Youth Workshops.
The Models of Pride Youth Track offers workshops and activities for middle school and high school youth.

SESSION ONE WORKSHOPS

A Writing Workshop with TV & Film Professionals
VKC 205/ Fabulosity (all ages)
Writers! Come meet Outfest’s Screenwriting Lab Fellows, chosen based on an LGBT-themed script they have written. We’ll lead you in writing exercises, read TV/Film scenes aloud, and discuss how to create a scene on the page. We can’t wait to teach you how to start writing your script!
Shari Greicar and Screenwriting Lab Fellows, Outfest

Bois Will be Bois: The Art of Bending Gender as a Masculine of Center* Person
VKC 210 / Justice (ages 18-24)
Me&MyBois webseries provides a dialogue about gender, justice, and power. The dialogue provides visibility and showcases the resiliency in gender non-conforming folks, as well as trans folks. Me&MyBois is a collective of masculine of centered folks creating media outlets for LGBTQ people. We break the silence created by racism, sexism, heterosexism, homophobia, oppression, and transphobia.
*Masculine of center (MoC), which, in its evolving definition, recognizes the cultural breadth and depth of identity for lesbian/queer womyn and gender nonconforming/trans people who tilt toward the masculine side of the gender spectrum.
Megan Benton and Lex Kennedy, Me&MyBois (Youth Led)

Building Allies within Communities: Making Our Differences Visible
VKC 204 / Justice (ages 18-24)
Join an honest dialogue about discrimination that happens within LGBTQIQ-youth settings, and how young people can become allies to others that fall within these categories. Queer communities can become just as oppressive as any other community. Unlearning oppression means being open to the differences of others and not assuming sameness, even as struggles are shared.
Mauro Sifuentes

Circle Project: A Safe Space For The Collective Healing and Self-Empowerment of UndocuQueer Youth.
VKC 254 / Justice (ages 18-24)
What does it feel like to “come out” twice as undocumented and as LGBTQ? A double closet has often been referred to as the fear of disclosing both immigration status and sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This workshop will establish a loving, safe space for queer, undocumented youth to begin a transformational healing process. Participants will be given access to resources in order to receive continued support.
Claudia Ramirez and Imelda Plascencia, Circle Project & Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Center (Youth Led)

C*ck & Coochie Curiosity: Knowing Your Body and Understanding What It Wants
VKC 155 / Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
There is more to having sex than penetration. Learn the basics of sexual safety, and become aware of sex positive environments, self care, and self expression of what you like and what you don't like in the bedroom.
Alessandro Negrete and Raul Cienfuegos, Qulture Collective

Elder Speak
VKC 157 / Justice (ages 12-18)
LGBT seniors talk about what it was like growing up when they were youth. How did they find one another, create community and thrive. Youth are encouraged to ask questions; this is an interactive session. Included is a 10 minute video of our senior oral history project.
Kathleen Sullivan and Joe Kuhlmann, LA Gay & Lesbian Center

Gay Men’s Chorus LA!
Tutor Center Ballroom/Fabulosity (all ages)
Come check out the Gay Men’s Chorus as they sing and share their personal stories.

Get Empowered: Know Our Queer History
VKC 154 / Politics (ages 12-18)
Do you know that Gandhi left his wife for a man? Shakespeare was bisexual? Sappho from Lesbos is so famous (the island she lived on is where we get the term "lesbian.")? 4,300 years ago an Egyptian Pharaoh had a woman's body but wore men's clothes and a false beard? We’ll explore in history men who loved other men, women who loved other women, and individuals who defied the boundaries of conventional gender. Knowing our queer history can help us understand our present and empower our future!
Lee Wind, leewind.org

Get Rich, Stay Rich…Live Fabulously!
VKC 203/Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
We get it… you’ve been living in an overcrowded house, living on fast food, and searching for happy hour specials to quench your thirst. Well, once you graduate, get a job and get paid, things will change. This workshop will help show you how to adjust your trajectory from “poor college student” to successful young gay on the go. This includes advice on setting financial goals, managing credit, and yes, budgeting. *Warning: This workshop may help lead to excessive wealth.
Union Bank

How To Be An Effective LGBTQ Straight Ally and Advocate
VKC 256 / Justice (ages 18-24)
Allies play a critical role in the LGBT movement. We will provide tangible, practical advice for people who want to learn how to be effective straight allies to the LGBTQ community and advocates for equality. This session is targeted to LGBTQ and straight allies alike, and attendees will receive information they can use as well as share with other straight allies (including parents!) in their lives.
Erin Hanson, Bank of America

How to Have a Kick Ass GSA
VKC 202/Justice (ages 12-18)
Youth with GSAs or looking to start a GSA will gain a better understanding of the different types of GSA clubs and what type of club you have/would like to have, learn how to write a mission statement for your GSA, learn how to organize your GSA meetings and activities, learn what makes a good facilitator, and gain skills and ideas in fundraising, outreach, membership, and activities.
Youth Trainers, GSA Network (Youth Led)

I Am Queer and Fabulous
VKC 252 / Justice (ages 12-18)
There is no reason to ever feel “not good enough.” In this fun and interactive workshop, participants will learn to turn negative self-talk and mind-mucking junk into a powerful “I AM” contract. Discover what is already amazing about yourself, and step into your queer and fabulous power NOW!
Kim Girard, Kim Girard Coaching

Know Your Rights When Stopped by the Cops
VKC 107 / Justice (all ages)
Participants will learn about their legal rights if they are stopped, detained, or arrested by law enforcement. Emphasis will be placed on communication skills and how youth can effectively assert their rights when talking to law enforcement officers.
Jake Finney, LA Gay & Lesbian Center

