
and how to support loved ones who have been assaulted. Elise Delacruz, MA
High School
Crossing The Middle Ground from bystanders to allies - The High School version!
SU 316/317
Come celebrate our differences and join True Colors keynote speaker John Boiano in this highly interactive and fun workshop
designed specifically for High School students. While gaining a deeper sense of camaraderie and connectedness with other
conference participants, you will be deeply engaged in conversations about your individuality and uniqueness and how it
actually benefits your ability to be an ally. Learn safe ways to make a difference at your school by helping to motivate
bystanders into becoming allies. We will also be discussing some of the successes and possible hardships that you
encountered today in using the questions provided in your True Colors packet. * Adult mentors… you may also want to join
us for this workshop! John Boiano
General Audience
Don't have sex, because you will get pregnant and die!
Or you could attend this workshop and learn the ins and outs of safer sex for people across the gender and sexuality
spectrums. Autumn Christoforo is a Junior year at Western Connecticut State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor
in Music Performance. Ze has been heavily involved with the WCSU Gay/Straight Alliance for three years and is the current
President. In zir spare time ze-hahaha...spare time. Sean P. Griffin; Valerie Jaeger
GLBTQ Youth 202: Skills for Supporting GLBTQ Youth
BUSN 112
Participants will identify verbal and environmental strategies to support GLBTQ youth, and will identify resources and practice
skills for providing one-on-one support to youth who are coming out or questioning. We will discuss strategies for providing
agency or school-wide support. Missy Sturtevant, MSW
SU = Student Union
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Activist Institute
History of LGBT and HIV Activism in CT
BUSN 203
In CT, since the advent of landmark legislation, the history of LGBT and AIDS/HIV activism has been in danger of being lost.
Come discuss where we fit in with national activism and some specific tactics, such as civil disobedience which have helped to
propel CT into the forefront. Shawn M. Lang, BA
High School
I’d Catch a Grenade for Ya—Not! Healthy LGBT Teen Relationships
CB 202
You’ve met someone and you’re really into each other. You go together like two queer peas in a perfectly decorated pod. Is it
time to take the next step? What is the next step? Going steady? Going out? Picking out matching wedding dresses? Getting
matching rainbow tattoos? This workshop is designed to help teens determine for themselves what a healthy relationship is
and provide them with healthy relationship skills. Kathy Belge, BA
College
How OUT, LOUD, and PROUD Can You Be at Work
BUSN 202
This workshop is designedto develop attendees professionally, show them how to express individuality in the workplace, and
highlight social awareness. This highly interactive experience will include three main topics: Office Fashion Show, Mock
Interviews, and, finally, Social Media. For the office fashion show, models will strut down the runway showing what to wear
and what not to wear in a business setting. Our goal is to illustrate to the students the importance of first impressions. The
mock interviews will consist of a two-part interview: phone and physical. The teachings for the phone interview will be verbal
communication, awareness of one’s self, reactions, and surroundings. The physical interviews will focus on first impressions,
non-verbal communication, and verbal communication. Finally, in the social media topic, we will review the pros and cons of
online social presence, awareness, and lack of privacy. Maria Afouxenides, BS; Raymond Clark Jr; Alyssa Mansolf, BA
High School
CB 205
mirror the “acceptable” images that are forced upon us daily? Let’s discuss the pleasures and pressures of our obsession with
body image. Jill Karno
High School
Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby
CB 108
50 Participants Maximum. This is an interactive workshop for students in grades 7-12 that explores the different kinds of
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Participants will get a better understanding of STIs, including stigmas and myths, as well
as prevention. With the help of the facilitator, participants will define sex, creatively investigate STIs, and learn fun condom
negotiation methods. Belinda Kwakye
High School
Let's Talk About…. Gender
SU 320
This space is for you to conversate talk about gender and its impact. How do gender stereotypes affect you? When have you
been told you couldn't, shouldn't, or had to do something because of your gender? How can you make a difference?
Self-Facilitated
General Audience
Looking In Theatre
SU 304C
Looking In uses high school aged actors to present short dramatic scenes about issues of concern to this audience, and follows
with a discussion. The issues are focused on what LGTB students go through and are ideal for anyone dealing with these or
wishing to understand those who are. Jonathan Gillman BA, MA, MFA
High School
Love, Sex, Dating, Relationships & Bullying
SU 304A
This is your chance to talk with other LGBTQ and ally youth about stuff you rarely get a chance to talk about: love, sex, dating,
relationships, where you meet each other, what life is like for you at home, at school, in your community… or whatever else
you want to talk about. This is your time! James Ezzes; Brent DiGiorgio
SU = Student Union
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General Audience
Mapping Identities
SU 322
Mapping identities, what is this? Are you a multi-dimensional human being? Have you ever wondered how your identities
intersect? Then this is the workshop for you. We will chart identities, form communities and chat about intersections. Race,
class, gender, ethnicity, you name it we will talk about it. Kaethe Armitage, Lea Sweeney
General Audience
Queering Politics: LGBT Leaders Share Their Stories
CB 102
Often people think that direct action is the only way to make a difference. Yet policy makers impact the lives of thousands of
people through the decisions they make every day. Join this panel of local, state and federal LGBT Policy makers as they share
their experiences and stories as out elected or appointed officials. There will be lots of time for questions, answers and ideas
about ways that you might make a difference in the political arena. Senator Beth Bye, MSW; Mark Ojakian; Dylan Orr, JD;
Mayor Pedro Segarra, MSW
High School
Remix My Life
CB 109
Have you ever planned the soundtrack of your life, posted YouTube music videos that completely describe your day, or used
music to tell someone how you feel? This workshop will allow participants to learn about themselves and others using one of
our most popular media types today; music. Youth will use music of their choice to showcase their own skills, talents,
characteristics, or to just describe who they are as a person. This workshop is a great place to for youth to meet, to start
conversations, to realize similarities, and appreciate differences. Simone Evanson; Michael Pastore
High School
Rubberwear
CB 309
discussed. Free give-a-ways will be provided! Christine Muska M.S.
High School
Rubberwear
CB 307
discussed. Free give-a-ways will be provided! Joleen M. Nevers MAEd, CHES, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator
High School
Rubberwear
CB 206
discussed. Free give-a-ways will be provided! Cassy Setzler
General Audience
Screw Sex: Asexuality for the Sexual Masses
BUSN 122
This workshop will focus on introducing and defining asexuality for the general public. Those who have never heard of it,
those who are simply interested in knowing more, and even those who arrive simply because they got lost are all welcome!
There will be an informative presentation on the subject, a talk by presenter Sarah Scully on her experiences as an asexual,
and then a time for questions and conversation. Audience participation is deeply encouraged. This will be a time to clear any
confusion about any of the topics, ask thoughtful questions, and discuss asexuality in this sexual world. Sarah Scully
SU = Student Union
21
SO YOU WANT TO START A YOUTH GROUP
SU 303
OutSpoken – Fairfield County’s GLBTQ (and allies) youth group – held its first meeting in December 1993. Since then, the
group has never missed a meeting – and almost always, there are at least a few teenagers there. The group has changed a
lot in 18 years, in terms of how out the attendees are; how comfortable they are, and what they’re looking for in a group.
Dan Woog co-founded the group, and is still a facilitator of it. He’ll talk about how the group has evolved – and how you can
not only create, but sustain, a GLBTQ youth group in your area. Dan Woog
General Audience
Supporting All the Colors of the Rainbow
BUSN 215
This workshop will educate people on not only being and ally for the LGBT community, but an ally for everyone. We will talk
about social identities, opression, privelege, and the traits of an effective and ineffective ally. Tessa Ridel
High School
Tell Your Friends
CB 106
This workshop will facilitate discussion with teens about commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking. It provides
information on how students can guard themselves and their friends while breaking down myths and misconceptions of
prostitution and how the media plays a large role in glamorizing the culture. Nicole von Oy, MSW
General Audience
The ABCs of GSA Leadership
BUSN 211
In a stress-free, informal, and empowering environment, we’ll be discussing and mapping out the methods necessary to
start a GSA or improve the GSA already established in your school. This workshop is specifically geared toward leaders or
officers in GSAs and is only one of four workshops facilitated by GLSEN Connecticut's Jump-Start Student Leadership Team.
Be sure to talk with our members on how to join! Julian Arias; Gil Borrino; Alta McKinney; Allen Simon; Mara Skowronek
General Audience
The Bible: Word of Death or Voice of Hope for LGBTQI People?
SU 331
Very loud religious voices want to claim the Bible as their justification for hatred and exclusion of LGBTQI people, in the
church and society. We will acknowledge the short answer to the question, "Is the Bible a word of death or a voice of hope?"
We will explore the voice of hope and briefly examine the issues of proportionality and selectivity. We will then look at the
very few specific texts in light of biblical scholarship. Participants will be asked to share their hopes and interests for the time;
Q & A is welcome throughout. Participants are offered handouts to own or to borrow. Reverend Alice O'Donovan M.Div.
MARS
General Audience
The Continuing Challenge of Integrating GLBT Young Adult Literature into the Curriculum
BUSN 218
and Libraries of Educational Institutions
This workshop will present an in-depth overview of some of the most commonly banned GLBT themed works of literature.
Particular emphasis will be given to the growing amount of young adult literature being written which deals exclusively with
GLBT issues. Authors such as Alex Sanchez, Jeff Erno, Catherine Atkins, and Marion Dane Bauer will be discussed at length.
The workshop will also foster a sense of dialog to discuss the challenges that many communities, schools, and libraries still
face when trying to introduce books dealing with these topics. This is a great workshop for educators, students, and anyone
who has interest in GLBT issues and how they are depicted in literature. Timothy J. Haskell MA
General Audience
The Dating Game
SU PRLAC
Utilize a game show format and the strength and support of a group, fueled with a team connection and spirit of
competitiveness, to explore the complications, fears, and commanilities as related to dating. Kian F Jacobs, LCSW
High School
The Real World of the Housewives of Jersey Shore: A look at the protrayal of
CB 107
gender roles in pop culture
This workshop is a guided discussion of what exactly makes up a "real man" or a "real woman"...according to mtv. We will be
trying to answer the question: If we only had the media to rely on, what would we believe masculinity and femininity were?
Would our definitions really be that different from the ones we hold now? Finally, how do our beliefs on masculinity and
femininity affect our daily life? Honor Adams, B.A
SU = Student Union
22
General Audience
TransACTION: An Ally's Toolbox
CB 308
Supporting a friend who comes out as Trans or Gender Variant is just the beginning. Did you ever wish you could do more as a
Trans ally, but aren't sure where to begin? In this workshop we will explore many of the barriers and layers of oppression
faced by people who identify outside of the gender binary. Learn about the history of the transgender rights movement and
discuss what you can do as a Trans ally to affect change in your school, town and state. Jayeson Watts, MSW
TransPACT/ From Fear to Hope
SU 318/319
Come and listen to the stories of TransPACT members, a support group for parents of transgender and gender nonconforming children, they will share their stories of struggle and how the came to accept and support their transgender and
gender non-conforming children. TransPACT members; Tony Ferraiolo CPC
High School
Understanding Parents Perspective regarding LGBT Youth
SU 312
This interactive workshop seeks to help LGBT youth understand the parents' perspective regarding their LGBT son or
daughter. It reviews the coming out process for LGBT individuals and then discusses the idea that the parents/caregivers may
have their own similar experience. Michael Migura B.F.A., L.C.D.C.
High School
Ungendered Sex Education
SU 416A
In this workshop you will learn about sex education in a gender free way. This is a great workshop for people who do not
want to box themselves into a binary gender system and are interested in learning about safe sex. We will discuss the
importance of consent and the risk factors of different sexual activities. You will leave this workshop with a better
understanding of how you can have safe and consensual sex no matter who you love and how you identify.
Taylor Chapin; Angie Flynn; Laura Stamas, MS
Jr High School
WE ARE WHO WE ARE: Sharing your story and meeting new friends
SU 221
This active workshop is geared to youth who would like to meet and make friends with other youth. We will help you
connect (My space, facebook, twitter etc..) with each other. We will have a lot of fun activities and we will give you a chance
to think about and tell your unique story. Brad Forenza, MSW; Alex Redcay, MSW
General Audience
What does that even mean?!
CB 110
A comprehensive workshop unpacking and explaining the ever-lengthening list of terminology associated with the
LGBTQ(QIAN, etc.) world. Michelle Sciarappa; Megan Maier; Tyler Goff
High School
When Life Gives you Lemons... Or Rainbows
CB 111
Participants will examine a variety of different aspects in their lives- both things that are in their control as well as out of
their control living in the LGBTQ community. The workshop will challenge participants to take a closer look at the elements
that are contributing to both fulfillment and unhappiness. Students will discover the tools to construct these different
elements in order to live a more balanced and healthy lifestyle. Students will also gain a better understanding of how to
confront different problems commonly faced by this minority. Kevin Pierce
Working with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students in Schools
BUSN 127
Many parents of transgender children are allowing them to socially transition, or present as their true gender, in schools.
This session will inform professionals to be able to assist schools to devise suitable accommodations for these students.
Professional literature on development of gender identity, the benefits of hormone blockers for trans youth, and treatment
of gender dysphoria will be reviewed. Sample letters from professionals to schools assisting trans youth will be provided.
Colt Meier, MA
SU = Student Union
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High School
Would You Rather..?
SU 321
Know that game? Well it is a great conversation starter. We put the game in this room. You come in and play, talk, share and
You CAN Get There From Here - Safer Schools Work in Rural Communities
SU ASIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
Reaching out to and connecting with schools in rural communities around providing safe spaces for LGBTQQ youth can
present challenges that differ from more urban based communities. In this caucus, participants will identify new strategies for
building collaborative relationships with schools and organizations in their state; discuss best practices in safer schools work in
rural communities; and create a regional network of like minded professionals. Saben Littlefield, MA; Melissa Murray, MSW
High School
You Fancy, Huh? Body Image & The Media
SU 304B
How we feel about our bodies can impact our sexuality and can be greatly influenced by the media. In this workshop led by
teens, you will examine popular messages sent by the media. Learn how to deconstruct these messages, fight off negative
pressures and feel good about yourself! S.T.A.R.S (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality)
Friday Session III
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations
General Audience
A Day in the Life: Homeless Transgender Youth
CB 108
A transgender youth's experience with homelessness in Washington, D.C. The workshop explores surviving as a homeless
transgender youth of color, a college student, an employee, and fulfilling the role of family member after being abandoned by
a primary caretaker. Attendees will participate in a simulated day in the life of a homeless transgender youth of color and
discuss their experience. Devin Abdul Qawi Avshalom-Smith
Activist Institute
Busting OUT in Predictable Ways: LGBTQ Representations in TV, Movies,
BUSN 218
and Pop Culture
Teenagers are hooked into media- we digest it through TV, music, the news, magazines, Facebook, and YouTube- but what
are the messages we are being force-fed? This introduction to critical thinking about the media we consume will be used as a
platform to dive into conversation about the realities of our daily lives. This will include (but is not limited to) such topics as
GLEE, Chaz Bono on DWTS, RENT, The L Word, Abercrombie and Fitch Ads, Dove’s Girl Effect campaign, MISSRepresentation,
TransAmerica, Buffy, Will and Grace, Andrea Gibson, Disney movies, and commercials from around the world. We will explore
the middle ground where we can enjoy watching a piece of media, but still not agree with all the messages it sends. The
workshop will close with a discussion on “where to go from here”- taking the tools we have learned and using them to change
the world. Eva Dayon
BUSN 227
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Teens in the US and CT
Service Providers, Law enforcement, teachers and adults working with youth often have the best access to the most at-risk
and victimized youth in our communities. However, a lack of understanding and adequate training amongst these
professionals leads to a lack of identification and misidentification of exploited children. What may appear to be dating
violence, truancy, a harmless tattoo, or drug abuse can all be signs that there is something else going on behind the scenes.
Nicole von Oy, MSW
College
Consent is Sexy!
SU 321
This interactive 60-minute workshop introduces an interpretation of sexual consent based on clarity, mutuality and
enthusiastic participation. Participants discuss ways in which gender role socialization and traditional expectations about sex
and sexuality create barriers for open communication with intimate partners. The workshop encourages students to
brainstorm creative and comfortable ways of giving and obtaining clear consent. The workshop also provides students with
the tools to become active, prosocial bystanders to help prevent sexual assaults from occurring. Liz Halla-Mattingly
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Friday Session III: 2:45 – 4:00 PM
High School
Creating Change in Schools
CB 101
The GSA Network and Programming Coordinator at Youth Pride, Inc. in Providence RI, will lead a discussion focusing on the
school environment for youth who identify as LGBTQQA. This session will cover topics such as activism within the school
community, school safety, combating bullying and harassment, starting and maintaining a Gay Straight Alliance, and more!
Elana Rosenberg, MA
Education for All: Creating Inclusive Classrooms for All Grade Levels
BUSN 202
Education for All offers strategies for creating and maintaining classroom environments that are welcoming and inclusive to
all students, K-12. This workshop is open to educators as well as students and is intended to be an open forum for the free
exchange of ideas on how to foster classrooms that support and affirm students of all sexual and gender identities and family
structures while showing that an environment that supports Queer students is a healthier environment for all students. The
content of this workshop and the information exchanged will be rooted in best practice, educational research and the
personal experiences of educators and students present. Jesse Kohut, MA
General Audience
Film: Skinny Fat
SU THEATER
Chaz, a tattooed, pierced San Franciscan hipster, is convinced he’s overweight. The latest evidence? He caught his date
feeling out his “fat waist.” Yes, despite his lanky limbs and low body weight, Chaz is afflicted with the most difficult condition
to treat: he’s soft in the middle. He’s Skinnyfat. The traumatic event sets him on a plan to lose weight until he has hipbones
“sharp enough to trim hedges!” Joined by his flighty friend Davy, self-absorbed Chaz stumbles through gym workouts, crash
dieting, tweaker yoga, force vomiting, and even a distressing bear party! Along the way, he learns that physical ideals can
change with the next pop culture trend, and even the revered six pack may not be enough to secure the most important love
of all—his own. Filmmaker Andy Bydalek will join the after-film conversation from Los Angeles via Skype. The discussion
will be moderated by Barbara Curry
From Straight-Laced to a Safe Space: Shifting the Cultural Paradigm
BUSN 215
of Schools and Communities
Authors of Safe Spaces: Making Schools and Communities Welcoming to LGBT Youth will introduce participants to a
comprehensive framework for creating inclusive K-12 school communities. Drawing on first-person accounts of students and
educators, we will identify the components and characteristics of safe spaces for our LGBTQ youth. Together, we will explore
why administrators of unsafe schools sometimes resist measures that would improve school culture. Participants will learn
how to conduct and interpret a cultural audit of their community space and how to respond with specific interventions.
Gerri August, Ph.D.; Annemarie Vacarro, Ph.D.
High School
Glee! LGBT on TV
CB 202
We will be showing clips from the episodes and discussing the portrayal of LGBT characters on the TV show Glee. We will
be talking about stereotypes, coming out, acceptance, and other fun topics. Jen Donnelly; Stephanie Lumbra
General Audience
Having a Big GSA When You're at a Little School
CB 308
This workshop will address some tips, pointers, best practices, etc. for how to develop, promote, and maintain a strong GSA
group when a college, high school, or collection of individuals is living and working in an area with few people and even fewer
resources. Stories will be shared on how one of the smallest community colleges in Connecticut (Northwestern) has
developed a very active and productive GSA group. Timothy Haskell, MA
Jr High School
How to be a superhero in middle school!
SU 312
Let's face it, middle school is not always a great experience for everyone. Come and discuss the in's and out's of supporting
your friends in middle school. Work on developing your voice and finding where you fit in. Make a difference in your
community by learning how to be a strong ally and friend to all. Christopher Langelier, MA
High School
SU 325
It's Time to Say Bye to the Label Bi
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Have you ever heard someone verbally attacked for making a statement that she's straight, but did have a relationship with
one girl? Many teens jump on this statement to question it, with comments like "You're soo gay!" or "Are you kidding? You're
bisexual." We all go through a process of discovering whether we like boys, girls, both, gender noncorming folks, or none.
