#MyStoryOUTLoud: LGBTQ+ Students of Color

Mobilizing for Safe and Supportive Environments

Wesley Thomas & Reginald PattersonAdvocates for Youth

• Tumblr: Youthresourceafy

• Facebook: YouthResource

• Twitter/IG: @mystoryoutloud

• Digital story-telling campaign

• Focused on LGBTQ People of Color

• Amplifying youth voices to mobilize for safe and supportive environments

#MyStoryOUTLoud

YouthResource• Youth leadership cohort of

LGBTQ young people explores issues of concern to their peers.

• Peer educators aged 13-24 from diverse backgrounds.

• Located in all parts of the

United States.

• Trained to on SRHR issues

Pre-Conference & Urban Retreat

“This is how we did it”

• In The Beginning…….

• 10 youth activists

• Day long pre-conference

• Consultation with Connected Health Solution

• Processing, Processing, Processing

• Role-plays, Promo videos, & Timeline

• 5-day intensive training on topics including1. Sexual Health and Rights2. Mobilizing and Advocacy3. Digital Storytelling4. Story of Self5. Lobby Day

Pre-Conference & Urban Retreat

THE LAUNCH!• November 16, 2015

• 3 promo videos

• Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Branding

Activities to Date • Collected over 60+ Stories,

interviews, profiles, and other narratives

• Hosted open mic night in Michigan

• Script reading in Chapel Hill, NC

• Twitter Chat in partnership with True Colors Fund, Campus Pride, & ScenariosUSA

• Highlighted awareness days related to HIV

• Received shouts and recognitions from “It Gets Better” & Janet Mock

• Campfire Event in May with Gender Spectrum

• Blogs and articles on student rights on calls to action

• Video interviews, and local events on campus

Still to come

• Open and affirming housing and administrative practices on campus

• Creating safe spaces on campus (i.e. Sexual Health Services, Center for LGBT students, LGBT and Race study centered courses)

What’s the Goal?

We’re Making Progress!• Challenging dress code

standards for honors ceremonies

• All Gender/Gender Neutral Housing

• Safe Zone Trainings

• Transgender Day of Remembrance Events

• Creation of LGBTQ POC groups on campus

• Buy-in from LGBTQ Admin on Campus

• Tumblr: Youthresourceafy

• Facebook: YouthResource

• Twitter/IG: @mystoryoutloud

THANK YOU!!!

Wesley K. Thomas

Wesley@advocatesforyouth.org202-419-3420 ext. 19