LGBT Radio in Media: Why It's Important To Get Your Voice Out There!
VKC 108 / Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Come learn about opportunities in different genres of…RADIO! Learn how to do a mock radio interview, and get the inside scoop from professional radio hosts!
Sheena Metal and Paul Jacek, LA Talk Radio

Living with Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies and Worse
Alumni Park/ Justice (all ages)
Werewolves, vampires, and zombies attack in very different ways, for very different motives. Are you ready? This workshop focuses on Self-Defense. Be it against a savage bashing, a sexual predator, or a hostile crowd, knowing what to do in a given situation is your best chance at avoiding an attack. We will cover attitude, preparation, and a few strategies for self defense, just in case someone comes after you with a chainsaw.
Ryka Aoki, Trey Kimberling, Stephanie Hsieh, Supernova Martial Arts (Youth and Adult Led)

Love What You See In The Mirror
VKC 160 / Justice (all ages)
Love yourself inside and out. Learn how to boost your self-esteem and not let those advertisements and negative comments get in the way of how you want to live your life. Empowerment is needed today before things get much worse, and only one person can make that happen, YOU.
Dominic Anaya, Legacy

Making It Better Together Project/Get Empathy Campaign
VKC 156/Justice (all ages)
Come and learn from your peers how to be an activist and help build a movement to end bullying at your schools!  Learn how to become a leader by sharing your story so that others can join with you in this grassroots movement in changing the culture of racism, sexism, classism and homophobia in your school.
Paul Engler, Cedar Landsman, Jessica Weissbuch, Kayla Ryan, Angelo Colino, Erin Davis, Justin Gonzalez

Mind the Gap: Building Bridges Between the LGB, Allies and Trans Communities
VKC 104 / Justice (ages 18-24)
Create a safe environment for the trans community and allies to learn what’s safe to ask and not ask. Discuss how trans issues are connected to the bigger LGBTQ picture and why societal pressures might create resistance to being an ally. Learn how trans people have a value in our society and how we all benefit from building this alliance.
Kadin Henningsen and Jeffrey Janis (for kayla: kadin has an org w her other workshop Translating Gender)

Money Matters for the Young, Fabulous, and Queer!
VKC 153 / Fabulosity (ages 18-24)                                                                     
Frada or Prada? Gucci or Fucci? Is that banker interested in you or trying to make interest off you? Learn the basics of credit, love and money, and financial planning--so you can be FABULOUS!
aron Saenz, Pasadena Pride Center (Youth Led)

Movement for Every “BODY”
VKC 261 / Justice (all ages)
Join a panel of women of all shapes and sizes. Let’s talk about our struggles with our bodies and initiate some conversation about how youth feel about their bodies: What is contributing to how they see themselves? Why is it more accepted to bash our bodies than to say to our friends that we look great? We’ll also do a 10-15 minute movement class, where we will practice intuitive exercise, and learn some dance moves that will ground us in our bodies.
Christine Liao and Laura Luna (Youth and Adult Led)

Newcomer’s Orientation!
Tutor Ballroom/Fabulosity (ages 16 and under)
This workshop is designed for those NEW to Models of Pride and for anyone 16 years of age or younger. The focus of this workshop is to help you feel comfortable and make the most of your day. You’ll make a ton of new friends, learn everything you need to know to have a great day and you’ll have a ton of fun. And you may even leave with a prize!!
Kevin McCloskey, Dashing Rabbit Pictures

Playing with Power & Reimagining Our World
VKC 150 / Justice and Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
What is power? Who has it? And how can it be shared and/or transformed? In this interactive workshop, we’ll use Theatre of the Oppressed games and exercises to play with structures of power and work together to transform ourselves, our communities, and our world. No experience necessary! Learn to identify and describe structures of power such as racism, classism, heteronormativity and learn to re-imagine the world you want to live in.
Julianne Gale, USC & Gender Justice LA

Positively Powerful
VKC 255 / Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
We will discuss why gay men of color are rapidly becoming the front runners of the HIV epidemic and how we as community can help change this growing statistic and empower Gay men to rise above their status and thrive. Learn about the legacies of HIV+ gay men who have made a great impact on the world; discuss how they succeeded, and how we can follow in their footsteps. We are youth speaking to youth about topics that are affecting youth.
Lenworth Poyser, Jerry Morris, Chris Wilson, Children’s Hospital LA (Youth Led)

Queer Activism & Culture en Español
VKC 111/ Justice (ages 18-24)
Queer Latino youth find it difficult to find a space to talk about LGBT issues in...SPANISH! How are we going to be proud of who we are and talk to our families and communities if we don´t know what words to use? This workshop is designed for those who want to be all that...EN ESPAÑOL. We will go over LGBT terminology and talk about resources and needs to be fierce Spanish-speaking LGBT activists. All Spanish levels and races welcome.
Francisco Dueñas and Ana Sanchez, Lambda Legal

Queer Bodies, Great & Small
VKC 101 / Justice (ages 18-24)
The workshop promotes self-acceptance, self-esteem, and the ability to stand up for equal treatment in society, regardless of body size, shape, or appearance. We introduce the concept of Health At Every Size (HAES), a weight-neutral approach to health.
Julianne Wotasik, Ragen Chastain, Jeanette DePatie and Terry Higginbotham, NAAF-LA

Queer in Sports
VKC 110/Fabulosity (ages 12-18)
To provide information to support, educate, and empower youth's participation in college sports.
Porsha Draper and Arian Gauff, RISE, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

Queer Time Travel
VKC 258 / Politics (ages 18-24)
Hear the awesome words and music that defined the time during which your gay ancestors lived. Meet those LGBT heroes on whose shoulders you stand today, who allowed you to be here today and open about your sexuality. Wise up to the staggering events that shook the world and kicked off the revolution that led to Stonewall and gay liberation from Harlem and the blues in the 20's, the great depression, World War, the pill, Rock and Roll, AIDS, and same sex marriage.
Arnold Pomerantz, GLIDE