Those who know their prefernce is for both may call themselves bisexual. Seems simple, but that doesn't stop others from
accusing them of being fake gays or being greedy or weird. My teenage co-panelists will share some of their experiences
regarding sexual orientation, and invite you to join them with comments, questions or stories. Remember, what counts is
how you perceive yourself. Sexual orientation, which may change over time, is just one piece of the puzzle of identity. Most
important, feel good about who you are. Rhea Segal MSW, DSW
High School
Jock Talk
SU 303
So you’re a jock – and GLBTQ. Chances are, you don’t know anyone else in your sneakers. Rest assured, there are plenty of
gay male athletes around. This is an interactive session, with topics you’ve always wanted to discuss: how to deal with
teammates and coaches; how to find other gay jocks; how to handle college recruiting, etc. We’re here, we’re queer – we’re
on your team. Moderated by Dan Woog, openly gay varsity boys soccer coach at Staples High School (Westport, CT), and the
author of 2 books (“Jocks”) about gay male athletes. Dan Woog
General Audience
Kripalu YogaDance: A Shake Your Soul Experience
SU 330
Shake Your Soul is a unique and invigorating approach to body-spirit fitness, incorporating elements of modern dance, african
dance, Qi Kung, and yoga. This body and soul workout renews our spirit, energizes our body and calms our mind. We find
communion with our spirit and community with others. Shake Your Soul classes area a balance of directed and spontaneous
movement. There is generally a gentle warm up with a progression of movements to loosen the joints. As the music tempo
increases, participants move with more rhythm and power. Participants can make the class as vigorous or as gentle as they
choose and is appropriate for all fitness levels. No prior dance training is necessary to participate.
Jayne Dean, LMFT, LADC; Karen Urbano
High School
Let's Talk About …..
SU 322
Workshopped out? Or maybe you have a topic you want to talk about but there wasn't a workshop about it? Just want a
chance to meet other students and talk in small groups? Here ya go. Self-Facilitated
General Audience
LGBTQ youth in foster care
SU 316/317
This workshop will discuss the rights of LGBTQ youth in foster care, national and legal organization that can assist youth, and
will provide a chance for LGBTQ youth to talk about what they need to help them in their journey. This workshop will also
discuss the research that has been done with foster parents and what they have said about LGBTQ youth.
Alex Redcay, MSW; Mayte Redcay, MEd
High School
Love, Life, and Relationships for Teens
SU 304A
A free-form discussion of HS age teens where numerous topics such as religion, coming out, friends, finding love, being allies,
and staying safe are covered and teens are able to speak about their opinions, experiences and give advice to others.
Rachel Houle
High School
SU 320
Love, Sex, Dating, & Relationships
you want to talk about. This is your time! Jill Karno
High School
CB 102
Love, Sex, Relationships and Bullying
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you want to talk about. This is your time! Brent DiGiorgio; Jim Ezzes
High School
Out Loud & Proud: Theatre Performance Workshop
SU 331
Participants will begin to create their own piece of performance art, a collage of voices representing themselves, their
families, and communities, with the purpose of celebrating what it means to be out and proud. This workshop will incorporate
theatre games, playwriting exercises, and movement techniques, drawing upon the creative interests of the group. The
performance piece will explore the struggles of coming out, being bullied, and finding yourself. The program will conclude
with information about to how to continue this type of work at Hartford Stage in the fall of 2012. Nina Pinchin, MFA, BA;
Robert Reader, BA
General Audience
Out of Bounds: LGBT Athletes
BUSN 226
This workshop will explore the history of LGBT athletes in America as well as the current climate towards LGBT athletes in
high school, college, and professional sports. We will explore stereotypes about athletes and use various media to see and
hear stories from openly LGBT athletes about their experiences being out in their sports. Finally, we will discuss strategies for
ending homophobia and heterosexism in sports. Brenner Green
High School
CB 309
What your parents go thru: Parents/Caregivers "Coming Out" Process
Ever wonder what your parents might be going through as you come out? This interactive workshop reviews the Coming Out
Process and the experience of moving through that process. Then through activities and conversation looks at how the
parents/caregivers may have their own process to go through. Michael Migura B.F.A., L.C.D.C.
General Audience
Perfectly Perplexing: Pansexuals on Living, Loving and Laughing in a Three Label World
SU 304B
Never heard of the term pansexual? Heard it but wondered what it was all about? Curious why pansexuals choose a label
that is not widely recognized? Interested in learning more about this pantastic relative of bisexuality? Come listen to the
thoughts, experiences, ideas and bad puns of a range of pansexual people. Lee Acuna; Lynden Dolan; Stephanie Jacobs
General Audience
Power of the Drum: Connecting to Community, Creativity and Self
maximum of 28 participants
Beginning with the invigorating sound and energy of drum circle playing, morphing into celestial tones of energy chimes and
bells, this workshop welcomes all who wish to discover the powerful avenues of connection available through drumming,
music making, and sound. We sometimes find that there are joys to share, despair to communicate, feelings to express,
which are more expansive or deeper than words allow. Experience these connections and find added dimensions to your
creativity in this dynamic drum, percussion, and sound experience. Listening to music is fun, making it is fun, and sometimes
it is life changing. . . . . . but only if we go out on a limb to give it a try. No musical training or experience required. As
founder of her organization, “Tools for Tapping In and Reaching Out”, Cindy Mueller, BA
General Audience
Pride Punch: Drink the Kool-Aid!
CB 206
Who started Pride events? Why should you be involved? And who cares, anyways? Learn why adding your voice to the Pride
movement is important, exciting and satisfying! Drink the Kool-Aid! Suz Seymour; Emily Scagel
General Audience
Queers In Careers
CB 106
Do you know what ENDA is? You should. OVER HALF of the United States currently uphold laws that allow LGBTQ people to be
fired from their jobs based solely on their sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. In this workshop you will
learn the facts and realities of queer people in the American workplace. You will be presented with the knowledge and
vocabulary to confidently and appropriately respond to challenging situations potentially encountered by queers on the job.
Examples: What to do when outed at work. What to do when being harassed by coworkers or clients/customers. LGBT
friendly places to work. Whether you have a part time job, a full-time career, or the hopes of eventually getting one, this
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workshop will provide you with the basic information every queer person should have. Alyssa Kolessar; Megan Maier;
Kristin Montini, BA
General Audience
Radical Love: Christianity, Morality, and Sexuality
CB 205
Today there are so many aspects to your life that might not be accepted everywhere, those things are difficult enough to deal
with. What happens when you have multiple aspects of your life that on top of being difficult to figure out, their ideas don’t
coincide nicely like chocolate and milk? Instead, it’s more like milk and Chinese food, they’re both the loves of your life but
they don’t match up side by side. Growing up in a Roman Catholic church, it became a part of me and then I went into the
world and realized not everything I learned there was “right”. People around me came out and didn’t change in my book. In
this workshop we will explore messages about sexuality in religions and the impact they have on your daily outlook on life.
How can you be religious and in social justice? Kennedy Strakose-Hagen
Runaway Prevention With LGBTQ Youth
BUSN 122
Few would argue that the term “youth at-risk” could be more aptly applied to the population of youth leaving home without
permission, or runaway youth. For LGBTQ youth, some parents can’t accept their child’s sexual orientation and throw them
out of the house. Other youth remain in the home, but face difficulties due to lack of acceptance within their families, which
may lead them to run. This workshop will review information from the National Runaway Switchboard’s (NRS) study Why
They Run, discuss NRS caller statistics and identify the role NRS can play in assisting LGBTQ youth, schools, families, and
communities. Methods of reaching youth at risk for a runaway incident will be discussed, including NRS’ free of charge 14
module Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum available at www.1800RUNAWAY.org. All participants will learn about the
social/emotional health benefits of the curriculum as well as how to use it. Katrina Wyss, MS
High School
Safer sex is less stress: Negotiating safer sex and abstinence
SU PRLAC
Welcome to this youth led workshop on realistic and relevant ways to be smart and sexually savvy while practicing safer sex.
Engage with your peers though interactive games and peer led discussions. Let’s talk about how to truly make safer sex sexy!
Erin Livensparger and S.T.A.R.S. (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality)
Activist Institute
SU WOMEN'S CENTER
Same Civil Rights Infractions, Different Population: Addressing the Issues when
Comparing the LGBT Movement and other Civil Rights Movements
The USA Civil Rights Movement of the 1940-70’s serves as a critical source of inspiration for human rights movements all over
the world. But, why does the comparison of the LGBTQ movement creates tension and debates? The Olympics inspires a
number of spin-offs to encourage all kind of populations to compete in sports. Then, why do LGBTQ athletes and allies have
to compete under organizational titles such as Gay Games or World Out Games? This session will enhance critical thinking
and negotiation skills when comparing the differences and similarities of the social movements. The ultimate outcome is to
assist in efforts of collaboration and coalition building with different underrepresented communities and allies.
Fleurette King, MA
General Audience
Sex, Drugs, and the LGBTQ Community
CB 110
For decades the LGBTQ community has been labeled as void of values and morals.This bigotry, which is often fueled by
religion, manifests itself when critics point to rampant drug use and sexual promiscuity without considering the systematic
and cultural causes of these unfortunate situations. Join with members of The Pride Network as we discuss the experience of
young LGBTQ adults in modern society, as well as how the history of the LGBTQ community has lead to these modern day
circumstances. Bring your opinions and experiences as we discuss these sensitive challenges in our community.
Anthony Crisci, BA; Rob Marino, BA
General Audience
Telling Our Stories
SU 304C
Actors from Looking In Theatre--high school students trained in difficult issues--help audience members create short dramatic
scenes about issues the audience members want to see dramatized. This is an excellent format for participants to "gain a
voice" about these issues. By the end, everyone shares what they have worked on. Jonathan Gillman, BA, MA, MFA.
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General Audience
The Queer Road to Recovery
CB 302
Are you concerned about a friend's drinking or drug use? How about a lover's, a parents', or your own? Addiction doesn't
discriminate, but one thing is for sure, you are not alone. Young queer members of Alcoholic Anonymous and Al-Anon will be
discussing how to achieve sobriety from a queer youth perspective. Believe it or not, being sober and having a social life is
possible, and we'll show you how to get started. Samson Hampton Zarek; Alexia Hurley
Activist Institute
Think Before You Speak: Words Hurt
SU ASIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
We will discuss the ways in which seemingly simple language choices can affect us and those around us every day, and ways
to combat harmful language. This is just one of four workshops facilitated by GLSEN Connecticut's Jump-Start Student
Leadership Team. Be sure to talk with our members on how to join! Melissa Hartlipp; James Rockett; Skylar Liam Spear
Translation Youth Group Speaks Out
SU 318/319
Members of the trans youth support group, Translation speak about what it is like to be a trans youth in todays world. They
will speak about their struggle and triumphs. Tony Ferraiolo, CPC; Amanda Moras, Ph.D.
High School
Under (De)Construction: Breaking Down the Gender Binary
CB 307
Gender is awesome and very complicated. This workshop will explore why. It will introduce terminology for a range of
gender identities, expressions and orientations--everything from transgender from intersex to queer. We will explore the
current gender system that operates in the US, and then break down the system and explore a more inclusive model for
gender. Do you want to know what this means? Do you have something to say about gender? Have you never heard these
words before? Come to this workshop! M Ambuter M.Ed.; Kate Burnett
High School
Visible Pride: Healthy Living and the Queer Community
CB 107
This workshop will be a round table discussion of the role of physical fitness in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Presenters will
talk about their experience growing up queer and overweight and the steps they took to improve their health and body
image. They will also offer tips to attendees for adding physical activities into their daily life and explain the psychological and
emotional benefits of fitness for adolescents. The presentations will be followed by approximately 30 minutes of open
discussion from attendees relating their experience, struggles and hope for others. Ilica Balaban, CPT; Kevin Bessette
High School
Vo-Tech Zone
SU 221
A meeting room for students in the Vo-Tech system. Meet and share school experiences with students in the same shops.
Students from non vo-tech schools may attend to find out about the Vo-Tech system throughout the state. Robb Ledder
High School
When Life Gives you Lemons... Or Rainbows
CB 111
Participants will examine a variety of different aspects in their lives- both things that are in their control as well as out of their
control living in the LGBTQ community. The workshop will challenge participants to take a closer look at the elements that are
contributing to both fulfillment and unhappiness. Students will discover the tools to construct these different elements in
order to live a more balanced and healthy lifestyle. Students will also gain a better understanding of how to confront different
problems commonly faced by this minority. Kailee Himes
High School
Would You Rather..?
SU 416A
Know that game? Well it is a great conversation starter. We put the game in this room. You come in and play, talk, share and
Activist Institute
BUSN 127
Your Legal Rights
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This session will focus on a discussion of the legal rights of LGBTQI teens and how teens can use the law for self- advocacy as
individuals and on a systemic level as a group. There are two steps involved in legal advocacy: 1) knowing the law and 2)
knowing how to use it to get what you want. The first half of this session will focus on the law: legal rights of LGBTQI teens in
school and the child welfare system & the legal rights of runaway & homeless youth. Information will be presented in teenfriendly format understandable to both teens and professionals. It’s one thing to know the law, but it’s another to know how
to use that information to get what you need. This second half will utilize mock self-advocacy scenarios to give participants an
opportunity to practice advocacy skills. Stacey Violante Cote, JD, MSW
Friday Closing Session
4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Jorgensen Theater
Kristen and Dannielle give advice to those who are confused about sexuality,
gender-identity, dating, falling in love, or even dressing up like Super Woman. They
also visit high schools and college campuses nationwide to help bring change and
awareness while keeping everyone laughing. Dannielle Owens-Reid graduated with
a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, and then spent 3 years in Chicago
studying improv and sketch comedy (that’s where the funny comes from). During
that time she was also teaching drama to kids ages 8 - 18. Dannielle is the creator
of Lesbians Who Look Like Justin Bieber, was the runner-up to be the first ever MTVTJ (twitter jockey) and ran social media
for Virgin Mobile on the Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour. She believes herself to be a “stellar problem solver,” has the ability to
see both sides of the situation #libra, and gets her dance moves from her dad. Kristin Russo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in
Theater, but gained most of her dramatic preparation for Everyone Is Gay while lip-syncing to Wilson Phillips and TLC. After
moving to NYC in 2000 and running her own theater company for three years, she began volunteering at The Hetrick-Martin
Institute (a service provider for LGBTQ youth and home of the Harvey Milk High School). Inspired by the students and faculty
at Hetrick-Martin, she returned to school and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies. She has a cat named
Trey, a penchant for crossword puzzles, and a deep-seated appreciation for Italian Ice. There will also be time for youth to
‘speak out’ about their experiences at the conference. We especially want to hear about what it was like to consciously ally
for each other and to use the questions and skills from this morning’s opening activity!
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Saturday, March 17th Agenda
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Agenda
Registration
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Student Union
1st Floor
Opening Session
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
Student Union Theater
1st Floor
Session I
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Various Locations *
Lunch
11:45 - 1:15 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
3rd Floor
Workshop Session II
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Various Locations *
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations *
Closing Activities/Performance
4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Featuring Dale Guy Madison
Featuring singer, songwriter, Will Shishmanian,
The pop-dance
artist known as Akira
As well as young comedians fresh from the
ibelong in comedy workshop with CT’s own
funny lady, Christine O’Leary
*See workshop descriptions for specific locations
TC XIX After Hours Events (free to conference attendees)
Drag Show
Hosted by Harlette LeFleur
5:45 – 7:15 p.m.
1st Floor
Youth Dance
3rd Floor
See page XX for details about after-hours events!
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Saturday, March 17th Opening Session
Saturday, March 17, 2012 Schedule
Saturday Opening Session
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
SU Theater
Welcome: Robin McHaelen, Fleurette King
My Life in 3 Easy Payments
Join us for an excerpt of a new one-man show by critically acclaimed
spoken-word performance artist, Dale Madison. My Life in 3 Easy
Payments speaks to the pop culture phenomenon of reality shows and
the quest for fame at any cost. Inspired by Sunset Boulevard, A Star is
Born, Dreamgirls, drag queens, Diana Ross, Glee, music videos, African
storytelling and his own unique experience of selling products on live
television, Madison offers a humorous interactive story through spoken
word, songs, storytelling and video footage of his life.
Dale Guy Madison is an artist, educator, writer, actor, filmmaker and former host for the QVC network. He
arrived in Los Angeles in 1999 with his first one-man show, FREEda Slave: Mask of a Diva, which ran four
months at the Hudson Backstage Theater. The show addressed issues of cross-dressing and intradiscrimination in the gay community. Dale released his memoirs entitled, DREAMBOY: My Life as a QVC
Host & other greatest hits. The film version received “Best LGBT film at the 2008 San Diego Black Film
Festival. His latest book is an adult fairy tale, Sissy Sammy in the land of WEHO90069. It is the story of a
bullied feminine boy from the hood who gets lost in an all-gay town. www.sissysammy.com . Dale recently
debuted his second one-man show entitled, My Life in 3Easy Payments at the Behold LGBT Performance
Arts Festival at Highways. His short film, The Panty Man, will screen at the San Francisco Transgendered
Film Festival November 4th & 5th. To learn more about Dale, visit his webpage: www.daleguymadison.com
.
Saturday Session I
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Various Locations
Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth
CB 106
Transgender youth have a voice that is rarely heard. Through artwork, trans youth can give voice to their experiences
and feelings. Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth is a unique workshop presented by Tony Ferraiolo, CPC. Tony
shares with his audience his one-on-one experiences working with transgender youth and the realization that trans youth
don’t have gender identity issues --- it is often everyone around them who has an issue with their gender identity. The
workshop will showcase a slide show of actual drawings created by members of Tony's youth groups, Translation and
Create Yourself. The drawings are the artistic expressions of answers to questions like “Draw what anger feels like,” and
“What makes you sad?” Tony Ferraiolo, CPC
High School
Behind the Big Screen: Sexuality in the Media
CB 107
Welcome to this youth led workshop on sexuality in media. Using film clips, lecture, and discussion, we will explore the
evolution of how sexuality has been portrayed in the American media, and how it has shaped out generation's perception
of sexuality. Erin Livensparger and S.T.A.R.S. (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality)
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Saturday Session I: 10:30 – 11:45 AM
General
Beyond Binaries: Identity and Sexuality
CB 101
This program explores the landscape of sexual orientation. People are complicated and, like snowflakes, no two people
are exactly alike. Given that, how do we assign labels to our complicated and unique experiences? In this fun and
interactive program we explore different experiences of identity; the complexity of attraction and more. Robyn Ochs,
MA
Child and Adolescent Gender Dysphoria: Treatment Standards and New Models for Care
CB 108
This workshop will address the newly revised WPATH (Harry Benjamin) Standards of Care and the effect of such on
providing care for gender dysphoria. The presenters will discuss a model of care currently taking shape at Connecticut
Children's Medical Center and the crucial role of community supports in addition to the best possible medical care. Laura
Saunders Psy.D.; Duncan Seawell Psy.D.
General Audience
Choreographed partner dancing
SU 304B
Learn a choreographed routine to popular music, with a partner. Adrienne Marie
General Audience
Daddy Bear Joe’s BEAR TALK
CB 309
Let's talk about "Bears!" What are "Bears," "Cubs," "Otters," "Wolves," and all of the other variations in between that are
part of the LGBT Bear communities? What do "Bears" mean to young people today, and why would identifying as a
"Bear" be important to anyone? Please, join Mr. International Daddy Bear 2009 Joe Mannetti for a free and open
discussion about the "Bear" communities and those who identify with them. Holder of numerous bear-pageant titles—
including Mr. Southern California Cub 2006, Mr. Los Angeles Bear 2008 and Mr. Southern California Bear 2008—Joe
Mannetti has long been a community fixture. An actor, public speaker, counselor and activist, his philanthropic pursuits
include raising money for the trans community, addiction-recovery services, people with AIDS, and LGBTQ youth support
services.
