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Penny Lane Centers’ Edgy Conference 2015
November 13, 2015 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) individuals.
The theme for this year’s event is Health and Wellness: Improving the health, safety, and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) individuals.
The topic of GLBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Allies) diversity continues to demand our attention in the Child Welfare System and beyond. EDGY is a Professionals’ Symposium offering a range of programming, activities and accessible resources designed to build your capacity to work with GLBTQIA youth and families. As in previous years, we anticipate offering continuing education credits for mental health, group home and social work professionals attending the workshop.
GLBT individuals encompass all races and ethnicities, religions, and social classes. Sexual orientation and gender identity questions are not asked on most national or state surveys, making it difficult to estimate the number of GLBT individuals and their health needs.
Research suggests that GLBT individuals face physical and mental health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against GLBT persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Experiences of violence and victimization are frequent for GLBT individuals, and have long-lasting effects on the individual and the community. Personal, family, and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and personal safety of GLBT individuals.