Self-Love 101
VKC 158 / Justice (ages 18-24)
We help you find an emotional place inside yourself that is full of love for yourself: the parts you like and don't like. We start the workshop with meditation/visualization exercises and finish with writing a letter to yourself and discovering the parts of yourself you are just crazy about and the parts you are less crazy about but love regardless because they are part of you.
Maia Akiva and Kate E. McCracken

SEX, DRUGS, and ROCK-N-ROLL: The Chemistry of Life!
VKC 201/Justice (ages 18-24)
A fast uncensored interactive look at the biology of sex, addiction, and how what you hear, think, and say can change what actions you take. It's all chemistry! Learn how your body works and take charge of your life!
Elaine Suranie, Reclaim Your Spirit Education

Shamanism: Sacred Tools for Self-Healing
VKC 200 / Justice (ages 18-24)
Shamanic practices help us access this stream of healing energy within us all by spiritually cleansing our minds, bodies, and spirits of negative energies which weigh us down. Learn simple shamanic techniques for rapid self-healing, building inner strength, increasing confidence, establishing harmonious relationships, and cultivating peace. Through interactive practices, participants will quickly learn how to utilize sacred tools to amplify their inner light!
Jason Perez, Sacred Peace Center

The Game of Life
VKC 109 / Fabulosity (ages 12-18)
Modeling closely to The Game of Life, the youth will start with decisions about their futures: if they are going to attend college or start a job. Based on the decision, they will move across the "game board" and will face many realistic obstacles. The youth will be assisted in making successful decisions to move forward on the board.
Angelina Castellanos and Joanne Cerda, RISE, LA Gay & Lesbian Center

The Young Person’s Guide to Raising Parents
VKC 103 / Justice (all ages)
Through group discussion, role-playing and other activities learn to manage our relationships with our parents, whether they be biological, step, adoptive or “alternative.” Topics will be both philosophical and practical in nature. We will practice compassionately setting boundaries, and dealing with parents’ reactions when they are unhappy with us. Please bring an open mind and your sense of humor.
Reynold Watkins

TransPuberty - Changing Bodies in a Changing World
VKC 257 / Justice (All ages)
Exploring the current options available to Trans youth, and their ramifications medically, socially, and within the family. This workshop is for individuals (and their loved ones) who identify as f2m, m2f, gender variant, or really any gender identity with questions about medical or surgical interventions.
Sean Enloe

United We Stand
VKC 102/ Justice (ages 18-24)
All of us have problems, but some think we have to go through them alone. Listen as our speakers discuss their own dilemmas of accepting help and forming their own support systems. Through the use of their own heroes, they overcome challenges and continue to be healthy.
Joseph Lopez and Gambit Geniess, Color in Common (Youth Led)

What is a Healthy Relationship Anyway?
VKC 152 / Justice (ages 18-24)
What is a healthy relationship anyway? With games, music, prizes, and discussion we will explore how you can have a relationship that makes you feel good about who you are
LaDawn Best, Mary Case and Giovanna Martinez, LA Gay & Lesbian Center

You Gotta Read This: LGBTQ Literature for Diverse Readers
VKC 105 / Justice (ages 12-18)
Get a brief overview of fiction that can empower queer youth of color and combat stereotypes that lead to anti-gay harassment and violence. From James Baldwin to Jacqueline Woodson, authors are creating rich literary worlds for students to explore. Learn how literature can inform classroom conversations on sensitive topics.
Julie Plaisance, The OUTreach Center

Young Gay Man Seeking ... - 100ft Away
VKC 260 / Justice (ages 18-24)
Learn the necessary skills to practice safer sex through the use of online services such as Craigslist or Grindr: How to keep away from dangerous situations (e.g. being out late at night without any transportation home), and how young gay men can avoid allowing their insecurities to cause uncomfortable situations leading to unsafe choices.
Jesse Quintanilla and Alejandro Carrillo, Color in Common (Youth Led)

 

SESSION TWO WORKSHOPS

Arm Your Art: Here’s Your Gender Justice LA Toolbox
VKC 150/ Politics, Justice, and Fabulosity (all ages)
Do you know what rights *trans youth have in schools and on the streets? Learn and exercise your rights in this fun and interactive Theatre of the Oppressed workshop! Whether you are trans* or a supportive ally, come join this multi-aged workshop to play theatre games and gain tools to take back to your communities/schools. This is a double session workshop, so please plan to stay through Session Three.
Ezak Perez, TK (Brown Boi) Flory, Karen Anzoategui, Anthony (Rocky) Arenas, Chella Coleman, Alex De Leon, Julianne Gale, Shruti Purkayastha, Gender Justice LA (Youth and Adult Led)

Bradley Manning, the Occupy Movement, and LGBTQ Resistance
VKC 259/ Politics (ages 18-24)
PFC Bradley Manning is the alleged Wikileaks whistleblower. Before his arrest for allegedly releasing the undisclosed information, he was an activist in the LGBTQ community and an open opponent of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. We will discuss Manning's treatment while in the Army under DADT and while in custody, the leaked U.S. war crimes and human rights violations and summary of his current trial hearings. We will also highlight the mass media’s coverage and portrayal of Bradley Manning as a member of the LGBTQ community.
Lila Salas and Rosemary Llewellyn, Free Bradley Manning SoCal

Career Panel: So You Want to Work in Media?
VKC 108/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Are you considering a career in media? Learn how to break into the industry from the experts! LGBT employees from NBCUniversal, one of the world’s premier entertainment, news and sports media companies, will be on hand to share their stories and give advice.
Jayzen Patria and Justin Wyatt, NBCUniversal