General Audience
Film: Skinny Fat
SU THEATER
Chaz, a tattooed, pierced San Franciscan hipster, is convinced he’s overweight. The latest evidence? He caught his date
feeling out his “fat waist.” Yes, despite his lanky limbs and low body weight, Chaz is afflicted with the most difficult
condition to treat: he’s soft in the middle. He’s Skinnyfat. The traumatic event sets him on a plan to lose weight until he
has hipbones “sharp enough to trim hedges!” Joined by his flighty friend Davy, self-absorbed Chaz stumbles through gym
workouts, crash dieting, tweaker yoga, force vomiting, and even a distressing bear party! Along the way, he learns that
physical ideals can change with the next pop culture trend, and even the revered six pack may not be enough to secure
the most important love of all—his own. Participants may remain after the film for a self-facilitated discussion. Starter
questions will be available in the room.
College
Gender Roles and Sexuality: Society's Fixation.
SU 316/317
We will discuss gender roles and their affects on sexuality development. William Gaffney
General Audience
Healing the System: Becoming a Queer Health Care Provider
CB 109
Are you considering a career in health care? Do you want to change the system, but aren't sure if you can succeed in a
mainstream healthcare setting? Join us for a discussion about the highs and lows of becoming a LGBTQ health care
provider. Topics to be covered include: navigating through heteronormative clinical programs, finding professional and
personal support, cultivating professional allies and implementing successful peer education interventions. Aleah
Nesteby, BA, MSN
General Audience
I Just Need To Pee
CB 201
Have you ever wondered whether to use the men's restroom or the women's restroom? Do you ever have second
thoughts about using a locker room or a changing room because of your gender expression? Do you remember in
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elementary school sitting boy-girl-boy-girl? What if you didn't fit the qualifications for boys or girls? What if you were
neither, or both? Come explore gender identity and expression without the norms of a gendered world. Alec Levson
General
CB 202
mirror the “acceptable” images that are forced upon us daily? Let’s discuss the pleasures and pressures of our obsession
with body image. Barbara Curry
High School
My Life is a Reality Show
CB 205
This workshop will explore how to use elements of life experiences and turn it into live theater. Participants will use
theater as a source of untying tongues allowing LGBTQ youth to express their sexuality and build self-esteem. Dale
Madison, MA
General Audience
Perfectly Perplexing: Pansexuals on Living, Loving and Laughing in a Three Label World
SU 304C
Never heard of the term pansexual? Heard it but wondered what it was all about? Curious why pansexuals choose a label
that is not widely recognized? Interested in learning more about this pantastic relative of bisexuality? Come listen to the
thoughts, experiences, ideas and bad puns of a range of pansexual people. Stephanie Lumbra
General Audience
Pride Celebrations and Marriage Equality: Everything is now right with the World.
CB 307
SERIOUSLY?!?!
Today there are still 7 countries where people are put to death simply because they are gay. In nearly 75 more countries,
queer people are outrageously fined and imprisoned. Gay bashing occurs in every corner of the world, regardless of the
law, and the suicide rate of our youth, due to persecution and bullying, continues to escalate in numbers that are
obscene. Why then, is there a growing atmosphere of complacency within the Western LGBTI community despite the
continued existence of Homophobia? In the last decade and a half, an increasing LGBTI solidarity movement has been
evolving around the globe, particularly throughout the developing world. More often than not, however, it has been met
with everything from persecution by religious and political leaders to family “honor killings” and murders committed with
impunity by an increasing number of homophobic neo-Nazi, religious, fascist and skinhead groups. What is Homophobia,
why does it exist and where did it come from? How do past and current sociopolitical and cultural trends impact on and
effect the international Homosexual visitor or student in America? What kind of life did they leave behind, and what can
they expect to find here? What does PRIDE mean, and how do we use our Pride and Diversity to show who we as a LGBTI
community really are, both here at home and around the world? In this workshop we will focus on local and international
situations which have these issues at their core and discuss what we can all do to help our brothers and sisters in more
hostile areas. Billy Urich
Separating personal beliefs from professional ethics and responsibilities
CB 110
This presentation focuses on the many factors at play when professionals are challenged with separating their personal
beliefs from their professional ethics and responsibilities. When in a helping profession, it is crucial to be aware of our
own set of beliefs, and how these beliefs may come into conflict with those whom we support. The potential effects of
these conflicts, ways in which we can support ourselves through these conflicts, and how to become better aware of our
personal beliefs, will be covered in this session. Specifically, how to support accepting and non-accepting parents of
newly identified GLBTQI youth will be addressed. Julie Alexandrin, Ph.D.; Sandra Gallien, MSW, MBA
General Audience
SEX IN THE DARK
CB 206
Do you like sex in the dark? Have you been eying that whip in your closet? If you have then this workshop is for you! In
this workshop we will be discussing sexual and intimate desires and how to act them out in a safe way. There is nothing
wrong with letting your freak flag fly so come and let your wildest desires be heard. Your sexy facilitators Andre & Alex
have heard it all so come spill it with us and we’ll keep your secrets safe. Andre Cunningham; Alex Lopez
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Activist Institute
Speak Up! Knowing the Law & Practicing Self-Advocacy.
CB 301
This session will focus on a discussion of the legal rights of LGBTQI teens and how teens can use the law for self- advocacy
as individuals and on a systemic level as a group. There are two steps involved in legal advocacy: 1) knowing the law and
2) knowing how to use it to get what you want. The first half of this session will focus on the law: legal rights of LGBTQI
teens in school and the child welfare system & the legal rights of runaway & homeless youth. Information will be
presented in teen-friendly format understandable to both teens and professionals. It’s one thing to know the law, but it’s
another to know how to use that information to get what you need. This second half will utilize mock self-advocacy
scenarios to give participants an opportunity to practice advocacy skills. Edwin Colon, JD, MSW
General Audience
The UConn Rainbow Center: A Positive Difference for LGBTQQIA College Students
SU RAINBOW CENTER
Participants will learn about the function and purpose for the University of Connecticut Rainbow Center (RC). As one of 5
cultural centers, the RC provides advocacy, resources, information, social activities, educational programs and a facility
designated to the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions. Participants will discuss
programs and policies that aid to the success of LGBTQQIA students, including heterosexual allies; and tour the 3,800 sq.
ft center even though it serves as the True Color Conference headquarters and volunteer space. In addition, UConn
students will talk about the positive impact of the Rainbow Center. High school students, parents and advisors will gain
information about factors to look for in an LGBTQ–friendly college campus. Fleurette King, MA
General Audience
Transgender Activist History: From World War II to the Presents
CB 102
The workshop will look at transgender activist from World War II until the present. It will cover the history of the
movement and notable transgender activists such as Sylvia Rivera, Dallas Denny, Virginia Prince and Christine Jorgensen.
In addition, the workshop will look at the Stonewall Uprising from a trans-perspective and will cover legislative victories,
defeats and betrayals, both locally and nationally. Diana Lombardi, MSW
General Audience
Undercover Queers: LGBT Folk In [Assumed] Heterosexual Relationships
CB 302
Are you not-straight and in a relationship with a straight person? Two queer folk in a relationship that everyone assumes
is straight? Maybe it is complicated by trans or non-binary identities? Do you feel like you aren't "queer" or "straight"
enough in certain situations? Feel frustrated by people telling you what your identity is just because of who you love?
Come talk with others in a "straight" relationship that is not narrow! We will discuss (assumed) heterosexual privilege,
heteronormativity, coping with feelings of isolation, working on maintaining safe and supportive visibility, and roles for
allies. Lynden Dolan
General Audience
Understanding Whiteness, Recognizing Privilege
CB 111
This workshop will address the advantages white people have in everyday life just for being white. Choose this workshop
if you have never thought about race or if you are interested in thinking about how white people are affected by race.
This workshop is mainly discussion-based and based on sharing personal experience and reflection. Ricia Elwell-Socci;
Elizabeth Anne Snide
Activist Institute
Using Google+ to build, organize, and promote your organization
CB 305
Google+ is the newest social network site out there, it’s not going away anytime soon and it’s getting bigger by the day.
Earlier this year, powerhouse internet company Google, launched Google+ and has recently opened the site up to nonprofit organizations. Come learn how to utilize Google+ to build a web platform for your organization, organize your
volunteers, donors, and media outlets, as well as promote your organization to audiences never thought imaginable.
Anthony Crisci, BA; Christian Fuscarino
College
SU 304A
What's Fun?, What's Hot?, What's Safe?, What's Not?
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The HIV Risk continuum is used at the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective in several of its existing programs as a
tool to educate individuals on various sexual activities and the levels of risk these activities can put a person at for
contracting HIV and STDs. William Petrosky, MA; Donna Shubrooks, RN
Saturday Session II
Double Sessions 1:15 - 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations
High School
Express Your Beat!
SU 318/319
In this workshop, we're going to explore gender variance, the awesomeness of being different, and create poetry that can
be shared at the True Colors Closing Ceremony! West (Max) Kogut.
High School
Finding the Voice you want
CB 106
This workshop is meant for young adults who are trying to find their feminine or masculine voices. It is presented by an
experienced speech language pathologist. After a brief introduction participants will explore their own relationship to
their desired voice through individual and group movement, sharing and music. Movement is a powerful means of
getting in touch with oneself and hence with the gestures and voice one wants to own. Alida Engel CCC/SLP, BRS-FD
It's just one more way to get attention!: Family Reactions to Coming Out Transgender
CB 111
When a young family member discloses they are transgender, it adds another layer of denial, fear, and confusion to the
already fraught coming out process. Acceptance and support are a crucial part of a smoother transition, but the family
system may be profoundly threatened while it attempts to understand and adjust to the effects of this stressful life
experience. In this interactive workshop, we shall look at the range of typical reactions to a child’s coming out
transgender, as well as the context in which it occurs. Focusing on family strength, we shall explore ways families can
come together and grow from this life-changing challenge. Carole MacKenzie LCSW, AASECT
General Audience
Life's a DRAG
CB 101
Come see how drag is really done. learn how it started, how to put on face and what the Imperial Sovereign Court does
for our community. maybe even be lucky enough to be put into DRAG. For Queens and Kings alike. Bryce McKinzie
General Audience
My Life in 3 Easy Payments
SU THEATER
MY LIFE IN 3 EASY PAYMENTS is a new one-man show by critically acclaimed spoken word performance artist and former
QVC shopping host Dale Madison. Madison speaks to the pop culture phenomenon of reality shows and the quest for
fame at any cost. If you have basked in the shallow cloak of fame, can you ever really recapture it? Inspired by Sunset
Boulevard, Valley of the Dolls, Diana Ross, All About Eve, African storytelling and his own unique experience of selling
products on live television. Madison offers a humorous interactive story through spoken word, songs, storytelling and
video footage of his life based on his memoirs, DREAMBOY: My Life as a QVC Host & Other Greatest Hits. Dale Madison,
MA
General Audience
Mythology, Art and Healing: A path for personal growth and social change
CB 201
Healing ourselves is the first step in healing our communities, which we believe is the first step in healing the world. In
this hands-on workshop, participants will experience activities that use world mythology and art to support the process of
self discovery and transformation. During the workshop, we will create original art, do a guided healing meditation and
share our stories and dreams for a better world. This is a general audience workshop, however, professionals are
encouraged to attend the same workshop geared toward providers. Amy Beauchamp; Jermaine Benton; Beth
Pulseinella; Tara Rubinstein, BS.Ed
General Audience
Ready to Answer: Responding to Religion-Based Homophobia
SU 304B
“It’s an abomination!” “They want to ‘pick and choose’ what parts of the Bible to obey!” “God created Adam and Eve, not
Adam and Steve!” Most same-gender-loving Christians from fundamentalist backgrounds have heard these phrases, over
and over again, from their “Accusers” – homophobic Christians who refuse to acknowledge LGBT Christians as part of the
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Saturday, Double Session: 1;15 – 4;00 PM
Body of Christ. In this workshop, based upon Rev. Bowens’ book of the same title, participants will directly confront the
Accusers’ favorite slogans; place the “clobber passages” they use against homosexuals in their proper, full context; and
formulate clear, scripturally sound responses and rebuttals to their anti-gay rhetoric. Raised in a fundamentalist church
environment, Rev. Marilyn Bowens J.D., LL.M., M.Div.
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Saturday Session II: 1:15 – 2:30 PM
Saturday Session II
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Various Locations
General Audience
Film: Thy Will Be Done
CB 102
THY WILL BE DONE follows Male-to-Female Transsexual Sara Herwig in her path to ordination in the Presbyterian Church.
Efforts have been made to block her ordination by the evangelical conservative groups who don't recognize her as female
and question her fitness to be a Pastor..... but who also challenge her candidacy because she is in a same-sex relationship,
with a woman. At issue is the organized Christian Church, with all its political and financial power, as one of the fiercest
battlegrounds for LGBT rights and gender recognition. Participants may remain after the film for a self-facilitated
discussion. Starter discussion questions will be available in the room.
College
Gender Identity and It's Expression Across Cultural Lines
SU 303
Butch, femme, Ag, stud...what do they mean and who came up with these distinct terminologies to describe lesbian
women? This workshop will examine the differences in the labeling through culture, generations, ethnicity, etc. Tanisha
McMillan, BS.
College
Pariah
CB 110
First time filmmaker Dee Rees delivers a stunningly effective portrait of a young Brooklyn girl whose conservative black
family cause her to bury her emerging sexual identity as a lesbian. This 27 minute short version of the film will be
followed by a faciliated discussion led by Fleurette King and Serginho Walker. Fleurette King, MA; Serginho Walker.
College
Queer-ies: Working out the Meaning and Necessity of 'Queer'
SU 316/317
A resurgence and reclamation of the word “queer” and queer identity has occurred among younger GLBT individuals in
recent years. Yet the extraordinary flexibility of the idea of “queer” allows us to create our own unique and individual
space and meaning. Is “queer” a political statement? How far does it stretch? What does the “Q” in “LGBTQ” actually
mean? Can one be L, G, B or T AND queer? Where do we fit the BDSM and polyamorous communities? How does the
historical meaning of the word “queer” affect our reclamation of it? We will attempt to contemplate these and other
tantalizing questions through dialogue, group discussion, and sharing of personal stories, and in doing so, come to a
greater understanding of how our personal meanings of “queer” relate to those of others. Krysten Ella Lobisch
High School
Sex, Drugs, and In Control
CB 206
Welcome to this youth led workshop on sex, drugs, and alcohol. From music to videos, reality to fiction, it seems sex and
substances often go together. Explore the connections between them and learn ways to stay safe and stay in control.
Erin Livensparger and S.T.A.R.S. (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality)
Team Kurt! Fox’s GLEE and Teen Bullying Accountability
CB 202
The bullying of LGBTQ youth is both spotlighted by our current society and made invisible. We will open the dialogue with
an analysis of the hit TV show GLEE, and the spotlighted position of Kurt. This show encourages students to love their
individuality but dismisses bullying as an individual problem instead of an institutional epidemic. The publicity around
suicides in the past year show that forcing individuals to conquer bullying alone is not a productive solution. In this
workshop we will explore ways of thinking about bullying, specifically what schools, teachers, parents, and allies must do
to make the world a safer place. Additional topics will include the Trevor Project, the It Gets Better campaign, ways to be
an ally, starting GSA’s, and making your school a safer, more welcoming place for all students. Eva Dayon
General Audience
The Healing Writer
CB 108
Writing is a powerful healing tool. Therapeutic personal writing can help us heal in the broken places and emerge
stronger. We can take our negative experiences and strengthen our spiritual immune system. This workshop will provide
time and space to begin to heal through writing and resources on how to continue the "therapy" long after you've left the
conference. Sarahi Almonte M.S; Spectra Asala; Yarimee Gutierrez
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Saturday Session II: 1:15 – 2:30 PM
General Audience
When Size and Shape Does Matter?!
CB 205
"When Size and Shape Does Matter," is an extensive exploration of condom types aiming to stem the spread of HIV,
STD's, and unwanted pregnancy. The workshop explores condom materials (latex vs. polyurethane), condom textures
(ribbed vs. knobbed), condom fit, lubrication, etc. The workshop focuses on reasons people do not use condoms and
presents options to address these "triggers" as a means of promoting safer sex practices and sexual literacy. According to
the CDC, Young people aged 13-29 accounted for 39% of all new HIV infections in 2009. In order to protect our youth we
must make them informed sexually responsible persons who prioritize their mental, physical, emotional, and sexual
health. Michael Diaz, M.A.
Saturday Session III
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations
General Audience
About Last Night…
CB 202
So you think you met the perfect guy. He’s saying everything you want to hear. So how do you keep it good and protect
yourself at the same time? In this highly interactive and dynamic workshop the participants will engage in activities and
discussion, led by a team of fabulous peer educators from Philadelphia, about the dangers of risky sexual behaviors and
their outcomes. We will explore the dynamics of the most common sexually transmitted diseases/infections and how to
better protect yourself physically and emotionally. D'Angelo Cameron; Kareem Mims
Activist Institute
Craftivism 101: Creating Change Through Public Art
CB 307
You are loved. You are not alone. It gets better. Stick around to see it. There is only one you. Knit Tagging is a form of
graffiti using hand knit or crocheted textiles to bring color and a lighthearted quality to drab, every day landscapes.
People of all ages, genders, and nationalities are expressing themselves creatively through this art form. Riot Prrl (a
knitters' league for positive mischief based in Northampton, MA) will show examples of their own projects, teach you
how to use knit tagging to create change and discussion on your campus or in your local area, and assist participants in
creating and installing their own positive messages on UConn's campus. No knitting, crocheting, or crafting experience
necessary! Rachel Michael, BSA; Brie Sullivan, BA
High School
iBelong.. In comedy!
SU 304A
Comedy is a way to tell a truth. Everyone has a truth to tell. The most important part of being a comic is wanting to
make people laugh and think and consider. You have to be smart to be funny and you have to be smart to get funny. If
you have ever thought, been told you are funny or see things in ways others don't, please consider yourself invited and
give yourself a chance. My world forever changed when I did 8 years ago. From Babysitter, Hairdresser, Jello Wrestling
MC, Chambermaid, Social Worker, Homeless Teen Center Director, Social Media Editor, Activist, True Colors Board
Member, Auctioneer and Comic working colleges, conferences, clubs and very special events. If you think it is for you and
aren't sure or were part of last years epic 'TransRico Meetup' :) fb or tweet me @ www.christineoleary.com Christine
O'Leary
College
LGBT Issues in Fraternity and Sorority Life
CB 205
This workshop will outline and raise awareness to the social difficulties and discrimination that LGBT students face in
regards to Fraternities and Sororities in college life, along with provide help and understanding of how to improve this
situation for individual students, and whole fraternities themselves. The presenters of this workshop will be the Alpha
Chapter of the International Co-ed Social Fraternity Lambda Lambda Lambda and other students in Greek Organizations
at the University of Connecticut. Tri-lambs was founded on January 15, 2006 by a group of ten students at the University
of Connecticut because they did not like what a fraternity is perceived as in modern day: hetero-normative
discrimination, social exclusion, hazing ect, so they created their own fraternity to provide a safe place amongst brothers
to be themselves. Provide Information on LGBT friendly and LGBT specific Greek Organizations, and give advice to
strengthen the ally atmosphere in Greek Organizations. Matthew Palasky
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Saturday Session III: 2:45 – 4:00 PM
General Audience
CB 109
Making The School Environment Safer and More Welcoming For Transgender Students,
Faculty, Staff, Parents, And Others! Or Adventures Of An Out Of The “Quiet
Ally Closet” Advocate For Those Who Are Transgender!
