In this episode, I have the opportunity to talk with a current DCPS high school student and GSA leader. Listen in as Will describes his involvement in peer advocacy, supporting the development of a more inclusive school community, and drafting legislation for district-wide adoption of LGBTQ+ curriculum. Will's story is sure to inspire current and aspiring GSA leaders.

In this episode, Will mentions some of the following:
The Lavender Scare
Gay Rights Movement 

In this episode, Tara chats with Adaphie Johnson Wilhite, Director of Programs for SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders). Adalphie is a fierce proponent for youth engagement and advocacy, and she shares how youth input has influenced her response to resource and program development.

You can find more information about SMYAL on the organization's website: SMYAL.org 

In this special episode, Tara discusses storytelling with Christine D'Ercole. Christine shares how storytelling has impacted her life, and how we can find power in the words we use and the stories we create.

Christine is a public speaker, storyteller, Masters World Champion Track Cyclist, Peloton instructor, and creator of IAMICANIWILLIDO and Wordshop.

Visit Christine's website for more information about her and her wordshop sessions. 

In this episode, Tara chats with Diana Bruce, an independent consultant who provides training, collaboration, and support to schools and community groups in the areas of gender justice, health and education equity, capacity-building, and strategizing.

During this episode, the following agencies, organizations, or resources were discussed:
Collaborate with Diana Bruce
SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change
Stonewall National Museum & Archives
Yoga Classes with Diana
Borderland Rainbow Center of El Paso, Texas
Barbara Jordan
Bayard Rustin
Brené Brown
State-by-State Examination of Anti-Discrimination Laws and Policies
Campus Pride
Title IX - Know Your IX
SMYAL 

In this episode, Tara chats with Heidi Ellis of HME Consulting and Advocacy. Heidi uses her experience in intersectional LGBTQ+ and racial justice, mental health, and equity work to provide training and support LGBTQ+ initiatives across various DC-based agencies and organizations.



The following links are referenced or are supportive material discussed in this episode:

HME Consulting Links
Strength in Our Voices
Audre Lorde Project
Trevor Project
Trans Lifeline
Gender Spectrum Support Groups 

The DCPS LGBTQ and Sexual Health Program is excited to announce the launch of our first ever A Very LGBTQ+ Holiday Audio Album. During the remainder of December, we will conduct brief interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We will share links to each story in our online audio album, with updates also provided via social media. Help us celebrate the stories and experiences of our community by signing up to participate.

View the project flyer below. See the second page of the flyer for interview questions.
A Very LGBTQ+ Holiday Audio Album Flyer
DCPS LGBTQ on Facebook
DCPS LGBTQ on Instagram

In this episode, I have the opportunity to chat with the Paul Heins, the founding director of the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Additionally, Paul is a valued member of the DCPS LGBTQ Steering Committee and Leading With Pride Planning Committee.

In this episode, we discuss some of the following sites:
GenOUT Chorus
GenOUT Chorus: Living Authentically Workshop
]DCPS LGBTQ+ Resources for Students and Families
Annie's Steakhouse in Washington, DC

In today's episode, we chat with DCPS LGBTQ Liaison for McKinley Tech High School, Desiree Raught. Listen in to hear more about how Desiree supports her LGBTQ+ students, promotes awareness amongst her colleagues, and uses her experience and knowledge to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.