Deconstructing White Privilege: Building Bridges in LGBTQ communities
VKC 111/ Justice (all ages)
We invite everyone to a conversation to build better allies in a multi-cultural and multi-racial city like LA. In this honest and candid conversation, we will break down white privilege and its impact on communities of color and white communities alike. Come share and learn tools to address racism in our own communities and how to hold each other accountable in a caring and constructive way.
Byron Jose, Sammy Lyon, Sylvia Raskin, qteam and AWARE-LA

Drag and All Things Gender Fabulous
VKC 258/ Fabulosity (all ages)                                                
Ever wanted to do drag, or learn more about it? Join our Drag Professors as we go over the history of drag and the nitty-gritty of how drag transformations are done today – including tips, tricks, and misconceptions, like the use of duct tape! We’ll even be giving special drag transformations to two of our lucky participants!
Glenn Young and Nanar Mowad, USC (Youth Led)

Dream Yourself Awake - How To Interpret Your Dreams
Alumni Park/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24) 
If dreams are messages from the unconscious, then working with your dreams can yield amazing results. When you know how to effectively use these powerful experiences, great progress can be made in the process of awareness, insight and self-actualization.
Michael Lennox

Drum Circle- HealthRHYTHMS
Pardee Plaza/Fabulosity (all ages)
Discover unconditional acceptance & well-being through the power of music. HealthRHYTHMS is a research-based program for facilitating communication, reducing stress, and boosting your immune system. No prior musical experience required.
Crystal Gozaydin, Percussion Discussions

El Fuego Dentro Film Screening
202/ Politics (all ages)
Screening of 40 minute film and discussion of the topics set forth by the moving stories of Peruvian transgender men and women whose lives are transformed through resolve and activism.
Dante Alencastre and Queen Victoria Ortega, Royal Court

Everything you want to know about STDs & Safer Sex for Young LGBTQ Women
VKC 254/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
LGBTQ young women learn how to be safer if they are being sexual. Participants will increase their knowledge of STD’s and HIV, including preventing transmission of STDs and HIV, increase confidence of communication about safer sex practices, safer sex with partners, and implementing safe sex practices.
Sue LaVaccare and Diane Tanaka, MD, Children’s Hospital LA

Exploring your Creativity, Passion and Expression with Theatre!
VKC 151/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
We will utilize physical theatre acting techniques, theatre games, and movement exercises to discover how we connect to others, the space, and ourselves. Also how theatre can empower us by taking personal stories and experiences along with creative tools to devise a theatre piece that can inform, educate, liberate and celebrate your unique voice and expression.
Corky Dominguez

Families: Making Them Work for Your Queer Soul
VKC 202/Justice (all ages)
We will explore what “family” means to you. We will bring youth together to engage in meaningful conversations about their families’ pasts and futures in relation to the LGBTQ experience. This is a safe space to ask each other probing questions about the role of “family” in our lives with a chance to listen to each other’s' answers.
Marco Castro-Bojorquez, Abigail Caudillo, Francisco Duenas, Karlyn Bearchell, Lambda Legal

Fierce Resilience
VKC 201/ Fabulosity (ages 12-18)
There are many youth in the foster care system that have had multiple placements. These youth have had many negative experiences and need support in overcoming obstacles. This workshop will provide tools to support foster youth who have experienced multiple placements.
Doris, Evelyn, and Nona, RISE, LA Gay & Lesbian Center

Get Rich, Stay Rich…Live Fabulously!
VKC 203/Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
We get it… you’ve been living in an overcrowded house, living on fast food, and searching for happy hour specials to quench your thirst. Well, once you graduate, get a job and get paid, things will change. This workshop will help show you how to adjust your trajectory from “poor college student” to successful young gay on the go. This includes advice on setting financial goals, managing credit, and yes, budgeting. *Warning: This workshop may help lead to excessive wealth.
Union Bank

God and Gays: Homosexuality and the Bible
VKC 252/Justice (all ages)
Learn what the “clobber passages” in the Bible are (the ones used against the LGBT community), and how to respond to those who use them against us, powerfully and confidently.
Fred Ascher and Manuel Cabacungan, Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles

HIV, Youth of Color and Crystal Meth Addiction
VKC 160/ Justice (ages 18-24)
A panel of youth who are affected by or living with HIV as a direct result of crystal meth use will talk about their experiences and what they have done to distance themselves from the substance, and strategies they have used to set healthy boundaries.
Timothy Vallez

Homeboy: Documentary Screening and Q & A
102/ Justice (all ages)
"Homeboy," about gay Latino men who were in gangs, many who joined as youth. In addition to the gay ex-gang members, the film features Luis J. Rodriguez, internationally bestselling author, gang expert and activist. Following the screening, we'll have a Q & A.
Dino Dinco

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Emotions
VKC 255/ Fabulosity (ages 12-18)
Do you ever feel overwhelmed or taken over by your emotions? Learn a technique to better understand where your emotions come from and how to manage them. Learn to activate healing energy by gently tapping on certain points of the body with your fingers. Using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) learn how to relax when faced with difficult, stressful, and overwhelming emotions.
Sylvia Raskin and Monique Beltran, Joyful Communication EFT

How to Help Your Parents When You Come Out
VKC 109 / Justice (ages 12-18)
Parents have all kinds of reactions when their LGBT kids come out: acceptance, relief, pride, sadness, guilt, anger, indifference. Like their children, they are starting a journey toward acceptance. PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) provides non-judgmental support to families wherever they are in the process. A panel of PFLAG parents and LGBT persons will talk about how your parents may feel when you come out, and how you can help them learn to support, celebrate, and advocate for you.
Mariette Sawchuk, Patti Loitz, Sylvia Weisenberg, Stuart Huggins, Karen Mason, PFLAG LA