Or Adventures Of An Out Of The “Quiet Ally Closet” Advocate For Those Who Are Transgender! This multimedia session
explores different things that a system or an individual can do to help make a school safer and more welcoming for
transgender youths of all ages from pre-k to college level, faculty, staff, parents, and others from the perspective of an
Out Of The Quiet Ally Closet, dedicated, and out spoken advocate! Advocacy techniques learned in the field, helpful online support groups for allies, relevant books, and portions of media including the award winning film Toilet Training
that have made an impact on promoting understanding and positive changes will be shared . Suggestions will also be
given in regard to making the most of caring allies! Handouts will discussed and time provided for questions, suggestions,
and sharing of participants’ own experiences as or with allies. Thomas Goodkind Ph.D; Elizabeth Rowell Ph.D.
College
Passionate Possibilities: Exploring Nontraditional Relationship Structures
CB 110
Ever thought about having more than one romantic or sexual partner? Felt constricted by the idea of that paired-off
happily ever after? Fell for more than one person at the same time? Does monogamy just not work for you? Come discuss
the multitude of relationship structures and identities that allow for romantic and sexual relationships with more than
one person! We will give you an introduction to how to practice responsible and fun non-monogamy where everyone
consents to multiple relationships. This will include setting boundaries, dealing with jealousy, challenges faced by the
community and more. Lynden Dolan ; Allie Smith
Promote Youth Voices and Youth Leadership in Your Programs!
SU 303
This interactive workshop will provide participants with current information on promising practices and research-based
strategies for involving youth n the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of youth programs. Youth
participants have opportunities to share ideas, and learn about the wide range of youth leadership and empowerment
programs in our state. Resources will include assessment tools and rsources to enhance program effectiveness. Group
will share recommendations for strengthening youth leader roles, and discuss ways to involve diverse youth. Workshop
will be facilitated by a youth-adult team, and youth voice will be encouraged. Deborah Stewart B.S., CPP
High School
Sex, Drugs, and In Control
CB 206
Welcome to this youth led workshop on sex, drugs, and alcohol. From music to videos, reality to fiction, it seems sex and
substances often go together. Explore the connections between them and learn ways to stay safe and stay in control.
STARS (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality)
General Audience
Those Crazy Queers: Mental Illness in the LGBTQ Community
CB 108
Have you ever noticed that gay people often have more “issues” than straight people? Come listen to a presentation
about mental illness in youth and its prevalence in the LGBTQ community compared to the national average. We will
discuss our personal experiences with mental illness, our opinions about the problem, and how gender binaries and
societal norms contribute to the very real personal struggles of many teens and young adults. Kathleen Harrison; Jasmin
Saba-Farmer
General Audience
True Diversity
CB 301
A workshop that challenges stereotypes, and deciphering who we really are. Shelby Davis, BSW
Saturday Closing Session
4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
The pop-dance artist known as Akira is well recognized for his eclectic sense of style, outrageous performances,
catchy songs and strikingly blue hair. He began his love for entertainment at a very young age, but
began self-fostering his talent around 2006, when he crafted his first song. Since that moment, he
has written and self-composed several well received pop-dance records. Those records include,
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Saturday Session III: 2:45 – 4:00 PM
“Ride”, “Spin That Record One More Time” & “Queen On The Street”. He credits a lot of his creativity to his
birthplace of New York City, and his hometown of Greenwich CT. The combination of his performances, style, and
music overall create the reality that he (and the world) will only know as “Akira”. “I am not constrained by the
confines of being solely a singer, a songwriter, a performer, an entertainer, a shock artist. I am the combination of
all. I am Akira.” Akira will also be performing at the dance. http://www.facebook.com/akiraAKmusic e-mail:
abaricorutkin@aol.com
Will Shishmanian is a trans* singer/songwriter from Colchester, CT who is currently
majoring in Music Composition at Ithaca College. He has performed for many years as a
solo artist under the name Maria Shishmanian. In the Summer of 2010, Will worked with
long-time friends Nick Napoletano, Justin Morse, and Ben Perry to record his full length
album "The Right Words for the Wrong People" which can be found on iTunes under the
band name Maria Shishmanian and the Boys. After coming out as trans* and having a good laugh at the irony of his
previous band name, Will now performs with a variety of musicians in Ithaca, NY and at home in CT. He also sings
and plays trumpet in the CT Ska band, Llama Tsunami. Contact Will at 860-884-1130 or at marshish123@gmail.com
Christine O’Leary has always been funny – she began being funny for a living 8 years ago. Since then
she has been nominated one of the Funniest Lesbians in America; has worked with the Indigo Girls,
Margaret Cho and Jennifer Hudson; headlined and hosted Pride Comedy events for Key West Pride
and Business Guild as well as NYC Pride; participated in the first-ever Harvey Milk Day in LA playing
the role of Anne Kronenberg in 'dear harvey'. Most recently, Christine has taped first pilot with transgender funny
man Ian Harvie and Executive Producer Margaret Cho. http://www.christineoleary.com/ She will introduce and MC
a host of funny youth performers who put together their ‘schtick’ in Christine’s workshop, “ibelong in comedy’.
Comedy is just truth in drag. Come check it out!
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Saturday After Hours
Saturday After Hours
Saturday Drag Show:
6:00 - 7:15 p.m.
Hosted by Harlette LeFleur
Harlette LeFleur has been performing in the art of female impersonation for the
last six years at numerous venues from night clubs and colleges to charity events.
Her mix of outrageous twisted humor and feminine beauty has made her one
of Connecticut's drag culture's rising stars. She is excited to return for a 4th year at
the True Colors Conference.
Saturday Youth Dance:
8:00 p.m. – Midnight
FREE TO CONFERENCE HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE ATTENDEES.
YOU MUST HAVE YOUR CONFERENCE LANYARD
TO GAIN ADMISSION.
NOTE: PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BRING GUM, CIGARETTES OR LIGHTERS INTO THE BALLROOM.
Featuring DJ Ron Slomowicz www.djron.com
Mixing music, video, visuals and effects – it’s hard to define what Ron Slomowicz
with a single title. DJ, VJ, Me-J, DVJ, EJ are all a bunch of initials that really don’t
capture the energy of Ron’s unique live performances. As a leader in world of
cutting edge video mixing technology, Ron was the first entertainer in the United
States to use GrandVJ by Arkaos. Working a dual laptop system, Ron seamlessly
beatmixes and blends music and video with Virtual DJ and exports it to GrandVJ
where he adds layers of visuals and effects - literally remixing the videos live. On
stage with two laptops, a piano keyboard, and a lit MIDI controller, the technology
enhances DJ Ron's dynamic live performances. With his cutting edge setup, Ron was featured in Club World, DJ Times and
Remix magazines and has earned a nomination for Best Resident VJ in the Club World Awards for his work at Play Dance Bar in
Nashville, Tennessee. Over the past year, DJ Ron has played in New York City (Splash), Las Vegas (New Year's Eve at Caesar's
Palace,) Miami (Mova), and Chicago (Hunters). Ron is also a journalist covering dance music / electronica for
dancemusic.about.com (owned by New York Times) and fragrance for www.notablescents.net. Follow Ron on twitter at
@djron91
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True Colors Conference Co-Sponsors
True Colors XIX Co-Sponsors
RAINBOW SPONSORS
The Rainbow Center
rainbowcenter@uconn.edu
th
4 Floor, Student Union, 2110 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT
(860) 486–5821
http://www.rainbowcenter.uconn.edu/
The Rainbow Centers serve the diverse community of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and
Allied (GLBTQQA) community and provide resources and services to the wider community of students, faculty, staff,
and local residents. Outside of the informal, safe space where many come to hangout, socialize, check e-mail,
complete academic work, watch TV, and play games, we offer a of number programs to support our mission, such as
our library with over 2,700 books and videos, which will be soon to be searchable on the Homer Babbidge Library
Catalog! Through education and advocacy we aim to reduce the effects of alienation experienced by community
members by diminishing negative behaviors and attitudes toward the GLBTQQA community. In addition to our
efforts, students and other departments have established active campus groups to maintain a positive campus
climate and community support.
CT Department of Public Health
www.ct.gov/dph
(860) 509-8000
DPH’s mission is to protect and improve the health and safety of the people of Connecticut by assuring the
conditions in which people can be healthy; promoting physical and mental health; and preventing disease,
injury and disability
GOLD SPONSORS
Promoting the economic prosperity of Connecticut's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender businesses
CABO has three (3) membership levels based on number of employees and a non-profit membership. Benefits of
membership vary but include listings in the membership directory, discounts and special offers, spotlights at member
events, member to member email blasts, etc. The Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities,
24 Dixwell Ave, #155, New Haven, CT 06511
www.thecabo.org
The Connecticut State Department of Education is the administrative arm of the Connecticut State Board of Education.
Through leadership, curriculum, research, planning, evaluation, assessment, data analyses and other assistance, the
Department helps to ensure equal opportunity and excellence in education for all Connecticut students. The
Department is responsible for distributing funds to the state’s 166 school districts. The Department also operates the
Connecticut Technical High School System.
GLSEN-(Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) strives to assure that each member of every school community is
valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We welcome as members any and
all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or occupation, who are committed to seeing
this philosophy realized in K-12 schools. www.GLSEN.org/Connecticut
(203) 533-9613
The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective empowers individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities
to lead healthy lives through the provision of health and support services, education and advocacy.” The HGLHC
provides a wide array of services which include a weekly STD clinic, a full-service dental clinic for people living with
HIV/AIDS and other HIV-related services including counseling and testing, a variety of LGBT support groups for people
exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, a drop-in center (RainbowRoom) for LGBTQI youth, Queer
Prom”, a college scholarship program and host of positions in which to volunteer as well as information about and
referral to a host of professional services, including medical and mental health providers.
www.hglhc.org or (voice/TDD) (860) 278-4163 email at: info@hglhc.org
True Colors 19 Co-Sponsors
43
True Colors Conference Co-Sponsors
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England is a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate
advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital
reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide.
For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood has promoted a commonsense approach to women’s health and wellbeing, based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and
family planning.
www.ppsne.org
(800) 230-PLAN
SILVER SPONSORS
David Daniel Berdon Fund Committee
www.berdon.uconn.edu
(860)486-5821
The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support for events organized by University of Connecticut registered student organizations,
departments, staff, and faculty, that are designed to foster diversity and tolerance of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered (GLBT) persons.
Klingberg Family Centers
www.klingberg.org
(860) 832-5533
Founded in 1903, Klingberg Family Centers is a private, nonprofit multi-service agency providing help to hundreds of persons across Connecticut
each year. Our mission is to extend hope and healing to children and families whose lives have been affected by abuse in its various forms, severe
family problems and various emotional, developmental and behavioral difficulties. Through an array of residential, special education, foster care
and community programs, children and parents are given the encouragement and skills they need to function more effectively at home, in school
and in their community. Our main campus is located in New Britain, Connecticut. We also offer a wide range of community services from offices in
Hartford, and downtown New Britain.
Focus on Recovery, Inc.
www.focusonrecovery.org
(860) 704-0556
FOR-U is a peer support program staffed entirely by paid and volunteer peers. Focus on Recovery-United, Inc. FOR-U envisions a statewide network
of peer-provided recovery education and support opportunities for adults in Connecticut. (FOR-U) is dedicated to promoting a culture of wellness
by encouraging positive change in the lives of adults, their family members, providers and the community. Our values include mutual respect,
shared responsibility, honesty, hope, education, self-advocacy and support.
National Association of Social Workers, CT
www.naswct.org
(860) 257-8066
The Mission of the NASW/CT Chapter is to advance, at the local and state level, the priorities of NASW, which are: 1. PRACTICE ADVANCEMENT (To
advance the quality of social work practice, improve the knowledge base required for such practice, and to promote professional development
related to improved practice.) 2. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (To promote the strength, unity and recognition of the social work profession and
the acceptance and utilization of its standards.) 3. SOCIAL POLICY AND ACTION (To promote and advance sound public policies and programs
aimed at human need and improved quality of life.) 4. MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION (To improve the effective functioning of NASW as a national
organization and to improve the way in which it serves its members.)
PFLAG, Hartford
www.pflaghartford.org
(860)633-5111
Transgender Issues
(860) 231-8582
Parents, Families, & Friends of LGBT people. Hartford PFLAG meets on the third Wednesday at the Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland
Street in Hartford at 7:30 PM. Members publish a bi-monthly newsletter, provide help-line services, offer educational pamphlets, books and CDs
and work within the Greater Hartford are for LGBT-affirming families, safe schools, inclusive faith communities and informed lawmakers.
UCONN School of Business
http://www.business.uconn.edu
2100 Hillside Ave, Storrs, CT 06269
The mission of the School of Business is to be at the forefront in the development of managerial and business leadership competencies through
exceptional research, innovative experiential learning, and strategic outreach. We value a culture of team building and a learning environment that
encourages and rewards both path-breaking research and stimulating teaching. We believe in the life-long exchange of ideas and a respect for the
diversity of individuals, philosophies, and approaches. We promise our students a dynamic educational environment filled with experiential
learning that will challenge their intellect, enhance their skills, and prepare them for success in life as well as in the competitive world of business.
We promise our stakeholders a pipeline of talented and energized professionals who will create immediate value for their organization and the
communities they serve.
TRUE COLORS FOUNDATION SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:




The Anne S. Richardson Fund
Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund
United Way of the Capital Region
Samuel Roskin Trust
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The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
The Perrin Family Foundation
The Fund for Greater Hartford
TRUE COLORS ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:
 The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut
 Hundreds of individual donors just like YOU
True Colors 19 Co-Sponsors
44
True Colors Vendors
True Colors Mall and Resource Room
Check it out for posters, resource information, LGBTI “culture”, author signings and more!
AIDS Project Hartford
www.aidsprojecthartford.org
(860) 951-4833
AIDS Project Hartford improves the lives of people impacted by HIV through direct services, advocacy, and prevention. APH is the result of a meeting in March of
1985 of a group of gay men who met in a private home to develop a grass roots response to the medical and social problems posed by the AIDS epidemic. We
have remained one of the leading AIDS service organizations in Connecticut since that time and continue to change to fit the needs of the AIDS epidemic. We
depend on our skilled professional staff of twenty-eight people and more than 100 well-trained volunteers from all walks of life to serve people living with
HIV/AIDS or at risk for the disease in the greater Hartford area. The clients we serve today are more diverse and poorer than in the early days of HIV/AIDS, which
reflects the changes in the demographics of the epidemic.
American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut
www.acluct.org
(860) 523-9146
The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that
the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country
ATTIC Youth Center
www.atticyouthcenter.org
(215) 545-4331
The Attic creates opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults
within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. The Attic is proud to be Philadelphia ’s only independent
LGBTQ youth center
CABO
www.thecabo.org
Promoting the economic prosperity of Connecticut's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender businesses, CABO has three (3) membership levels based on number of
employees and a non-profit membership. Benefits of membership vary but include listings in the membership directory, discounts and special offers, spotlights at
member events, member to member email blasts, etc.
Central CT State University LGBT Center
LGBT@ccsu.edu
(860) 832-2090
Student Center, 3rd floor, Rooms 304 – 305. Our campus center for LGBT life, outreach and resources. Visit us online @ www.ccsu.edu/lgbt today!
Connecticut Outreach Society
www.ctoutreach.org
(860) 604-6343
The Connecticut Outreach Society (COS) is a support group for transgender individuals and their spouses or significant others. We provide a safe place for
transgender people to meet and socialize. COS meets twice a month in the Hartford area.
Connecticut Stonewall Foundation
www.stonewallspeakers.org
(860) 523-5799
Stonewall Speakers is a speaker’s bureau comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and allies. Engagements generally include two or more
panelists and combine personal life stories with a question and answer session. We speak with thousands of youth and adults annually in high school classes,
GSA’s, faculty meetings, college classes, or any group that asks for us.
Community Residences, Inc.
www.criinc.org
(860) 621-7600 x117
CRI provides foster care, adoption and support services to children and adolescents in Connecticut. We are always looking for foster/adoptive parents, mentors
and people to help spread the word about the needs of CT's kids and teens!
Crossing the Middle Ground
crossingthemiddleground.com
(860) 798-5692
Creating Allies at your school takes more than just wishing things could be different. We work with GSA’s & Diversity clubs to help you create and sustain
lasting change against judgment and bias at your school or organization. Peace is a group effort!
DCF Office of Foster Care and Adoption Services
ctfosteradopt.com/
(860) 550-6307
LONGING TO BELONGING. When you foster or adopt, you change a child’s world. From a place by themselves to a place they can share. With you.
Donnelly/Colt Progressive Resources
www.donnellycolt.com
(860) 455-9621
Since 1975, Donnelly/colt has designed, distributed and offered custom printing services to progressive groups, activists, campaigns and projects. Human rights,
peace and justice, LGBT rights, environmental justice, social justice are among the issues covered on our buttons, stickers, shirts, posters, postcards, banners and
gifts. US made and Union-Printed. This is our 37th Year!
Focus on Recovery, Inc.
www.focusonrecovery.org
(860) 704-0556
FOR-U is a peer support program staffed entirely by paid and volunteer peers. Focus on Recovery-United, Inc. FOR-U envisions a statewide network of peerprovided recovery education and support opportunities for adults in Connecticut. (FOR-U) is dedicated to promoting a culture of wellness by encouraging positive
change in the lives of adults, their family members, providers and the community. Our values include mutual respect, shared responsibility, honesty, hope,
education, self-advocacy and support.
GLSEN
www.glsen.org
(203) 533-9613
GLSEN-(Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity/expression. We welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or
occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools.
Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective
www.hglhc.org
(860) 278-4163
HGLHC empowers individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to lead healthy lives through the provision of health and support services,
education and advocacy. The Health Collective provides a weekly clinic, a monthly women’s clinic, massage therapy, acupuncture, dental care, HIV-related
services including counseling and testing, support groups for people exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, a youth LGBT support group, as
well as information and referral.
True Colors Vendors
45
True Colors Vendors
Individual Details
individualdetails@gmail.com
(207) 329-3615
Individual Details brings you queer, social jsutice, crafty items that are individual to your mutliple identities. These t-shirts, scarves, magnets, buttons, patches
and light switch plare are created by a True Colors alum and presenter. From In-your-face to under-the radar, there is something for everyone. Visibility for your
Identity
The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc.
www.IPPI.org
(203) 389-6956
The Institute of Professional Practice is a private, non-profit human service and educational organization serving people with developmental and
other disabilities throughout New England and the East Coast.
Klingberg Family Center/ Foster Care/Adoption
www.klingberg.org
(860) 224-9113
Klingberg Family Centers' mission is to build healing relationships that empower children and families to reach their full potential. Our therapeutic foster care
and foster to adopt programs strive to provide support to the children and youth in our programs as well as to the families that care for them. We specialize in
supporting families from the GLBT community.
Little Lamb Knits
(860) 798-9159
National Runaway Switchboard
www.1800runaway.org
(773) 289-1723
The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.
Through hotline and online services, NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and
community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information, visit
www.1800RUNAWAY.org.
Planned Parenthood of Connecticut
www.ppsne.org
(203) 865-5158
The mission of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England is to protect the fundamental right of all individuals to manage their own fertility and sexual health
and to ensure access to the services, education, and information necessary to realize that right.
PFLAG, Hartford
www.pflag.org
(860) 633-5111
Parents, Families, & Friends of LGBT people. Hartford PFLAG meets on the third Wednesday at the Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland Street in
Hartford at 7:30 PM. Members publish a bi-monthly newsletter, provide help-line services, offer educational pamphlets, books and CDs and work within the
Greater Hartford are for LGBT-affirming families, safe schools, inclusive faith communities and informed lawmakers.
