Massachusetts is witnessing a rise in hate towards the LBGTQ+ community\, as is the nation\, fueled by misinformatio n and a lack of awareness. The forces of opposition are small\, yet loud a nd increasingly more organized. This has fueled a fractured society that u nfairly politicizes the bodies of LGBTQ+ folks who are just trying to live their lives.
\nThe devastating effects of hate against the LGBTQ co mmunity are evident in a suicide attempt rate that is 4 times higher among LGBTQ youth than their peers. LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to sui cide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity\, rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized i n society.
\nThis Courageous Conversation aims to correct misinforma tion and provide an overview of approaches that community members and alli es can use to improve conversations about LGBTQ equality\, with a focus on illustrating the concrete harms and hate that LGBTQ people face here in A ndover and across Massachusetts\, helping straight\, cis-gender people see those harms through their own eyes\, and avoiding missteps that can creat e roadblocks to successful discussions.
\nModerator: Ian Whalen-Ston e\, Greater Boston PFLAG
\nPanelists: \;Renee Manning (she/her) \, transgender advocate\; Grayson DiNino (he/him)\, AHS class of 2022\; La rainne Wilson (she/her)\, parent and Director of Equity and Counseling in Ayer Shirley\; Caitlin Mitchell (she/her)\, AHS Gender and Sexuality Allia nce Co-Adviser
\nAdditional events in this series: March 2nd Antisemitism Panel
\nThis program is a partnership with Courageous Conversations and Memorial Hall Library. \;
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