If I Can, You Can: Former Foster Youth Speak Out
VKC 200/ Fabulosity (ages 12-18)
Succesful stories of LGBTQ youth that have aged out of the Foster Care System.
Dawn Davolt, Hector Godina, Thea Bufford, RISE, LA Gay & Lesbian Center

Is Hood Love Good Love? (Young Gay Men of Color discuss growing up in "The Hood".
VKC 158/ Justice (ages 18-24)
The term “ghetto” is used to describe -in a derogatory manner- neighborhoods that are stricken with poverty, gang violence, police brutality, drug abuse. This panel will feature young Black and Latino gay men willing to discuss their experiences growing up in these neighborhoods. They will share their truths about being gay in the hood, convey the “street-smart” skills they have acquired, and confer what they are doing to create safe spaces for young gay men of color living in urban communities.
Nicolas Patino, Donta Morrison, Javontae Wilson, Percival Pandy, Kelby Maldonado, Chris Myers, AIDS Project LA (APLA) (Youth Led)

Just B
VKC 257/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
"Just B" is a term that we are encouraging youth to use, in the hopes of building their self-esteem and confidence to just be who they are, and understand how to find self-love and efficacy through when they “Just B.” Self Esteem is something that motivates a person to just be safe, protected, fabulous, confident, happy, free. Lack of self-esteem plays a part in why many youth may find themselves at risk.
Greg Wilson and OVAHNESS Leaders, REACH LA (Youth Led)

Just Because I'm Asian Doesn't Mean I'm Submissive: Breaking Down Stereotypes
VKC 107/ Justice (all ages)
Sit down and chat with other gay/ bisexual/lesbian Asians/Pacific Islanders about fitting into LGBT culture, dating, sex and coming out. Come up with your own ways to stop negative stereotypes from both Asian/Pacific Islander and mainstream culture
Jeffrey Lim, Children's Hospital LA

Know Your Rights: The Civil Rights of LGBTQ Students
VKC 260/ Politics (all ages)
Do you have the right to come out at school? Do you have the right to form a gay-straight alliance at your school? May you take a same-sex date to the prom? This workshop will provide answers to questions regarding the legal rights of LGBTQ students.
Joey Hernández, ACLU Southern California (Youth Led)

Let's Get Busy Baby!
VKC 154/ Justice (ages 18-24)
Come and learn how to keep it safe even if it’s just for a taste. Learn all the real details and facts about HIV/AIDS and STI’S and how to keep safe sex satisfying and keep your partner smiling every time you and your partner get your love on.
Percival Pandy Jr. and Juan Velasco, John Wesley Community Health (JWCH)

Local GSAs Plan Activities Together
VKC 256/ Fabulosity (ages 12-18)
GSA clubs can work together to create fun activities. Mike and Doug work with seven local high school GSA clubs to plan and conduct activities: dances, movie nights, bowling nights, beach parties, beach bonfires, discussion/support groups, bicycle trips, sunset/moon-rise hikes,
Doug Pollock and Mike Freeman, Marmonte GSA Coalition

Making It Better Together Project/Get Empathy Campaign
VKC 156/Justice (all ages)
Come and learn from your peers how to be an activist and help build a movement to end bullying at your schools!  Learn how to become a leader by sharing your story so that others can join with you in this grassroots movement in changing the culture of racism, sexism, classism and homophobia in your school.
Paul Engler, Cedar Landsman, Jessica Weissbuch, Kayla Ryan, Angelo Colino, Erin Davis, Justin Gonzalez

Makin' it in the Media
VKC 110/Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Watch a film that tells Johanna's story of making it as a proud, successful trans woman and explore how telling our stories helps us fully accept ourselves and represent our truth to the world.
Jonathan Skurnik and Johanna Clearwater, The Youth & Gender Media Project (Youth and Adult Led)

MUSIQ INDUSTRY: Where We Have Come From to Where We Are Going
VKC 104/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Learn from music industry professionals, both ally and LGBTQ identified, about music supervision, owning your own record label, artist development, music legal matters, and licensing for music in tv & movies, while focusing on owning who you are as LGBTQ folx or allies. Come with all dreams and aspirations and get inspired.
Ziion (Youth and Adult Led)

Online Identity: Internet Superstars
VKC 152/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Ask questions of ourselves about creating an online identity. What is an online identity? How does it reflect who we are? What isn't represented accurately? How can we use an online identity to do things we couldn't otherwise? Queer artists and activists are making use of social media to create a new landscape to identify themselves and constitute their communities. We want to highlight their successes and learn strategies that all of us can use.
Eli Rarey and Jean Robison

OutSet Screening: Short Films Written & Directed by LGBTQ Youth
101/ Fabulosity (all ages)
Outfest is thrilled to present OutSet, the Young Filmmakers Project from LifeWorks and Outfest, created to empower and educate LGBTQ youth to tell their stories through film.  Fourteen LGBTQ youth ages 16-24 participated in a filmmaking lab over three months to create five short films.  Don’t miss this inspiring screening of films written, directed, produced and edited by a new generation of storytellers, the 2012 graduates of OutSet, followed with a Q&A with the filmmakers.
Shari Greicar and Alumni Filmmakers of OutSet, a program of Outfest and LifeWorks

Politics as a Vehicle for Change
VKC 155/ Politics (ages 18-24)
Learn a historical overview of the laws and policies that have influenced and shaped the LGBTQ experience in the United States: How the laws, policies and society’s view of the LGBTQ community have changed over the years in the US from pre-Stonewall Riots, Post-Stonewall riots and today. We review how the LGBTQ experience has changed through activism and political involvement. Topics covered will include: criminalization of homosexuality, psychological/medical treatment of homosexuals, activism, political leaders, and laws.
Thomas Gudino and Michael Colorge, Stonewall Young Democrats