Pulse Integration
crossingthemiddleground.org
Working with students, teachers, parents and community organizations to create and sustain positive social change
(860) 798-5692
The Stonewall Speakers
coordinator@stonewallspeakers.org
(860) 523-9799
We are a speakers bureau comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and their allies, who give their hearts, time and travel expenses to help
eliminate hate and promote understanding. Speaking engagements generally include two or more panelists and combine personal life stories with a question and
answer session. We speak to thousands of youth and adults annually. Visit us at www.stonewallspeakers.org for more information and scheduling.
The Rainbow Center
rainbowcenter@uconn.edu
(860) 486–5821
The Rainbow Centers serve the diverse community of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Allied (GLBTQQA) community and provide
resources and services to the wider community of students, faculty, staff, and local residents.
Trade Winds Distributors, LLC:
warrenmlee@cox.net
(860) 306-5160
Trade Winds is your one stop celebration place! Come see us for rainbow flags, feather boas, lucky Buddha’s and much more.
True Colors Fundraising Table
ourtruecolors.org
(860) 232-0050
The conference costs a LOT more than we charge people. The fundraising table helps us cover some of those costs so that we don’t have to raise the price of the
conference. Buy early, buy often – your purchase helps us help youth!
Tony Ferraiolo
snart_art@yahoo.com
(203) 376-8089
Tony runs three different support groups. Translation for transgender youth, TransPACT for parents of transgendered youth, and Create Yourself, which is a
transgender youth art group. Email or call for further information.
Universalist Church of West Hartford
http://westhartforduu.org/
(860) 233-3669
We are a congregation that cherishes our traditions, our children, our democracy, and our openness to many expressions of life’s many truths. In the presence of
a safe and loving community, our mission is: To pursue personal spiritual growth; To minister to each other; To live our faith in our daily lives
Welcoming Congregations, Connecticut
Welcoming Congregations is an informal network of Christian, Jewish, and Unitarian congregations that welcome LGBT persons into their worship and community
lives. Together members hold interfaith worship, film and other educational events, table at regional Pride events, etc. The web site is under development.
True Colors Vendors
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True Colors Presenters
True Colors 19 Presenters
Fernando Abreu
fabreu.ct.dphiu@gmail.com
Fernando studied Business & Financial Management at Johnson and Wales University. During his years in attendance, he pledged into the first
fraternity founded predominately for gay, bisexual and progressive men Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. In the Spring of 2009, he became a full
active member of the Boston Chapter (Delta Chapter). He currently serves as Vice President of Connecticut's Expansion Efforts for Delta Phi Upsilon
Fraternity, Inc.
Lee Acuna
Lee Acuna is a first-year student at UConn, currently undecided about a major. Lee is a member of the UConn marching band, pep band, and band
council, playing the alto saxophone. This does not leave a lot of spare time, but Lee spends that spare time in the Rainbow Center. Lee identifies as
genderqueer, along with being pansexual. Lee's favorite color is green, and favorite type of weather is snow.
Honor Adams, B.A.
honorfrances@gmail.com
(516) 318-1423
Honor achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Women Studies from SUNY New Paltz. She interned at Battered Women’s Services
(Poughkeepsie, NY), where she provided counseling for victims of domestic violence. After graduating, she interned at the Nassau County Coalition
Against Domestic Violence, providing court advocacy for clients. Honor continues to work towards her goal of ending violence as a Community
Educator for the Domestic Violence Education and Prevention Program at My Sisters' Place.
Maria Afouxenides, BS
mafouxen@travelers.com
(860) 954-6394
Maria Afouxenides has worked at Travelers for 4 years and is in her 3rd year in the Insurance Operations Leadership Development Program. Maria is
also the Membership Chair of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Network at Travelers. Maria graduated from the University of
Hartford in 2007 while also playing soccer there. In her free time she enjoys community service, playing soccer, endurance sports, snowboarding,
other fun outdoor activities, spending time with her family/friends, and going on beach vacations!
Julie Alexandrin, Ph.D.
jalexandrin@usm.maine.edu
(207) 228-8320
Dr. Alexandrin is an associate professor of Abilities and Disabilities Studies at the University of Southern Maine. Throughout her career, Dr. Alexandrin
has worked with youth with behavioral problems and/or mental illness, in both educational and non-educational environments. In addition, her
research and teaching addresses stereotyping and biases within the educational setting and creating safe learning environments for all. Dr.
Alexandrin lives with her partner and children in Gorham, ME.
Sarahi Almonte, M.S
sarahi.almonte@gmail.com
(860) 716-8028
Sarahi Almonte M.S. writer. poet. performer. community organizer. people shaker. thought provoker. survivor. fighter. newyodominirican. lover.
dreamer. writer. poet. Performer
M Ambuter M.Ed.
mambuter@fourriverscharter.org
M is a gender/queer high school teacher and adviser to her school's social justice club. She has been involved in trans activism and social justice
education since she was in college and loves working with youth to explore the complexities of identity. When M is not doing social justice work, she
likes to read, play scrabble and cook.
Erik Anderson
Erik@thepridenetwork.org
(203) 952-5325
Erik Anderson is the Director of Community Partnerships for The Pride Network. He has been an active participant and leader in the Fairfield County
LGBT Community for the past several years. Erik is a co-founder of The Alliance, an LGBTQ youth group based in Norwalk, CT. Erik has worked as an
advocate with the Superintendent of Norwalk Schools and the Mayor of Norwalk to help LGBTQ youth in his community.
Madelyn Ardito BA Theatre Studies
madelynardito@gmail.com
(203) 530-1069
Madelyn Ardito, Company Manager and Artist Representative, has been honored to work with Collective Consciousness Theatre Company since early
November 2009. Madelyn serves as a grant writer, playwright, and workshop leader for the company. She is passionately dedicated to providing
theatre with a message to the community in order to inspire social change.
Julian Arias
kyetra1@gmail.com
(203) 424-8869
Julian Arias is the Student Coordinator of GLSEN Connecticut’s Jump-Start Team. He is a Junior at Stamford High School and an active member of his GSA.
Kaethe Armitage
karmitage@fourriverscharter.org
Kaethe is a senior in high school and is old enough to make decisions about his body. He has been an out trans student for a few years, and is a peer
leader in GenQ and TREE, which are social support groups for queer youth. Kaethe is committed to reinventing the universe. His vision for the future
involves much love, hope and art.
Spectra Asala
SPECTRA ASALA is a Nigerian immigrant afrofeminist queer woman of color, a social activist and writer at Spectra Speaks, a self-proclaimed “iQWOC”,
and the founder of Queer Women of Color and Friends (QWOC+ Boston)
Gerri August, Ph.D.
gaugust@ric.edu
(401) 578-7755
Gerri August, Ph.D., is a member of the Foundations faculty in the Department of Educational Studies at Rhode Island College. Her research focus is
transformative pedagogy. She is an Education Alliance Fellow, Brown University.
Devin Avshalom-Smith
devin.avshalomsmith@gmail.com
(860) 778-0051
Devin Abdul Qawi Avshalom-Smith is a 23 year old poet, activist, student, brother, nephew, grandson, uncle, cousin, and transman. He has formerly
attended The George Washington University and Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. Devin is currently a student at Central
Connecticut State University where he is majoring in Psychology with a minor in African-American Studies. Video documentation of his transition
experience can be found on his Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/SirDevinaire
47
Ilica Balaban, CPT
ibalaban@excelfitnessct.com
(860) 805-5760
Ilicia Balaban has been working as an ACE certified personal trainer in the West Hartford area since graduating college in 2008. She is currently
looking to pursue a second degree in Social Work from UCONN SSW. Ilicia has a history of being overweight herself and today helps to maintain her
healthy lifestyle by acting as a coach, mentor and source of inspiration to her clients.
Ternise Barrett
tbarrett@sjc.edu
Ternise is a 22 year old senior at St. Joseph’s College, and is majoring in social work. She is a True Colors alumnus and strong advocate for female
masculinity and the "Stud" Lifestyle.
Amy Beauchamp
(215) 545-4331 x158
Amy Beauchamp is 18 years old, and is new to the Attic this year. She has been actively involved in the Mythology group. She is studying graphic
design at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.
Dave Bechtel, Ed.D.
bechtel@xsector.com
(203) 772-2050 x17
Cross Sector Consulting staffs the Connecticut HIV Planning Youth Advisory Group. Dave Bechtel is an evaluation and program development
consultant who focuses on projects that promote youth development. Dave has helped develop models on topics including involving youth in HIV
prevention planning and creating family learning opportunities within local arts and cultural institutions. Dave will assist youth in developing and
facilitating the workshop.
Kathy Belge, BA
kathy@kathybelge.com
(503) 522-2192
Kathy Belge co-authored the books Lipstick & Dipstick’s Essential Guide to Lesbian Relationships and Queer: the Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens. She
writes on lesbian life for Curve magazine and About.com. She has worked extensively with queer youth and was the director of the Sexual Minority
Youth Resource Center in Portland, Oregon.
Jermaine Benton
Jermaine Benton is 18 years old, and has an active leader in the Art and Mythology groups at the Attic Youth Center. He is working with Beth to
create a youth-run print shop based at the Attic. He is planning to study graphic design at Temple University (Tyler) starting this spring.
Flor Bermudez J.D.
fbermudez@lambdalegal.org
(212) 809-8585 x241
Flor is currently dedicated full time to Lambda's Youth in Out-of-Home Care Project, addressing the needs of LGBTQ adolescents and adults involved
with the country's foster care, juvenile justice and homeless systems. Flor travels around the country presenting at legal, child welfare, homeless and
juvenile justice conferences, publishes articles and advocates for much needed reform. For four years before joining Lambda Legal, Flor Bermudez
served as the founding Executive Director of Esperanza del Barrio, where she also worked as a Staff Attorney focusing on impact legal work and
public education to advance the interests of Latina immigrants. From 2001-2003 Flor worked as a Skadden Public Interest Fellow Staff Attorney at
Mothers on the Move and the Urban Justice Center, where she brought affirmative civil rights litigation and conducted education workshops. After
graduating from Rutgers Law School in 2000, where she was Articles Editor for the Rutgers Law Review, Flor clerked for former Justice Gary Stein of
the New Jersey Supreme Court. Flor has extensive public speaking experience and has conducted education workshops on youth issues as well as in
tenants’ rights, civil rights, welfare, and immigration.
Kevin Bessette
kmbessette@gmail.com
(203) 747-4494
Kevin is a 28 year-old Practice Manager and Research Coordinator for a weight loss surgery practice. He will speak to his experience and struggles as
being a morbidly obese teen, and the change in losing 160 pounds from having had gastric bypass surgery.
Garry Bevel, JD
Garry.Bevel@ameicanbar.org
(202) 662-1749
Garry is currently a Staff Attorney with the American Bar Association's Center on Children and the Law: Opening Doors for LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care
Project and Staff Director of the Center’s Commission on Youth-at-Risk in Washington, DC. He is a former Miami-Dade prosecutor and was a litigation
attorney for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program. Garry earned a B.A. from Florida State University and J.D. from UNC - Chapel Hill School of Law.
John Boiano
jboiano@snet.net
(860) 798-5692
John is the Founder / Director, of Pulse Integration LLC in Ashford, CT. John is a dynamic motivational facilitator who has a unique approach for
working with students and faculty alike. He specializes in “connecting the dots” with peer-to-peer and teacher to student relationships. John’s ability
to break through the rhetoric while motivating participants to new levels of awareness and accountability is as creative and thought provoking, as it is
compassionate. He focuses on creating sustainable positive school cultures with an emphasis on motivating bystanders to become allies.
Gil Borrino
gen.borrino@gmail.com
(860) 818-1476
Gil Borrino, a GLSEN Connecticut Jump-Start Student Leader, is a Senior at the Watkinson School. She is an officer in her school’s GSA and has helped
run summer programs for kids through her town’s police department.
Marilyn Bowens, J.D., LL.M., M.Div.
marilynbowens@gmail.com
(203) 691-9403
Raised in a fundamentalist church environment, Rev. Marilyn Bowens initially sensed her call to ministry in her youth. “Life happened,” and delayed
her response to that call. She pursued a career as an attorney and law professor instead. She was ordained as clergy of the Metropolitan Community
Church in 2007, and served as the pastor of MCC-New Haven from January 2008 – December 2011. Rev. Bowens is also ordained by The Fellowship
of Affirming Ministries.
Bob Brex, M.A.T.
necasa@snet.net
(860) 779-9253
Bob Brex was one of the original incorporators and the first President of the Board of Directors of True Colors. In 1998, he was honored with the
Bayard Rustin Award for Community Organizing from the Ct Coalition for GLBT Civil Rights. Bob is Executive Director of NECASA, a community antidrug coalition in NE CT.
Kate Burnett
Kate is an eighth grader at Four Rivers Charter Public School. She wears plaid every day and has some adorable sweater vests. She recently came out
as a lesbian, and it is going okay. Some days are better than others. Kate is awesome and brave. The end.
Andy Bydalek
skinnyfatmovie@gmail.com
48
Writer-director Andy Bydalek is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has played in festivals across the world. With a focus on issues that affect
the LGBT community, Andy combines insightful perspective, a clear narrative voice and compelling visuals to produce unique films that entertain and
provoke thought. His recent short Skinnyfat was awarded a grant from the Queer Cultural Center with support from the California Council for the
Arts, and Andy has presented it as part of a body image discussion in multiple workshops.
Senator Beth Bye MSW
On Nov. 2, 2010, Senator Beth Bye was elected to represent the citizens of the 5th senate district towns of West Hartford, Bloomfield, Burlington and
Farmington. Beth was first elected to the state legislature in 2006 to represent the 19th assembly district. In the Senate, Beth is co-chair of the Higher
Education and Employment Advancement Committee and is a member of the Appropriations, Education, Internship, and Judiciary committees. Beth
was named “Legislator of the Year” in 2009 and 2011 by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance. She has been named one of a dozen
“Environmental Champions” by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. Even before she was elected to the General Assembly, Beth was
recognized for her outstanding community work. The National Council of Jewish Women presented Beth with its “Women Who Dare Award” in 2002.
Beth was named one of Connecticut Magazine’s “30 Young People of Influence”. Beth lives in West Hartford Center with her two daughters, Brittany
and Caroline, and two step sons, Peter and Adam. She married longtime Conard High School teacher Tracey Wilson in 2008.
Alannah Caldwell
Alannah Caldwell is 21 years old, and pursuing her dream to be an actress. True Colors regulars will remember her as "Bishop the Drag King." She has
been a member of the Attic Youth Center for the past three years. The Attic creates opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and
Questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the
acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. The Attic is proud to be Philadelphia ’s only independent LGBTQ youth center
D'Angelo Cameron
D’Angelo Cameron and Kareem Mims are from the The Attic Youth Center. The Attic creates opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes
the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. The Attic is proud to be Philadelphia ’s only independent LGBTQ youth center
Paola Chanes-Mora, B.A.
chanes.paola@gmail.com
(860) 486-0772
Paola Chanes-Mora is a Graduate Assistant in the Health Education Office and is completing her Master’s Degree in Public Health and a PostBaccalaureate in pre-medical sciences at the University of Connecticut in 2013. She obtained her B.A. in religion from Boston University. Paola plans
to use her multicultural studies, public health and science background to help develop international sexual health education programs. Paola is
applying to medical schools and is interested in preventive health medicine.
Taylor Chapin
TChapin@fourriverscharter.org
Taylor Chapin is not a rebel lesbian, does not have purple hair, and does not love kittens. She is an amazing bisexual activist and can contribute
amazing insight into any conversation about social justice.
Autumn Christoforo
Christoforo003@connect.wcsu.edu
Autumn Christoforo is a Junior year at Western Connecticut State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Music Performance. Ze has been
heavily involved with the WCSU Gay/Straight Alliance for three years and is the current President. In zir spare time ze-hahaha...spare time.
Raymond Clark, Jr
Rclarke@travelers.com
(860) 277-3102
Raymond Clarke, Jr. has worked at Travelers for 8 years in a project management role within the Personal Insurance division. Raymond is also the
Membership Co-chair for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Network at Travelers. Raymond earned an associate’s degree from ITT
Technical Institute in 2004. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family back in New Jersey, researching family genealogy, reading
books and continuing his education, traveling with his partner and cuddling with his three adorable dogs.
Edwin Colon, JD, MSW
ecolon@kidscounsel.org
(860) 570-5327 x226
Edwin Colon works in the Center's Team Child Juvenile Justice Project to advocate in the Hartford public schools on behalf of youth who are involved
in the juvenile justice system. He also works with CCA's teen legal clients in Fairfield County, helping to resolve legal issues that prevent youth from
achieving academic success. He holds a JD from University of Connecticut School of Law, and a MSW from University of Connecticut School of Social
Work.
Anthony Crisci, BA
Anthony@thepridenetwork.org
(203) 981-2345
Anthony Crisci is the Director of Organizing at The Pride Network, where he helps develop programing for the regional organization. He also works in
the Programs department at PJA & JFSJ, a Jewish social justice non-profit foundation. Anthony was an intern in the Community Initiatives department
at the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, a national LGBTQ non-profit. Anthony also worked at the Wildlife Conservation Society as a
Teaching Fellow in the Education department. In his free time, Anthony volunteers at St. Paul’s on the Green, an episcopal church with a strong focus
on social justice and LGBTQ advocacy that serves Norwalk, CT and the surrounding community. Anthony received a BA in Biology from Hofstra
University with a concentration in ecology and evolution.
Lyndon Cudlitz
lyndoncudlitz@gmail.com
(207) 329-3615
Lyndon Cudlitz is the Creator/Director of CampOUT, an LGTBQA youth retreat in Maine. After speaking publicly since age 16, this fishnet-wearing
firefighter coordinated a speakers’ bureau of queer youth. As a social justice activist and educator, performance artist, and sexuality educator,
Lyndon brings many perspectives to his work. Lyndon’s also an artist - so stop by his table in the True Colors Mall
Andre Cunningham
Andre Cunningham is a youth staff members of the Peer Support Prevention Team at The Attic Youth Center. He is 19 years old and currently
attending Community College of Philadelphia. Andre was part of the Life's A Drag! Workshop and performance last year, and looks forward to
returning to True Colors!
Barbara Curry
barbcurry@mindspring.com
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Barbara Curry is an Emmy Award winning television Director and part-time advocate for Gender Equality. She is a frequent speaker in classrooms
and at corporations. She is a voracious conversationalist and listener. A long-time supporter of True Colors, she is the “Diva of Technology” as well as
a workshop presenter.
Gina D'Angelo
gina.dangelo@po.state.ct.us
(860) 509-8130
Gina D'Angelo, a Health Program Associate with the HIV Prevention Unit at the Department of Public Health staffs the Connecticut HIV Planning
Youth Advisory Group as part of the Department's HIV planning effort. The HIV Prevention Unit, coordinates prevention initiatives throughout
Connecticut to high-risk priority populations including injection drug users, men who have sex with men, and other high-risk individuals. Services
provided include Outreach, HIV Testing, and Linkage to Care, Comprehensive Risk Counseling Services and Prevention Counseling, Effective
Behavioral Interventions, and Syringe Exchange Programs. Gina will assist youth in developing and facilitating the workshop.
Shelby Davis, BSW
shelbycdavis@gmail.com
Shelby C. Davis is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University (class of ‘08) and has his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and many credits in
Education. He is currently working on his masters in counseling at the University of Bridgeport. In his spare time he enjoys volunteering, theater arts,
exercising and traveling. Shelby is a vivid educator of diversity related issues, theater, and career building.
Eva Dayon
edayon_8185@email.ric.edu
Eva Dayon is an Undergraduate at Rhode Island College in Providence. Ze is majoring in Anthropology and Education, minoring in Women’s and
Gender Studies, with a focus in social justice and transgender advocacy. Ze identifies as a gender-nonconforming, female-bodied lesbian and feminist.
Ze welcomes you to come with your questions, enthusiasm, and an open mind to join in the conversation!