Putting the B back in LGBT
VKC 156/ Justice (all ages)
Bisexuals experience high rates of being ignored, discriminated against, demonized, or rendered invisible by both the heterosexual world and the lesbian and gay communities. Often, the entire sexual orientation is branded as invalid, immoral, or irrelevant. Despite years of activism and the largest population within the LGBT community, the needs of bisexuals still go unaddressed and their very existence is still called into question. This lack of visibility has serious consequences for bisexuals’ health, economic well-being, and funding for bi organizations and programs. This workshop will explore bisexual invisibility and empower youth to advocate for inclusion.
Jamie Biggs, CSU Northridge

Queer Bodies, Great & Small
VKC 101/ Justice (ages 12-18)
The workshop promotes self-acceptance, self-esteem, and the ability to stand up for equal treatment in society, regardless of body size, shape, or appearance. We introduce the concept of Health At Every Size (HAES), a weight-neutral approach to health.
Julianne Wotasik, Ragen Chastain, Jeanette DePatie and Terry Higginbotham, NAAF-LA

Queer Time Capsule
VKC 102/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Take part in a one-of-a-kind workshop facilitated by The Lavender Effect Foundation called the “Queer Time Capsule.” You’ll be participating in group storytelling, performance, and will really flex your creative muscles in this workshop.
Andy Sacher and Michael Annetta, The Lavender Effect

Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project - Building Community within the LGBTQ and Immigrant Rights Movements
VKC 105/ Politics (ages 18-24)
Get a better understanding of the Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project and the work UndocuQueers are doing to create safe spaces within the LGBTQ and Undocumented communities.
Claudia Ramirez and Jorge Gutierrez, Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project (Youth Led)

Queerly Creating: Sneaky and Soulful ways to Change the World and Ourselves
VKC 208/ Fabulosity (ages 12-18)
Intended for the LGBTQIQTSSGL community, this workshop is on writing and performing around gender presentation & orientation. For non-writers/non-actors as well as self-defined writers/actors. Take a fearlessly introspective look into personal health and spiritual growth as a queer person. The participants will share, write and possibly perform or share their personal stories.
D'Lo, D'Loco Kid Productions

Queers Resisting Since 1492
VKC 261/ Justice (ages 18-24)
Learn about the struggle of queer folks in the Americas with the colonization of the continents, their sexuality language and gender roles. Examine the history of illegality as it relates to queers and immigrants as a form of oppression and control as well as how queers, women and migrants have resisted and continue to resist oppression, specifically looking at the emerging undocuqueer movement.
Jonathan Perez and Yoana Pena, Immigrant Youth Coalition (Youth Led)

Sankofa African History & Sexuality: A Road to Social Justice for the Black/African American Same-Gender-Loving Community
VKC 106/ Politics (ages 18-24)
Learn African history, African-American historical figures along with a presentation and discussion of indigenous African communities who were Same-Gender Loving (SGL) (e.g. Egyptian, Ugandan, etc.). Learn to think critically about the importance of history, self-naming and sexuality. Using the BMX (Black Men's Xchange) Critical Thinking and Cultural Affirmation (CTCA) model, the workshop will introduce Critical Thinking as an essential and TRANSFORMATIVE process to unlearn anti-Black impulses and thinking, and the internalization of oppressive thoughts, myths, imagery and perspectives. Cultural Affirmation is the process of engaging, recognizing and unlearning negative myths, expectations and attitudes about being Black, and replacing those thoughts with skills and positive factual information about being who we are and about our heritage. Everyone Welcome.
Malcolm Harris, Barron Chisolm, and Cleo Manago, The National Black Men’s Xchange-LA

Shades of Me! Artmaking to Explore Who I Am!
VKC 209/ Fabulosity (ages 12-18)
Explore who you are, what kind of person you'd like to be, and all the amazing pieces that make you YOU! We're going to make lots of art, have discussions about who you are and what kind of goals you want to set for yourself!
Shifra Teitelbaum, Carolina Couto, Erick Villegas, youTHINK (Youth Led)

So You Think You Want a Life in the Arts – What Does That Mean?
201/Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Learn how to navigate one’s life with the creative spirit. How to deal with the in’s & outs, ups & downs of pursuing a career in the arts. How to stay motivated, to avoid being defeated and to be continually inspired by the craft you love so much.
Jon Imperato and Kelly Mantle, LA Gay & Lesbian Center and Actor/Performance Artist

Speak Up; Speak Out; Stop the Hate
VKC 205/Justice (all ages)
What do you say to those homo/bi/transphobic remarks? Can you change a hater into an ally? GLIDE has transformed the hearts and minds of thousands of youth and adults through dialogue. Learn to flip those conflicts into meaningful conversations.
Ray Lancon, GLIDE

Trans Justice: Building and Sustaining Trans Inclusive Gender-Plus Spaces
VKC 111/ Justice (all ages)
As trans and queer youth of color communities, qteam believes in building and sustaining safe physical and political spaces that are accessible to everyone. Given the lived experiences of trans and gender non-conforming youth, we will explore Trans Justice as a framework for multi-issue cultural organizing and community building in LA. We will resist heteronormativity through reclaiming and redefining our individual and collective identities and struggles. Furthermore, we will develop tools and concrete steps to nurture and uphold trans-inclusive, gender-plus community spaces.
Byron Jose and Nenu Cruz, qteam (Youth Led)

When I grow up...A journey of gender discovery with two women of color
VKC 210/ Justice (18-24)
We two women of color will engage in a heartwarming conversation about our journey of gender discovery from early childhood to womanhood. Not only will we discuss the difficult periods of our lives and how each of us overcame them (from family abandonment to personal relationships); but also, the joys of life as they relate to gender identity.
Sharon Brown and Drian Juarez, LA Gay & Lesbian Center

Work It Out: Finding Our Leader
VKC 161/ Politics (ages 18-24)
Working it out is about lowering our guards to explore our leadership styles, the way we work within groups, and harnessing our individual abilities. The focus is on the self; some logistical leadership skills will also be discussed.
Cristina Madrigal, UCSB

SESSION THREE WORKSHOPS
Arm Your Art: Here’s Your Gender Justice LA Toolbox
VKC 150/ Politics, Justice, and Fabulosity (all ages)
Do you know what rights transgender, gender-variant, and gender non-conforming youth have in schools and on the streets? Learn and exercise your rights in this fun and interactive Theatre of the Oppressed workshop! Whether you are trans* or a supportive ally, come join this multi-aged workshop to play theatre games and gain tools to take back to your communities/schools. (Workshop Cont’d from Session Two)
Ezak Perez, TK (Brown Boi) Flory, Karen Anzoategui, Anthony (Rocky) Arenas, Chella Coleman, Alex De Leon, Julianne Gale, Shruti Purkayastha, Gender Justice LA (Youth and Adult Led)  190

A Conversation about Sex Work & the LGBTQ Community
VKC 151/ Justice (ages 18-24)
Join us for a conversation on some myths and facts about sex work in the LGBTQ community.
Ava L. Talley, Aubrey Muse, Mariko Passion (Youth and Adult Led)

The Business of Show
VKC 258/ Politics (ages 18-24)
What is it like to have a career in showbiz? What does it take to do the work and walk the walk to be in front of the camera? What are the do's & don'ts? Do you have the stuff to make it as an actor, singer or comedian?
Jason Stuart, Professional Comedian

Dating Abuse 101
VKC 207/ Justice (ages 12-18)
Participate in a facilitated conversation around the issue of dating abuse. Discuss thoughts about your relationships, how technology impacts communication, how pop culture/media can impact teen perceptions, and the specific challenges LGBTQ youth might face in their relationships.
Jasmine Ceja and Eric Anderson, Break the Cycle

Drum Circle- HealthRHYTHMS
Pardee Plaza/Fabulosity (all ages)
Discover unconditional acceptance & well-being through the power of music. HealthRHYTHMS is a research-based program for facilitating communication, reducing stress, and boosting your immune system. Featured on CNN, HealthRHYTHMS is effective at bringing people of all ages together in a variety of settings. No prior musical experience required.
Crystal Gozaydin, Percussion Discussions

Encourage Yourself: Reclaiming and Maintaining Your Faith
VKC 155/ Justice (ages 18-24)
For youth who are struggling to reconcile their sexuality with their walk in faith. There are many of our youth who have been raised Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other religions and are struggling now with their love of their faith while also being assaulted by family and friends who are telling them that their deity hates them.
Carolyn Wysinger and BJ Williams, Delta Gamma Psi Fraternity Inc.

God Knows My Orientation and Is Good With It!
VKC 252/Justice (all ages)
Gain an understanding of yourselves as LGBT people who are loved and valued by God. In this workshop you’ll learn what the Bible "really" says about homosexuality.
Jerrell Walls and Jessica Burpee, Christ Chapel of the Valley

GSAs for Justice
VKC 254/ Justice (all ages)
In this workshop, youth will gain an understanding of a GSA's vision and values, understand how the values and vision of your GSA informs the mission and club culture you create, learn the importance of a vision and values statement for an activist GSA, gain a better understanding of the difference equal rights and social justice, learn how to identify existing injustices, think about why GSAs should stand for "justice" not just "social equality".
Youth Trainers, GSA Network

Get Rich, Stay Rich…Live Fabulously!
VKC 203/Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
We get it… you’ve been living in an overcrowded house, living on fast food, and searching for happy hour specials to quench your thirst. Well, once you graduate, get a job and get paid, things will change. This workshop will help show you how to adjust your trajectory from “poor college student” to successful young gay on the go. This includes advice on setting financial goals, managing credit, and yes, budgeting. *Warning: This workshop may help lead to excessive wealth.
Union Bank 

From Playing with Toys to Landing Your Dream Job
VKC 158/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Do you feel different?  Trying to fit in? Learn that the things that make us different as kids are the same things that can help us stand out as adults.  We will hear stories from Mattel employees who turned their love of playing with toys or fashion into fun and exciting careers.
Peter Gandolfo, Mattel, Inc. 

Inter-generational Kinks
VKC 106 / Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Why is it so hard for queers of different generations to understand each other's culture and issues? Participants will talk about their top priorities in their personal and activist lives. You will fill out a survey about these issues and write an anonymous letter to someone important in your lives (lover, co-worker, parent, or friend) about ways in which you don't feel seen or heard.
Jeanne Cordova and Lynn Harris Ballen

"I Want the World to Know"
VKC 160/ Justice (all ages)
Learn to be prepared when deciding to disclose your identities with whomever you choose. We can never predict what will happen after we come out, so we definitely need to be confident and prepared to face any consequences, good or bad. Ask yourself the vital questions before taking the next step.
Alexander Pacach, Gizelle Santana, Alvy Rangel, Children’s Hospital LA (Youth Led) 

Making It Better Together Project/Get Empathy Campaign
VKC 156/Justice (all ages)
Come and learn from your peers how to be an activist and help build a movement to end bullying at your schools!  Learn how to become a leader by sharing your story so that others can join with you in this grassroots movement in changing the culture of racism, sexism, classism and homophobia in your school.
Paul Engler, Cedar Landsman, Jessica Weissbuch, Kayla Ryan, Angelo Colino, Erin Davis, Justin Gonzalez