Jayne Dean, MA
jaynedean@hotmail.com
(860) 233-4830 x6
Jayne Dean, LMFT, LADC, is a practicing psychotherapist since 1987. She is a certified Expressive Movement Therapist and a Kripalu YogaDance: Shake
Your Soul instructor. She graduated from the Levin Institute for Expressive Movement in 2002 and served on the faculty for a number of years.
Jayne's enthusiasm for movement extends to circus arts and she has been involved in flying trapeze and aerial silks for the past decade.
Elise Delacruz, MA
EDelacruz@womenfamilies.org
(203) 389-5010 x306
Elise Delacruz is a long time advocate for the LGBT and other marginalized communities. After obtaining her MA from the University of Louisville’s
Pan African Studies program, where she focused on gender presentation in the Black Lesbian community, she devoted more of her time to working
directly with the LGBT community. Now she is the LGBT Advocate at the Women and Families Center’s Sexual Assault Crisis Services program. She
hopes to one day live in a world free of violence and discrimination.
Michael Diaz, M.A.
mdiaz@hafnyc.org
(860) 338-3128
Michael is the Coordinator of the Latino Youth in Action (LYIA) Program, a leadership development program for young LGBTQ youth. In 2009, He
received an M.A in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University where his graduate thesis looked at friendship dynamics between
Heterosexual identified Latino men and their Gay identified friends. In 2006, he earned a B.A from Brown University in International Relations with a
focus on the politics of Culture and Identity.
Brent DiGiorgio
breconn900@aol.com
(203) 341-9179
Brent DiGiorgio is a public relations executive who has worked in financial communications throughout his career. He is currently Director of
Communications for the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, which works to improve education and health care for young people in Connecticut's
largest city. Brent is a graduate of The Choate School and Connecticut College. Growing up in Litchfield, Connecticut, Brent has lived in West
Hartford and now resides in Westport. He enjoys international travel and has visited more than 40 countries to date.
Lynden Dolan
lyndendolan@gmail.com
(860) 335-0340
Lynden Dolan is an undergrad student at UCONN, an activist and nerds out for anything gender, sexuality and/or social justice. Ze identifies as
pansexual, polyamorous, kinky and genderqueer and works from a transfeminist, radical queer and sex-positive perspective. Lyn is a life-long resident
of Connecticut, loves writing poetry and prose, reading fantasy/scifi novels, arguing queer pedagogy and teaching sexuality. Ze prefers ze/zir and
they/them but will happily answer to any pronoun.
Jen Donnelly
Jennifer.Donnelly@uconn.edu
Jennifer is a student at University of Connecticut in her junior year, a psychology and women's studies double major with a music minor. Jennifer is a
patron of the Rainbow Center and a Violence Against Women Prevention Program Peer Facilitator.
Erik Dossier
Erik has been active in the GLBT community since his first year of high school and out as a transman since 2007. He is a student in veterinary medicine
and tends to spend time being mauled by evil cats. When not bleeding, he enjoys playing with his own menagerie of animals, who are much nicer.
Ricia Elwell-Socci
relwells@smith.edu
Rica is a white, gay Smithie. She’s been promoting social justice throughout high school and into college. She’s particularly interested in white
privilege, gender and sexuality. She’s led workshops in her high school and has attended several local social justice conferences. She’s a huge fan of
hugs, she’s a big supporter of To Write Love On Her Arms and she loves her girlfriend a whole lot.
Simone Evanson
Simone Evanson is 19 years old and a student at Community College. She is a proud ally who loves and supports her gay brother, who is also an Attic
Youth. Simone is part of the Attic's award winning dance team, and is so excited about sharing music as a way to bridge differences and build connections.
James Ezzes
jimezzes@att.net
(203) 227-4861
James Ezzes, a former entertainment executive in television and theater, is currently a general contractor in Connecticut. Jim is the Chairman of the
Westport Democratic Town Committee and was one of seven members of the Electoral College for Connecticut for the last presidential election. Jim
has participated at the True Colors Conference for the past three years.
Tony Ferraiolo, CPC
snart_art@yahoo.com
(203) 376-8089
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Tony Ferraiolo, CPC is a Certified Life Coach and Transgender Youth Advocate in New Haven, CT. In 2006 he founded several groups to support
transgender youth and their families: Translation, a support group for transgender teenagers; Create Yourself, an art group for gender nonconforming children under the age of twelve; TransPACT, a support group for parents of transgender and gender non-conforming children; and most
recently, a support group for siblings of transgender and gender non conforming children. Tony's coaching practice specializes in transgender youth
and families.
Angie Flynn
Aflynn@fourriverscharter.org
Angie Flynn has been knitting scarves in Biology class and giving students advice on safe sex. She is a fashionista who loves utensil jewelry and
reading. She is committed to making sex as safe and fun as possible.
Brad Forenza, MSW
bradforenza@yahoo.com
Brad Forenza is a doctorial student at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey; his research foci include social policy analysis, youth development,
and community organizing. Brad started his career as an intern in the Office of (former) U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton; for five subsequent
years, he worked for a member of the New Jersey Legislature. In his free time, Brad enjoys writing and performing.
Deborah Freedman
Deborah.Freedman@ct.gov
(860) 257-5046
Deborah has been the School Psychologist at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford for 13 years. She is also the GSA Advisor at Prince.
Christian Fuscarino
Christian@thepridenetwork.org
(732) 685-7386
Christian Fuscarino is a LGBTQ rights activist, and founder of the regional organization, The Pride Network. He is the former Northeast Region
Coordinator for GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network where he worked with high school GSAs for six years. In 2007, Christian joined
the Pride Connections Center of New Jersey as a program developer for urban gay youth. That same year he won the National Academy of Television
Arts and Sciences "Student Emmy" award for his "End the Silence" public service announcement; raising awareness of anti-LGBT bullying in schools.
Currently, he is Operations Director for The Pride Network and pursuing his degree in Television Broadcasting and LGBT studies at Hofstra University.
William Gaffney
Whgaffney4@yahoo.com
William is a student at Marymount Manhattan College studying Acting and Directing and has attended True Colors for the past 5 years! William loves
teaching and directing discussions with large groups and has previously taught a class at True Colors called Coming Out Stories! William was president
of his GSA for three years of high school, and is currently directing a theatrical piece being featured in multiple theatre festivals throughout
Manhattan and Philadelphia!
Sandra Gallien, MSW, MBA
(860) 202-3581
Sandra Gallien is a social worker with focus and training in social work policy. She has a MSW from UCONN School of Social Work and has worked at
the United Way of Connecticut for over 10 years. Personally and professionally she has been involved in the mental health field since enrolling in
college in 1975. She works to help people advocate for themselves and, when necessary, intervenes on their behalf. She works with a multitude of
populations, including people who are developmentally challenged and children.
Jonathan Gillman, BA, MA, MFA
lookingin@comcast.net
(860) 680-5269
The Looking In actors are all high school students, trained in the issues. Jonathan is the head of the theater department at the Greater Hartford
Academy of the Arts, and a writer.
Tyler Goff
gross027@connect.wcsu.edu
Jamie Goodard
jgoddard@workplace.org
(203) 610-8540
Jamie Goddard works for The WorkPlace on the Add Us In/DiversityWorks initiative, funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy. The grant
seeks to help small employers hire individuals from the disability community, including LGBT individuals with disabilities. Jamie is an ally and
advocate, who brings her background in business strategy and processes, change management and coaching to facilitate systemic change in hiring
people with disabilities, including LGBT individuals with disabilities. She seeks to break down barriers and myths to ensure small employers leverage
the bottom-line and cultural benefits of hiring a diverse workforce.
Thomas Goodkind, Ph.D
tbgoodkind@snet.net
(860) 974-1814
Tom, a professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University Of Connecticut Neag School Of Education, is very interested in diversity issues and
concerns. He teaches media literacy as well as courses dealing with elementary school children, technology and the curriculum, and social studies.
Tom coordinates the annual Northeast Media Literacy Conference at the University of Connecticut which is to be held on March 16, 2012.
Paul Grabowski
grabowski.paul@gmail.com
(860) 486-0772
Paul Grabowski is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut studying towards an individualized degree in Human Sexuality
in Modern Society. Paul has been an UConn Sexpert for the past three years. He has presented at regional peer education conferences on various
topics of sexual health and aspires to have a future career in the field of sexuality.
Brenner Green
bgreen@conncoll.edu
(860) 617-6809
Brenner Green is a senior at Connecticut College. At Connecticut College, Brenner studies psychology and is writing his honors thesis about
friendships between gay male athletes and their straight teammates. Brenner is a varsity member and captain of the men's cross-country and track
teams at Connecticut College. He is also featured in the documentary "Out for the Long Run" about openly gay and lesbian athletes. Brenner will be
teaching secondary special education in Las Vegas after he graduates in May.
Pat Griffin, Ed.D
sportsproject@glsen.org
(413) 253-7210
Pat Griffin is Professor Emeritus in the Social Justice Education Program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and project director for
Changing the Game: The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Sports Project (sports.glsen.org) whose mission is to assist K-12 schools in
making athletics and physical education respectful, safe and inclusive for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. She coached
swimming at UMass and taught high school PE in MD
Sean Griffin
Griffin049@connect.wcsu.edu
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Sean P. Griffin is a freshman at Western Connecticut State University and an active member of their Gay/Straight Alliance. He is openly gay and proud
to say "I like boys!"
Jake Griffiths-Gardner
Yarimee Gutierrez
yarimee.gutierrez@gmail.com
YARIMEE GUTIERREZ is a fierce queer femme Puertominican nacionalista, a poet by the name of Idalia, who has a 9-5 fighting for cultural competency
around latin@ issues in the corporatized health industry.
Tanya Hague-Doehr, MS
tanyahague-doehr@endingviolence.com
(860) 490-3371
Tanya Hague is the Domestic Violence Consultant for the Meriden and Middletown DCF offices; providing case consultation and training for DCF staff.
Tanya is a Certified School Counselor and holds her M.S. in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University. Her 9 years of experience in the
field of domestic violence includes: planning and implementing educational/professional programs, peer counseling/advocacy, group facilitation,
hotline coverage and consulting for the Department of Children and Families.
Liz Halla-Mattingly
ehalla@ywcanewbritain.org
(203) 232-3583
Liz Halla-Mattingly is a Certified Sexual Assault Counselor Advocate and a Prevention Educator for the Sexual Assault Crisis Service of the YWCA New
Britain. Liz has a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and is a supporter of the LGBTQIA Rights movement.
Samson Zarek Hampton
samehampton@gmail.com
Samson Zarek is a 20 year old proud pansexual two-spirited transman and full time faggette. He is an HIV educator with the Oceanstate Mpowerment
Group through Youth Pride Inc. He transitioned in his junior year of high school at Great Path Academy and currently is studying Deaf Education &
Human Services. In his spare time he is a political activist, a drag performer and a advocate for queer rights.
Kathleen Harrison
harrisonk@emmanuel.edu
(860) 756-6986
Kathleen Harrison is a senior and Psychology major at Emmanuel College in Boston with a minor in Gender Studies. She is intensely interested in
LBGTQI issues and mental health and hopes to enter a clinical psychology program for graduate school. She has attended the True Colors conference
since she was 14 and is very excited to present this year!
Melissa Hartlipp
melissa.hartlipp@marvelwood.org
(845) 475-7549
Melissa Hartlipp is 15 and a Sophomore at the Marvelwood School. She is a member of her school’s GSA as well a GLSEN Connecticut Jump-Start
Student Leader.
Timothy Haskell, MA
thaskell@nwcc.commnet.edu
(860) 738-6376
Timothy has been working in colleges and universities for the past ten+ years. He came to Northwestern Connecticut Community College in the
Summer of 2008, and teaches English here. He helped to co-found the school's successful REAL Club, a club devoted to GLBT issues, and is currently
the advisor of the club. Teaching is Timothy's passio. "I love the opportunities I get everyday to learn with and from my students."
Kamora Herrington
kamorah@ourtruecolors.org
(860) 232-0050 x313
Kamora Le'Ella Herrington is the Mentoring Program Coordinator for True Colors, Inc., a support and advocacy organization for sexual minority youth
based in Hartford, Connecticut. Ms. Herrington has over 20 years of experience in the human services field and has become a vocal advocate for
LGBT youth. In 2009, Ms. Herrington appeared on the Tyra Banks show titled "Hell to pay gay teen exorcism" after one of the youth in her program
was videotaped being exorcised. In 2010, Ms. Herrington was featured on the CNN special report titled, "Gay teens talk their truth." She is a 2010
Faith Works Fellow with the Conference of Churches based in Hartford and is committed to bringing understanding to the intersectionalities of
identity. In 2010 Ms. Herrington participated as an activist leader at the National Black Justice Coalition's (NBJC) "Out on the Hill LGBT Leadership
Summit" in Washington, D.C. to organize with other thought leaders, faith leaders, philanthropists and activists who are organizing to empower their
communities while educating Congressional leaders, the Obama Administration and federal agencies about Black LGBT public policy concerns. She is
currently a member of the NBJC Leadership Advisory Council, however her proudest accomplishment has been raising her son.
Kailee Himes
kailee.himes@uconn.edu
Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Kailee is an easy-going, mountain climbing, world travel addicted person. Kailee is a UConn student majoring in
secondary math education as well as a minor in economics. "I'm passionate about LGBTQ education and awareness. This will be my first True Colors
conference and I'm thrilled to help with everything this year. "
Rachel Houle
rachelhoule@comcast.net
Rachel is a young Straight Ally who has been active in the LGBTQ community for over two years.
William Howe, BA, B.Ed., MSc, MA, Ed.D.
william.howe@ct.gov
(860) 713-6752
Dr. William A. Howe is the education consultant for culturally responsive education, multicultural education, gender equity and civil rights at the
Connecticut State Department of Education. He is also an adjunct professor of education at Albertus Magnus College and Quinnipiac University. He is
on the boards of several organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League’s Making Diversity Count Advisory Board, National Advisory Board
STEM Equity Pipeline, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Welcoming Schools National Advisory Council, Native Village Board of Advisors, University of
Connecticut Asian American Studies Institute; the editorial board of Multicultural Perspectives, the official journal of the National Association for
Multicultural Education (NAME); and Senior Advisory Council for The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Connecticut.
Alexia Hurley
ahurley@metmail.org
(401) 996-2469
Alexia is pansexual, genderqueer, polyamorous, transperson and a professional nerd who thinks "bow ties are cool." She is a full time student of the
Community College of Rhode Island and works part time as a web developer. In hir free time she is an activist, Al-Anon member, and science buff.
Stephanie Jacobs
Stephanie Jacobs is an 18-year-old freshman at UConn. Along with sating her passion for psychology and human behaviors, she spends her time in
the Rainbow Center hanging out, participating in a diverse sexualities group, and partaking in the Speakers Bureau to educate the masses about the
wonderful world of the Alphabet Soup (LGBTQQIAAO). She is a pansexual pagan with a flair for cooking and an obsession with the equine.
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Kian F Jacobs, MSW, LCSW
k_j_msw@yahoo.com
(860) 871-2200
Kian Jacobs is a counseling professional and psychotherapeutic practitioner located in Ellington, Connecticut. She received her Associates degree in
Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Westfield State University, and was awarded her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from
the Smith College School for Social Work. Kian Jacobs extensive experience as a counselor and social worker has included service as an outreach
clinician, victim advocate, crisis interventionist as well as success in the areas of family preservation and reunification services. Kian also provides
counseling services in the office, home, and courtroom in the areas of vocational skills counseling, substance abuse group counseling, work with the
elderly and disabled, and expressive arts therapy. She also employs her skills in these environments to assist those with one-on-one individualized
therapy. She is specializing in art therapy, clinical and developmental assessment of children, intensive case management for children, youth, adults,
and families, as well as individual, family and couples counseling. Kian Jacobs has certifications in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Level I, Birth to Three
Assessment, and Advanced Practice with Children and Adolescents. She is a field trained AIDS and HIV counselor.
Valerie Jaeger
Jaeger007@connect.wcsu.edu
Valerie Jaeger is a senior Anthropology major at Western Connecticut State University. She was a co-founder of her high school's Gay/Straight
Alliance, is an active member of her University's GSA, and has been involved in LGBTQ issues and safe sex advocacy for the past decade.
Joy Karim
joykarim1@hotmail.com
(860) 796-9461
Joy has extensive background in and has completed all the requirements of the certification program within The Institute for The Work. She offers a
complimentary session by phone or Skype to anyone who wishes to try The Work. The Work is a daily practice for Joy and has transformed her life
and relationships. Joys says, "My desire is to share the power and possibilities The Work uncovers and help others find freedom from suffering." For
more information, please go to www.TheWorkwithJoy.com.
Jill Karno
Jillian Karno is a graduate of Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. She is currently working in social services to help people recognize their strengths
and ability to work with others. This will be her fourth year as part of the True Colors Conference.
Darien Kenny
DKenny@fourriverscharter.org
Darien Kenny would like to have a hippi-commune for the elderly and help take care of them. She loves to color and contributes her fun, enthusiastic
energy to our social justice committee.
Andrea Khoury, JD
Andrea.Khoury@americanbar.org
(202) 662-1730
Andrea is the Director of the ABA Youth at Risk Bar-Youth Empowerment Project focusing on adolescent’s access to attorneys, children’s right to
counsel, and youth involvement in court hearings. She is an Assistant Director of Child Welfare for the National Child Welfare Resource Center on
Legal and Judicial Issues and co-authored Opening Doors for LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care: A Guide for Lawyers and Judges. She has represented
children in abuse and neglect cases for over 10 years.
Fleurette King MA
fleurette.king@uconn.edu
(860) 486-5821
As the director of the University of Connecticut Rainbow Center, a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender resource center, Fleurette King oversees the
center's operation and staff to fulfill itsâ€™ mission and vision. Kingâ€™s involvement in social justice education and valuing diversity efforts,
inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression expands over a 18-year career in higher education. King obtained a B.A. in
Sociology with a minor in Ethnic Studies from Bowling Green State University and a M.A. in Sociology from DePaul University. Kingâ€™s participation
in local, regional and national networks reflects a deep passion and commitment to social justice. King enjoys racquetball, quality time with partner,
friends and family and short walks on the beach.
West (Max) Kogut
ft_max@yahoo.com
(510) 515-4264
West Kogut is a 19 year old non-profit worker at LYRIC (The Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center). He works for youth empowerment,
transgender equality, and social justic. He facilitates a group for trans and gender variant youth, and has been so inspired from working with youth,
that he wants to work in queer non-profit and schools for the rest of his life! He also enjoys most things nerdy.
Jesse Kohut, MA
JesseKohut@gmail.com
(203) 685-5861
Jesse Kohut is a 7-12 Social Studies/History teacher and graduate of the University of Connecticut. She worked for the Rainbow Center for six years
focusing on educational outreach and has worked as an educator in various environments including therapeutic group homes for adolescent women
who have experienced trauma and abuse, family violence prevention programs, and adult education. Jesse was also a volunteer facilitator for the
Coventry High School GSA and the Greater Bridgeport DMHAS GSA.
Alyssa Kolessar
Kolessar003@connect.wcsu.edu
Alyssa Kolessar is a senior at Western Connecticut State University. She has been President and Historian of her GSA and is currently the VP. She is
one of the facilitators of the Safe Zone Training that WCSU currently holds and is actively involved in the LGBTQQIAN community. She is openly
lesbian in the workplace and has helped maintain two very successful GSAs.
Irwin Krieger, MSW
irwin.krieger@sbcglobal.net
(203) 776-1966
Irwin Krieger, LCSW is a clinical social worker in private practice in New Haven. He has over 25 years of experience working as a therapist for the
LGBT community. Since 2003 he has been working extensively with transgender teens and their families. He is the author of Helping Your
Transgender Teen: a Guide for Parents. See www.helpingyourtransgenderteen.com for information about the book and an extensive listing of
resources for parents of transgender teens.
Belinda Kwakye
kwakye_belinda@yahoo.com
Belinda Kwakye is an alumnus of the True Colors mentoring program and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work at Eastern
Connecticut State University. She was trained as a peer educator through Youth Resource’s Advocates for Youth division. Born in Italy and raised in
Ghana, Belinda shares a worldly perspective on LGBTQ issues.
Jason Landau Goodman, BA, MUSA
jgoodman@pennsec.org
(610) 505-6790
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Jason Landau Goodman is the founding Executive Director of PSEC and has been working directly and specifically on LGBTQ youth empowerment in
Pennsylvania for over 2 years. Jason was been named one of the top 12 LGBT Youth Leaders in the United States by Campus Pride in 2011 and was
invited by the White House as one of five college youth in the nation to President Obama’s 2011 LGBT Pride Month Reception.
Shawn Lang, BA
shawn@ctaidscoalition.org
(860) 543-9113
For 20 years, Shawn M. Lang is the Director of Public Policy with the CT AIDS Resource Coalition. Her primary responsibilities are coordinating CT’s
HIV/AIDS public policy activities on the state and federal levels. She serves on three national boards, and has been an activist on issues impacting
battered women; LGBT communities; homelessness and HIV/AIDS. She lives in West Hartford with her 14 year old son, Corbett Éamonn Lang.
Christopher Langelier, MA
clangelier.treehouse@hotmail.com
(413) 527-7762 x10
Christopher has a Master's degree in counseling from Lesley University abd mMany years experience working with adolescents in schools, community
and outdoor adventure settings. Christopher's recent workis in the areas of trauma and foster care/adoption.
Robb Ledder
rledder@newbritainct.gov
Robb is a Marriage and Family therapist working with E C Goodwin Tech as a group leader of the GSA.
Madeleine Leveille PH.D., NCSP
mmleveille@comcast.net
(860) 287-1322
Madeleine is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist who has a private practice in Waterford, CT that specializes in
psychological and psychoeducational evaluations and consultation. She is a regular presenter at True Colors and previously was faculty adviser to
Amity High School's GSA.. Madeleine has been active in state and regional counseling associations and served on the editorial boards of state and
national counseling and psychology journals.
Alec Levson
qspenguin7@rocketmail.com
Alec, 21, is excited to be attending his 6th year at the True Colors Conference. He is an activist and enjoys spending time with friends scrap-booking.
He is also a part of Queer Spirit Camp and other LGBT non-profit organizations.
Saben Littlefield MA
saben@outrightvt.org
(802) 865-9677 x4
Saben works as the Education & Statewide Field Manager at Outright Vermont. He has been working with schools in Vermont since August of 2009 to
deliver Anti-Harassment and Ally Development trainings to youth and adults all across Vermont. He earned a masterâ€™s degree from the University
of Connecticut in Education. When heâ€™s not advocating with, for, and on behalf of queer youth, youâ€™ll likely find him with Steve, the dog,
playing at the park!
Erin Livensparger
erin.livensparger@ppsne.org
(203) 752-2852
S.T.A.R.S. (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality) is Planned Parenthood of Southern New England’s peer education program from New
Haven, CT. STARS educate their peers about sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology, methods of birth control and safer sex including
abstinence, STI/HIV infection, LGBT issues, sexual decision-making, negotiation and communication skills, healthy and unhealthy relationships, and
legal rights of CT teens.
Krysten Ella Lobisch
klobisch@educ.umass.edu
(973) 713-0902
Krysten Ella Lobisch is a second-year M.Ed. candidate in Social Justice Education and Women and Gender Studies at UMass Amherst. She works for
the Center for Multicultural Advancement on campus, and also facilitates dialogues and teaches a wide variety of workshops on sexuality and gender
at conferences around the area, including the 5-College Queer Sexuality Conference, the Hampshire Reproductive Justice Conference, and True
Colors in 2011! In her spare time she can be found hanging off (or on) rock walls and reading everything she can get her hands on.
Diana Lombardi MSW
diana@drlombardi.net
(860) 499-0630
Diana is a graduate from UConn SSW with a MSW in Community Organizing. She is a Director of the Connecticut Trans-Advocacy Coalition. In
addition, Diana is the past Executive Director of the Connecticut Outreach Society. She worked with ctEQUALITY to pass the gender inclusive AntiDiscrimination law in Connecticut in 2011. She was a Project Coordinator on a research project that studied the transgender population in the
Greater Hartford area for AIDS/HIV.
Alex Lopez
Alex Lopez is a youth staff members of the Peer Support Prevention Team at The Attic Youth Center. He is 19 years old and currently attending
Community College of Philadelphia. Alex was part of the Life's A Drag! Workshop and performance last year, and looks forward to returning to True
Colors!
Spencer Lowry
sjohnlowry@gmail.com
Spencer Lowry, a GLSEN Connecticut Jump-Start Student Leader, is a Sophomore at The Marvelwood School. He is an active member of his school’s
LGBTQIA-supportive club and volunteers at a local elementary school.
Stephanie Lumbra
s.lumbra@yahoo.com
Stephanie is a 3rd semester pre-med/Physiology and Neurobiology major at UCONN. Stephanie works at the Rainbow Center and at Wendys. This
Stephanie's first time volunteering at True Colors.
Tara Lutz, B.A.
lutz.tara.m@gmail.com
(860) 486-0772
Tara Lutz is a Graduate Assistant in the Health Education Office and is completing her Master’s Degree in Public Health at the University of
Connecticut in 2013. She obtained her B.A. in biology from the College of the Holy Cross. Tara plans to use her science background to combine her
interests in overall sexual health and women's reproductive health with comprehensive sexuality education.
Dale Madison , MA
dale@damngoodman.com
Dale Guy Madison is an artist, educator, writer, actor, filmmaker and former host for the QVC network. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1999 with his first oneman show, FREEda Slave: Mask of a Diva, which ran four months at the Hudson Backstage Theater. The show addressed issues of cross-dressing and intradiscrimination in the gay community. Dale released his memoirs entitled, DREAMBOY: My Life as a QVC Host & other greatest hits. The film version
received “Best LGBT film at the 2008 San Diego Black Film Festival. His latest book is an adult fairy tale, Sissy Sammy in the land of WEHO90069. It is the
story of a bullied feminine boy from the hood who gets lost in an all-gay town. www.sissysammy.com . Dale recently debuted his second one-man show
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entitled, My Life in 3Easy Payments at the Behold LGBT Performance Arts Festival at Highways. His short film, The Panty Man will screen at the San
Francisco Transgendered Film Festival November 4th & 5th To learn more about Dale, visit his webpage: www.daleguymadison.com
Megan Maier
Maier025@connect.wcsu.edu
Megan Maier is a sophomore at WSCU and has been an active member of her school’s GSA since Fall 2011. She was previously enrolled in Fairfield
University and attended their GSA. Megan is involved with the WCSU’s Speakers Bureau where LGBT issues are frequently addressed and is currently
the Activism Chair of her GSA.
Alyssa Mansolf BA
Amansolf@travelers.com
(860) 277-2437
Alyssa Mansolf has worked at Travelers for 5 years and recently graduated from the Actuarial Leadership Development Program. Alyssa graduated
from Quinnipiac University in 2006 with a degree in Mathematics while also playing softball all four years. In her free time, she enjoys playing a
variety of sports and officiating basketball. She also enjoys traveling with her wife and hiking with their dog, Kix
Adrienne Marie
lifesdancin@gmail.com
(860) 518-5181
Adrienne Marie loves taking her passion for dance and life and sharing it with others. This is her 3rd time presenting at the True Colors conference.
She loves being able to give people, especially youth, exposure to partner dancing and how 'out of the box' it can be. She has been teaching Ballroom
Dance for over 12years and she is a show choreographer
Joe Mannetti
Holder of numerous bear-pageant titles—including Mr. Southern California Cub 2006, Mr. Los Angeles Bear 2008 and Mr. Southern California Bear
2008—Joe Mannetti has long been a community fixture. An actor, public speaker, counselor and activist, his philanthropic pursuits include raising
money for the trans community, addiction-recovery services, people with AIDS, and LGBTQ youth support services.
Rob Marino, BA
Rob@thepridenetwork.org
(917) 335-1805
Rob Marino is currently the Treasurer for The Pride Network and a Board Member of Fairfield County Pride. He received a Bachelors in Community
Health Education at Florida State University in 2005 and since then has volunteered at local LGBTQ community centers in Florida and New York. He is
engaged to the man of his dreams and plans on getting married in July 2012.
Alta McKinney
mckinneyalta@hotmail.com
Alta McKinney, a GLSEN Connecticut Jump-Start Student Leader, is a Senior at Stafford High School. She is President of her school's GSA and a leader
in her school's Ladies chorale.
Bryce McKinzie
dee1187@hotmail.com
Bryce has been working in the community through GSA's programs and now the imperial Court. he has received the 'rising star' award from the
Dorothy Awards. he may be only 25 years old, but he has alot more to do in the LGBT community
Tanisha McMillan, BS
tanmac78@gmail.com
(860) 726-3596
Tanisha McMillan, age 33, a CT native, graduated from Central CT State University with a degree in social and behavioral science in 2006 and has
been a mentor for True Colors since 2010. "I want to be a positive, visible role model for our gay youth, especially masculine identified females. I'd
like to motivate, inspire and empower people with my words and actions."
Colt Meier MA, PhD-Candidate
ftmresearch@gmail.com
(713) 743-8600 x1
Colt Meier is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology. Colt obtained a bachelors's degree conferred Summa Cum Laude in psychology at Rice
University and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. Colt has multiple peer reviewed published articles, a book
chapter, and over thirty professional presentations on transgender issues. Colt serves as the student representative of The LGBT Division of the
American Psychological Association. Colt is a student affiliate of WPATH and APA.
Rachel Michael, BSA
knit.it.forward@gmail.com
(631) 972-5678
Rachel Michael is one of the founding members of Riot Prrl, a knitters' league for positive mischief based out of Northampton, MA.
Michael Migura, B.F.A., L.C.D.C.
mmigura@cenpatico.com
(713) 702-5894
Michael Migura is a professional trainer with 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. He has worked as an advocate for LGBT people
and especially LGBT youth throughout his career. He brings insight gained by 16 years of volunteering for HATCH a support group for LGBT youth in
Houston, and as many years volunteering for PFLAG Houston.
Lucius Miles
lmiles.ctdphiu@gmail.com
(860) 436-0400
Lucius studied Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management at Johnson & Wales University where during his years in attendance, he pledged the
first fraternity founded predominately for gay, bisexual and progressive men Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. In the Fall of 2010, he became a full
active member of the Boston Chapter (Delta Chapter). He currently serves as President of Connecticut's Expansion Efforts for Delta Phi Upsilon
Fraternity, Inc.
Kareem Mims
Kareem Mims and D’Angelo Cameron are from the The Attic Youth Center. The Attic creates opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes
the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. The Attic is proud to be Philadelphia ’s only independent LGBTQ youth center
Kristin Montini BA
Kristin Montini is working toward her master's degree at John Jay College. She holds her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart
University, is an active member of the WCSU GSA, and has been a passionate LGBTQ activist for many years.
Fiona Moore BA
fiona05@gmail.com
Fiona is a local athlete who taught bellydance in Montclair, NJ for several years, and danced with a local troupe of Flying Skirts in Flemington NJ. She
danced primarily in the American Tribal Style, but enjoyed working with other forms of the dance.
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Amanda Moras, Ph.D
amanda.moras@gmail.com
(203) 376-8089
Amanda Moras P.h.D. is currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Sacred Heart University. Her primary areas of study are gender and racial and
ethnic relations. She is an avid gardener and baker.
Cindy Mueller, BA
cinmueller12@gmail.com
(239) 404-8253
As founder of her organization, “Tools for Tapping In and Reaching Out”, Cindy works with schools and community organizations to empower individuals,
families, and communities to connect to personal, interpersonal, and creative growth and joy through music, sound, movement, mindfulness and
“Merriment”. Cindy’s diverse background includes a BA in Music Education, USO performer, K-12 music and drama teacher, children’s theatre program
developer/director, certified Mindfulness teacher, certified NIA dance instructor, regional theatre Music Director/Pianist, sailor, cyclist.
Haley Muncey
haley.muncey@marvelwood.org
Haley Muncey is sixteen years old and a junior attending The Marvelwood School. She is a member of her school’s GSA as well as a GLSEN
Connecticut Jump-Start Student Leader.
Melissa Murray, MSW
melissa@outrightvt.org
(802) 865-9677
Melissa is a queer mama and social justice activist. She has worked in social justice movements, including anti-violence, racial justice, reproductive health,
and queer rights. She worked with LGBTQ students at the Ohio State University, and provided sober support to queer women in recovery. Melissa holds a
BA in Women's Studies and a Masters in Social Work, both from the Ohio State University. Melissa is dedicated to work with and on behalf of queer youth.
Christine Muska, M.S.
christine.muska@gmail.com
(860) 486-0772
Christine Muska is a Graduate Assistant in the Health Education Office and seeking her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of
Connecticut in 2012. She obtained her M.S. in Experimental Psychology at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Previously she has interned as a
Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor and volunteered for a Rape Education Prevention Program. Christine’s interests include comprehensive sexuality
education and sexual trauma.
Aleah Nesteby, BA, MSN
J.Aleah.Nesteby@baystatehealth.org
(413) 794-1316
Aleah Nesteby is a Family Nurse Practitioner, working at the High Street Health Center in Springfield, MA. Since joining the practice 5 years ago, she
has created an evening clinic for transgender patients, trained numerous medical and nurse practitioner students, and facilitated several trainings for
medical staff and providers at other clinics.
Joleen M. Nevers, MAEd, CHES, AASECT
joleen.nevers@uconn.edu
(860) 486-0772
Joleen Nevers is the Health Education Coordinator at the University of Connecticut. She has over 15 years experience working in the field of sexuality
and is a certified sexuality educator through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. She has presented on
sexuality and sexual health topics to both regional and national conferences. Joleen created and implemented UConn's “Rubberwear”, which is a
nationally recognized sexual health program.
STARS New London
erika.boulware@ppsne.org
(401) 556-7702
The S.T.A.R.S. (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality) are a peer education group out of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England in
the New London area. The group is proud to be presenting at True Colors for the second year in a row. We welcome you to our workshops!
Brandy Niles
brandyniles@yahoo.com
Brandy Niles, is a senior at a magnet school in Hartford who has explored transgender and gender non conforming studies this year in her Social
Justice Action Research Project.
Chevon Ocasio
lehighvalley@pennsec.org
Chevon Ocasio is the Lehigh Valley State Committee member for PSEC. She is a student at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania where she is the
President of Kutztown Allies. Chevon was born and raised in Reading, PA and is studying finance and economics.
Robyn Ochs MA
robyn@robynochs.com
Robyn Ochs is a speaker, an award-winning activist, and the editor of the 42-country anthology, Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World. Her
writings have been published in numerous bi, women's studies, multicultural, and GLBT anthologies. Robyn has taught courses on LGBT history &
politics in the United States, the politics of sexual orientation, & the experiences of those who transgress the binary categories of gay|straight,
masculine|feminine, black|white &/or male | female. An advocate for the rights of people of ALL orientations and genders to live safely, openly and
with full legal equality, Robyn’s work focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of complex identities, and mobilizing people to be powerful
allies to one another within and across identities and social movements. www.robynochs.com
Alice O'Donovan M Div, MARS
revalice@aol.com
(860) 872-6537
Alice O'Donovan was ordained in the United Church of Christ, the first openly gay or lesbian person ordained in the UCC in CT. She has served
churches in Vermont, Connecticut and Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Hartford Seminary and the Episcopal Divinity School. She and her spouse,
Cass Crewdsoon have shared their lives together since 1980, raised three children, and have been "out" throughout that time.
Mark Ojakian
mark.ojakian@ct.gov
Mark Ojakian currently serves as Governor Dannel P. Malloy's Chief of Staff. Prior to assuming that role in January 2012, he was the Deputy Secretary
of the Office of Policy and Management and represented the Governor in the successful negotiations with Connecticut's State Employees Bargaining
Agent Coalition (SEBAC). Mark served as Deputy Comptroller for 16 years under now-Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. As Deputy Comptroller,
Mark was a senior policy advisor and was involved in many large projects, including the implementation of Core-CT, the state’s computerized
software system that covers financial, human resources and payroll. Mark graduated in 1975 from St. Anselm’s College in Manchester New
Hampshire. He received a Master of Arts degree in international relations in 1977 from the American University in Washington, DC. He lives in West
Hartford with his husband, Jason Vernetto and has two children and two grandchildren.
Christine O'Leary
christine@christineoleary.com
Christine O’Leary has always been funny – she began being funny for a living 8 years ago. Since then she has been nominated one of the Funniest Lesbians
in America; has worked with the Indigo Girls, Margaret Cho and Jennifer Hudson; headlined and hosted Pride Comedy events for Key West Pride and
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Business Guild as well as NYC Pride; participated in the first-ever Harvey Milk Day in LA playing the role of Anne Kronenberg in 'dear harvey'. Most
recently, Christine has taped first pilot with transgender funny man Ian Harvie and Executive Producer Margaret Cho. www.christineoleary.com
Dylan Orr, JD
orr.dylan@dol.gov
(202) 693-7906
Dylan Orr currently serves as Special Assistant/Advisor to Assistant Secretary Kathy Martinez in the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the U.S.
Department of Labor. In this position, Dylan contributes to the development of national policies, plans, and regulations that promote the employment of
people with disabilities. He also serves as the Department of Labor representative on the President's National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Dylan holds a bachelor's
degree from Smith College and a juris doctorate from the University of Washington School of Law. Dylan has the honor of being the first openly
transgender person appointed to any presidential administration.
Dannielle Owens Reid BA
dannielle@everyoneisgay.com
Dannielle Owens-Reid graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, and then spent 3 years in Chicago studying improv and sketch comedy
(that’s where the funny comes from). During that time she was also teaching drama to kids ages 8 - 18. Dannielle is the creator of Lesbians Who Look Like
Justin Bieber, was the runner-up to be the first ever MTVTJ (twitter jockey) and ran social media for Virgin Mobile on the Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour. She
believes herself to be a “stellar problem solver,” has the ability to see both sides of the situation #libra, and gets her dance moves from her dad.
Matthew Palasky
matthew.palasky@uconn.edu
(860) 682-3166
Grew up in Stratford Ct, father white, mother Native American, discovered and interest in men at age 15, moved to a small all straight all white town at age
16, went to UConn came out to family at age 19 transferred to the Storrs campus as a music major, came out to friends at Uconn at age 20 then joined
Lambda Lambda Lambda in the Epsilon Class, Studying Agriculture and Resource Economics, currently age 23
Michael Pastore
tara.atticyouthcenter.org
Michael Pastore is 21 years old, and has been an active part of the Attic Youth Center's youth leadership committee, YPC, for the past three years. This
workshop was developed in as a part of his college YouthWork class, and has been specifically adapted for work with LGBTQ youth. Michael has a passion
for music and community building, and looks forward to bringing this work to True Colors!
William Petrosky, MA
williamp@hglhc.org
(860) 278-4163 x11
Bill Petrosky has been in the field of HIV Prevention for over 25 years. Starting to volunteer in 1985 with AIDS Project Hartford he was involved with
presentations. After 13 years, Bill joined the AIDS Project Hartford prevention staff being responsible for devloping curricula for standard outreach
programs and HIV testing. Bill has been Director of HIV Prevention at HGLHC for over two years.
Kevin Pierce
kevin.pierce@uconn.edu
(203) 216-0855
Having attended the True Colors Conference the past 2 years as a high school student and myself identifying as LGBTQ, I am ready and excited to be able
to give back now being a freshman and UCONN. I am currently enrolled in the Eurotech program majoring in Environmental Engineering and German
Studies.
Nina Pinchin, MFA, BA
npinchin@hartfordstage.org
(860) 520-7266
Nina Pinchin, Associate Director of Education – Hartford Stage. Nina received her BA from Bowdoin College and her MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence
College; she is a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab and an Associate Member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
Local directing credits include Breakdancing Shakespeare: the Tempest, Macbeth, The Comedy of Errors and Antony & Cleopatra. Nina also teaches
theatre courses at Capital Community College and Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA.
Jeffrey Poirier, Ph.D. Candidate
jpoirier@air.org
(202) 329-5440
Jeffrey M. Poirier is a Senior Researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR). Jeff contributes to research on a variety of topics (e.g.,
program implementation) and provides technical assistance to communities. He has also carried out a variety of activities related to different aspects
of children’s mental health, including cultural and linguistic competence, rural mental health, social marketing, and youth involvement and
engagement in systems of care. Jeff serves as a member of the Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health
(www.tapartnership.org) and co- facilitates its LGBTQI2-S Learning Community. In addition, he is Coordinator of the Child, Adolescent and Family
Branch’s National Workgroup to Address the Needs of Children and Youth Who Are LGBTQI2-S and Their Families. He recently co-authored a practice
brief on improving the cultural and linguistic competence of services for youth who are LGBTQI2-S and is co-editor of an upcoming Brookes Publishing
(to be released in July 2012), Inc., volume on improving services and supports for LGBT youth. Jeff is working to expand AIR’s involvement in
delivering consultation, training, and technical assistance on LGBT topics for communities and organizations.
STARS PPSNE
erin.livensparger@ppsne.org
(203) 752-2852
S.T.A.R.S. (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality) is Planned Parenthood of Southern New England’s peer education program from New
Haven, CT. STARS educate their peers about sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology, methods of birth control and safer sex including
abstinence, STI/HIV infection, LGBT issues, sexual decision-making, negotiation and communication skills, healthy and unhealthy relationships, and
legal rights of CT teens.
Beth Pulseinella
(215) 545-4331 x158
Beth Pulseinella has been working as a teaching artist and activist in Philadelphia for eleven years. She believes passionately that all young people
deserve rich learning environments that make connection with real life. Beth is a silk screen artist and education activist, a recipient of the Leeway
Transformation Award
Robert Reader, BA
rreader@hartfordstage.org
(860) 520-7263
Robert L. Reader is the Education Programs Manager at Hartford Stage. Robert holds a BA in Drama from Ithaca College. Before joining the Hartford
Stage Education Department, Robert was a Teacher Assistant in Special Education program at Geneva Middle School in New York State. At Hartford
Stage, Robert administers all aspects of the education department, working closely with schools and teachers to facilitate outreach and in-theatre
programming. He is currently Guard Director for Wethersfield High School and President of the Board for the Connecticut Dance Alliance.
Alex Redcay, MSW
alexredcay2@gmail.com
(717) 480-0585
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Alex Redcay worked for the Department of Children and Families in CT for six years but has recently moved to NJ to pursue a doctorate in Social Work
at Rutgers University. Her passion is everything and anything about adolescents. She hopes to transform the way that adolescents are viewed, cared
for and encouraged.
Mayte Redcay, MEd
maytecita1973@yahoo.com
(717) 480-0941
Mayte Garcia received her Master's in Education from San Carlos University in Guatemala in 1999. She currently works for Woman Aware as a Family
Therapist to victim of domestic violence. Her passion is working with inner youth from diverse backgrounds. She is pursuing a MSW degree from
Rutgers University in NJ.
Daniel Reyes BA
daniel.reyes@ct.gov
(860) 638-2100
Daniel is an openly gay male with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Daniel is currently a Social Worker for the Department of Children and
Families and has held this position for five years. While in this position, Daniel has worked with many families who dealt with Domestic Violence. It
has required working with both the batterer and the victim in recognizing the impact of their behaviors and safety planning. Pay It Forward!
James Rockett
jimrockett22@yahoo.com
James Rockett, a GLSEN Connecticut Jump-Start Student Leader, is a Sophomore at Somers High School. He’s also an active member of his school’s
GSA.
Larry Roeming, BS
pistoi0@yahoo.com
(860) 560-9233
Larry Roeming (presenter), has been active in LGBT leadership since the 1970s. While a college student in Wisconsin, he helped launch a campus
LGBT organization. Later he served the Wisconsin Governor’s advisory Committee for Gay and Lesbian Concerns. As an openly gay man, he has
provided Center Church with spiritual leadership, and currently chairs the church’s Growth and Vitality Ministry.
Elana Rosenberg, MA
elana@youthprideri.org
(401) 421-5626
Elana Rosenberg started as the GSA Network and Programming Coordinator at Youth Pride, Inc. in September of 2009. She received her Bachelor’s in
Sociology from Smith College and then continued on for a Masters degree in College Student Personnel from Miami University of Ohio. While at
Miami, she served as the Graduate Advisor for SPECTRUM (the MU GSA), and designed and implemented a Safe Space training program for students,
staff, and faculty. Through her work at Youth Pride, she has facilitated hundreds of workshops and sensitivity trainings on LGBTQQ topics.
Elizabeth Rowell, Ph.D.
erowell@ric.edu
(860) 974-1814
Liz is a dedicated and outspoken ally at Rhode Island College where she has recently served on the Gender Neutral Restrooms and Preferred Name
Change committees. Each semester she also teaches a General Education Course - Multicultural Views: Same-Sex Orientation and Transsexuality.
Recent publications include Promoting Dialogue on the Transgender Experience in College Courses Through Films And Literature, Human
Architecture (Winter 09).
Tara Rubinstein BS.Ed
(215) 545-4331 x158
Tara Rubinstein is a Life Skills Specialist at The Attic Youth Center.
Kristin Russo BA
kristin@everyoneisgay.com
Kristin Russo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater, but gained most of her dramatic preparation for Everyone Is Gay while lip-syncing to Wilson
Phillips and TLC. After moving to NYC in 2000 and running her own theater company for three years, she began volunteering at The Hetrick-Martin
Institute (a service provider for LGBTQ youth and home of the Harvey Milk High School). Inspired by the students and faculty at Hetrick-Martin, she
returned to school and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies. She has a cat named Trey, a penchant for crossword puzzles, and a
deep-seated appreciation for Italian Ice.
Donna Shubrooks, RN
Donnas@hglhc.org
(860) 278-4163
Donna Shubrooks has been the STD Program Coordinator for HGLHC for over 8 years. As an RN she has been closely involved in AIDS care and
prevention for over 25 years, and specifically enjoys the one-on-one HIV/ATD testing and counseling. She is a passionate ally for LGBT civil rights and
is a proud PFLAG Mom.
Jasmin Saba-Farmer
sabafarmerj@emmanuel.edu
Jazz Saba-Farmer is a sophomore and Psychology major at Emmanuel College with a minor in Theater.
Meagan Sacco
meagan.sacco@gmail.com
Laura Saunders Psy.D.
LSaunde@harthosp.org
(860) 545-7009
Dr. Saunders has been a staff psychologist at the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital for almost 20 years and has been in private practice in Greater
Hartford. Her areas of expertise include child development, psychopathology, disruptive behaviors, mood disorders and behavior management
strategies as well as sexual orientation and gender non-conformity Additionally, she serves as the clinical director of the Rainbow Center for Children
& Families in Old Wethersfield and provides consultation in parent training and developmental interventions for their therapeutic nursery. For
several years, Dr. Saunders has been providing commentary to the local TV (FOX61, NBC affiliate- WVIT and CBS affiliate-WFSB) and The Hartford
Courant on topics such as the impact of youth suicide, cyber bullying and LGBT issues. She was a keynote speaker along with Dr. Stillson at the 2009
True Colors conference-- Queer Youth: What We Know, Where We Have Been and Future Directions.
Michelle Sciarappa
Sciarappa002@connect.wcsu.edu
Michelle Sciarappa is a senior American and Comparative Literature major with a minor is Professional Writing at Western Connecticut State
University. She is the Co-Founder of her University's Gay/Straight Alliance and has been President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Events Coordinator
at one time or another. She is currently in the final stages of writing a handbook on creating and maintaining a successful GSA, and has been a
passionate LGBTQ activist for the better part of a decade.
Sarah Scully
sarah.levine@uconn.edu
Sarah Scully is a 19 year old student at Uconn. When she's not studying biology, she participates in a diverse sexuality discussion group, and also
actively works in the Speaker's Bureau to talk to classes of peers. She loves cars and her favorite thing to cook is delicious cheesecake.
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Duncan Seawell, Psy.D.
dseawell@ccmckids.org
(860) 545-9384
Duncan Seawell, PsyD, is a staff psychologist at Connecticut Children's Medical Center. He is currently working to expand research and hospitalbased services to gender variant children and adolescents. Dr. Seawell represents psychology on the GUPPE Team, featuring specialists from
Genetics, Urology, Psychology/Psychiatry, and Endocrinology. He is a graduate of the University of Denver and completed his internship and
fellowship at the Institute of Living.
Rhea Segal, MSW, DSW
rsegal@jbfcs.org
(914) 773-7511
Rhea Segal has been working with the LGBTQ community for over 15 years. In her current position at a residential treatment center, she is part of a
team working to create and maintain a safe environment for LGBTQ youth and staff.
Mayor Pedro Segarra, MSW
Pedro E. Segarra was sworn in as Hartford 66th Mayor after he was overwhelmingly selected by Hartford voters on January 3, 2012. However, his
commitment to realizing the promise of Connecticut’s Capital City began long before that day. Mayor Segarra’s personal experience with poverty,
discrimination and overcoming adversity has shaped his vision for Hartford – to bring people of all ethnicities, faiths and socioeconomic backgrounds
together to create meaningful change. Mayor Segarra was the youngest person to serve as Corporation Counsel for the City of Hartford when he was
appointed in 1991. His public service includes his appointment as a member of the Court of Common Council in 2006 and re-election in his own right
to that seat the following year. He became Council President in January 2010 and was sworn in as Mayor in June of that year. Among his community
involvement efforts are as a founding partner of Hogar Crea, The Hispanic Health Council and CLARO. Mayor Segarra lives in the West End of
Hartford with his partner, Charlie who has been an advocate of beautification efforts in the City.
Cassy Setzler
cass.setz@gmail.com
Cassy Setzler is a senior pursuing a double major undergraduate degree in both Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies at the
University of Connecticut. She has been an UConn Sexpert, peer educator for the Health Education Office, since her freshman year. Cassy is also a
LGBTQIA advocate and speaker for the Rainbow Center. Cassy coordinated Shades of Grey and the Rainbow Center's Speaker's Bureau over the past
two years.
Suz Seymour
lgbtwma@gmail.com
(413) 588-1018
Suz Seymour is the Executive Director of the LGBT Coalition of Western MA. and Vice-President of Operations of Interpride, International Association
of Pride Organizers. Her career has included owning a restaurant franchise in her 20's and being the proprietor of a massage therapy company and
therapist for 16 years. Suzanne also hosts a local radio show, writes for LGBT publications and emcees for events where she practices using humor
to diffuse serious topics.
Allen Simon
allensimon34@yahoo.com
(203) 212-2566
Allen Simon, a GLSEN Connecticut Jump-Start Student Leader, is a Senior at Stratford High School. An all-around people-person, he is a devoted
member of his school’s GSA and a Lead Officer of Build-on.
Dexter Singleton, BA
dsingleton@socialchangetheatre.org
Dexter J. Singleton is Executive Director, Board Chair, and founder of Collective Consciousness Theatre Company. He is also the Head of Theatre at Regional
Center for the Arts in Trumbull, CT and Director of the GHAA Summer Musical Theatre Workshop in Hartford, CT. Dexter has engaged many organizations
and schools across the country with original workshops and programming as a public speaker in the areas of racism, African American Studies.
Mara Skowronek
Mara8248@aol.com
Mara Skowronek, a second-year GLSEN Connecticut Jump-Start Student Leader, is a Senior at East Hartford High School Vice-President of her school’s
GSA. She co-founded her school’s Animal Rights Club and has made social activism her joie de vivre.
Allie Smith
Allie Smith is a bisexual college senior who has been polyamorous since she was 17. She feels that the most difficult part about being polyamorous is
dealing with the lack of societal acceptance and understanding. She has been with her primary partner, Daniel, for the past two years. They plan on
getting married and continuing their polyamorous lifestyle.
Liz Snide
Elizabeth Anne Snide, known affectionately as Liz (or Settio! If you’re close with her) is a bisexual college student residing in a little nobody town. She
was a part of her high school social justice committee and presented a workshop on coming out in her high school and it was aimed towards middle
school age people. She is interested in several aspects of social justice, including sexuality, race and human rights. When she is not at school or
involved in activism, she spends time with her amazing girlfriend, playing with her adorable kittens (Frisky and Gadget) and drawing little dinosaurs.
Skylar Spear
totalgeek42@gmail.com; skylarliam@gmail.com
Skyler is a junior in high school, have been out as trans for two and a half years, and have been active in the queer community, as much as possible
considering Sklyer's age, for longer. Skylar is also a GLSEN Connecticut board member and Jump-Start Student Leader.
Laura Stamas MS
LStamas@fourriverscharter.org
(413) 320-2504
Laura Stamas has been teaching high school Biology for seven years and likes to incorporate information about safe sex into her science curriculum.
When she is not teaching she enjoys gardening, taking care of her pregnant wife, and walking with her dog Scarlet.
S.T.A.R.S (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality)
liana.brown@ppsne.org
(860) 899-5967
S.T.A.R.S (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality) is Planned Parenthood’s peer education group in Hartford, CT. STARS educate their peers
about healthy sexuality topics including reproductive anatomy and physiology, methods of birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs),
healthy relationships, healthcare services, LGBTQ issues, and sexual decision making.
Deborah Stewart, B.S., CPP
dstewart@theconsultationcenter.org
(203) 789-7645 x109
Deborah Stewart, B.S., CPP is the Director for the Youth Development Training and Resource Center at The Consultation Center, Inc. She serves as the
Director for the New Haven B.E.S.T. Initiative (Building Exemplary Systems for Training Community Youth Workers) since 1996. She served as
59
Manager for CT for Community Youth Development (CCYD) statewide initiative from 1998-2004, advising both providers and funders on best
practices for youth engagement. She serves on the Steering Committee for CT Public Allies as one of the co-founders of Public Allies Connecticut.
Kennedy Strakose-Hagen
kstrakose-hagen@fourriverscharter.org
Kennedy Stakose-Hagen is a rock star thinker and a tea-alcoholic mother hen. She is interested in dance, school, and social justice. She comes from a
religious background and loves tradition but is not conventional about it.
Missy Sturtevant, MSW
msturtevant@healthimperatives.org
(800) 530-2770 x229
Missy Sturtevant has a background in social work working with LGBTQ youth in group home settings, as well as supporting Gay/Straight Alliances.
Currently the Program Coordinator of the GLBT Youth Support Project, which has led trainings to schools and youth serving organizations since 1997.
She also serves as Minister of Christian Education at Memorial Congregational Church in Sudbury, MA. Her favorite thing is when the two jobs
intersect, which is often.
Brie Sullivan ,BA
knit.it.forward@gmail.com
(860) 823-8250
Brie Sullivan is one of the founding members of Riot Prrl, a knitters' league for positive mischief.
Lea Sweeney
lsweeney@fourriverscharter.org
Lea is a one rockin' high school student with a passion for sports (concussions are a priority), queerness and floaty things in the air. An active member
of social justice club at school, Lea has been an educator and activist in training for several years now, with an emphases on human rights and
community building.
Billy Urich
BillyBearinCT@aol.com
William Urich has been involved in Human Rights and GLBTI Pride activism in the US and abroad for many years. In addition to his work with Connecticut
Pride Hartford Rally and Festival, Inc., he is Vice President of Operations for InterPride, the International Association of LGBTI Pride Coordinators. He has
also chaired the InterPride Committee on International GLBTI Human and Civil Rights since 2002, maintaining a focus on educating peers and the general
public on the plight of Queer people throughout the global theater. Billy has participated in and facilitated at numerous Human Rights conferences and
Pride events around the world and actively advocates for increased education on Human Rights and Equality issues. Mr. Urich has been employed in the
Human Services and Behavioral Sciences field for 23 years. He works in intensive clinical psychiatric case management providing community-based
services to adults and adolescents with prolonged mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
Annemarie Vacarro, Ph.D.
avaccaro@uri.edu
(401) 258-2247
Annemarie Vaccaro, Ph.D., is a faculty member in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island. Her
research on diversity and social justice in higher education has been published in journals such at the Journal of GLBT Family Studies , the Journal of
LGBT Youth, and Equity and Excellence in Education
Stacey Violante Cote, JD, MSW
sviolant@kidscounsel.org
(860) 570-5327 x227
Stacey is the Director of the Center's Teen Legal Advocacy Clinic where she has worked since 2001. Stacey graduated from UCONN School of Law in
2001 and UCONN School of Social Work in 2000. She was awarded the New Leaders of the Law recognition by the Connecticut Law Tribune in 2002
and was named one of the University of Connecticut’s “40 Under 40 Outstanding Graduates."
Nicole von Oy, MSW
nicole@love146.org
(203) 772-4420
Nicole von Oy, MSW is the Love146 US Training & Outreach Coordinator. In this role she is responsible for the TIME Model, which includes training adult
professionals on issues of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as well as mentoring and implementing prevention education with adolescents. She
currently facilitates the My Life, My Choice and Tell Your Friends curricula in schools and residential/congregate care settings across Connecticut.
Serginho Walker
serginho_sheldon@yahoo.com
Serginho Walker is a Second Semester Master's Student in the Higher Education Student Development Program with a focus in Counseling at Central
Connecticut State University. He has worked for the African American Cultural Center at the University of Connecticut where he has made students in
the African American community more aware of gender variance and the intersection of multiple identities. As an undergraduate he has worked on
many Social Justice initiatives to make the campus community more inclusive and aware of the LGBTQ community. Currently he is interning at the
Hartford Adult Probation Center with the hope of making aware to the clients that it is possible to change their life around and be the best person
they can be if they put their mind to it.
Jayeson Watts, MSW
jaye@youthprideri.org
(401) 421-5626
Jayeson Watts, MSW is the Direct Services Coordinator at Youth Pride, Inc., an organization that provides education, advocacy and support for
LGBTQQ young people in Rhode Island. He has facilitated more than 100 hours of trainings and workshops on LGBTQQ topics with an emphasis on
gender identity and expression. His trainings have been attended by a wide range of audiences including human service professionals, community
members, families and young people. He has a Bachelors’ Degree in Music Therapy from Mansfield University of PA and he earned his Master’s
Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College in 2010. In his free time, Jayeson fosters kittens for a local animal rescue group.
Dan Woog
dwoog@optonline.net
Dan Woog is a soccer coach, writer, educator and gay activist. Dan is the out, proud head boys soccer coach at Staples High School (Westport,
Conn.), one of the premier programs in the country. Dan has been named National Youth Coach of the Year, and is a member of the Connecticut
Soccer Hall of Fame. He has written thousands of stories for the mainstream and gay press, including The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and USA
Today. His 16 books include "Jocks: True Stories of America’s Gay Male Athletes" and the sequel "Jocks 2: Coming Out To Play." His GLBT sports
column, "The OutField," is syndicated nationally. Dan is a founder of OutSpoken, Connecticut’s largest support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and
questioning youth. He speaks regularly on gay issues to sports organizations, schools and universities, corporations and civic groups.
Katrina Wyss, MS
prevention@1800runaway.org
(773) 289-1723
Katrina Wyss, M.S., joined the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) team in 2009, where she is currently the Prevention Specialist. She has a Masters
degree in Non-Profit Management from DePaul University. Katrina offers over ten years of experience, which includes both direct services with
youth and adults, as well as training in numerous settings. Her experience as a presenter encompasses crisis intervention, runaway and homeless
youth issues, domestic violence, LGBTQ issues and teen dating violence.
60
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8 True Colors XIX: Celebrating Our Allies

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