Millennial’s Guide to Communicating with and Working with Older Generations
VCK 105/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Today’s workforce is the most generationally diverse ever with Millennials working side by side with Gen Yers & Xers, Baby Boomers. Learn about the key experiences, characteristics and values of each of the generations. Build awareness of your own viewpoint and how other generations view younger people.
Jayzen Patria and Justin Wyatt, NBCUniversal 

Queer Greer: Getting Bi in a Gay/Straight World
VKC 101/ Justice (ages 12-18)
Coming out as "bisexual" is very different from coming out as "gay" or "lesbian." This workshop will discuss the differences, the stereotypes that plague bisexuality in modern society, and the continued difficulties bisexuals face within the LGBT community, all through the lens of A.J. Walkley's book, Queer Greer.
A.J. Walkley

Queerly Creating: Sneaky and Soulful ways to Change the World and Ourselves
VKC 208/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Intended for the LGBTQIQTSSGL community, this workshop is on writing and performing around gender presentation & orientation. For non-writers/non-actors as well as self-defined writers/actors. Take a fearlessly introspective look into personal health and spiritual growth as a queer person. The participants will share, write and possibly perform or share their personal stories.
D'Lo, D'Loco Kid Productions

Queer Time Capsule
VKC 102/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Take part in a one-of-a-kind workshop facilitated by The Lavender Effect Foundation called the “Queer Time Capsule.” You’ll be participating in group storytelling, performance, and will really flex your creative muscles in this workshop.  (Cont’d from Session 2)
Andy Sacher and Michael Annetta, The Lavender Effect

Rainbowless: The Reality of Homeless LGBT Youth in America
VKC 259/ Justice (ages 12-18)
Get an overview of the history of youth homelessness in the United States. We’ll discuss the precursors that make LGBT youth become homeless, cover the health of LGBT youth with a history of homelessness in comparison to non-homeless LGBT & heterosexual peers.
Ronnie Veliz, Matadors for Equality

Response Time: Activating Black & Brown Youth to Dismantle Discrimination
VKC 260/ Politics (ages 18-24).
Learn how to develop community responses to issues that affect Black and Brown youth, and think about how you experience intersectional discrimination (i.e. homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, classism). It is important that youth learn not only how to analyze the troubling violence ever-present in their communities, but also how to stay safe by responding effectively to hate speech and defusing potential situations.
Milton Davis, Melissa Whitley, Malcolm Shanks, Melody Frierson, Jordan/Rustin Coalition

So You Say You Have Talent, PROVE IT!!!
THH 201/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
Audition and be cast to perform in a staged reading of a short play about bullying and West Hollywood stereotypes: Audience members get to see you become a star right before their eyes. Enjoy a fun interactive workshop where participants audition and get cast to read a fun story on LGBT history.
Dale Madison and Malika Shakur

Supporting All the Colors of the Rainbow
VKC 152/ Justice (ages 12-18)
Everyone experiences being queer in a different way, especially when we take other parts of our own identity like race, class, gender, and spirituality into account. Through activities, discussion and examining our own experiences, we hope to help youth be better advocates for themselves and allies for each other.
Alison Berk, Kamora Herrington, Christopher Shropshire, True Colors

Teaching with Pride: One Teacher's Journey Out of the Closet
VKC 103/ Justice (ages 12-18)
To be "out," or not to be "out"? Travel through one teacher's experience coming out of the closet to students, colleagues and parents. What are the fears of being out as a teacher? Learn about what this teacher is doing to help create a safe and caring school for LGBTQ students and their allies.
Wilfredo Echeverria, Los Angeles Leadership Academy

Telling My Story: Making MY Zine
VKC 161/ Justice (ages 12-18)
Everyone has a story to tell. Stories share feelings, ideas, and experiences and can change someone’s life. Changing the hearts and minds of different communities is one of the most powerful ways LGBTQ+ and straight ally youth. In this workshop, we'll be making zines. No artistic experience is needed for this workshop!
Shifra Teitelbaum, Carolina Couto, Erick Villegas, youTHINK (Youth and Adult Led)

The Politics of Disease: Demystifying and Rethinking HIV
VKC 255/ Justice (ages 18-24)
Popular dialogue around HIV has been riddled with many myths and misconceptions. These myths take root in our consciousness and orient behaviors and attitudes towards our bodies and our lives. Through this workshop we confront these politics by creating a space to demystify and rethink HIV. Workshop participants will gain a better understanding & initiating positive conversations regarding health outcomes.
Jason Perez and Jessica Perez, Bienestar 

Homeboy: Documentary Screening and Q & A
102/ Justice (all ages) (Continuation from Session 2)
"Homeboy," directed and produced by Dino Dinco, regarding gay Latino men who were in gangs, many who joined gangs as youth. In addition to the gay ex-gang members, the film features Luis J. Rodriguez, internationally bestselling author, gang expert and activist. Following the screening, we'll have a Q & A.
Dino Dinco

The Trevor Project Lifeguard Workshop
VKC 201/ Justice (ages 12-18)
The Trevor Project Lifeguard Workshop is an opportunity for middle school, high school and college-age youth to discuss mental health, suicide and ways to deal with stress and anxiety in a safe environment. Workshop participants will learn about the services that the Trevor Project provides and how to get help for themselves or a friend.
Arquimides Pacheco, The Trevor Project

Translating Gender in Jewish Sacred Texts
VKC 257/ Justice (all ages)
This workshop will explore constructions of gender through the creation story, the prohibition on “cross dressing,” and the existence of four distinct genders represented in Jewish texts.  Through group discussion we will look at translations of text, historical context, & folklore in order to expand the various concepts of gender.
Kadin Henningsen, Beth Chayim Chadashim and JQ International 

Voices from the Pew
VKC 261/ Justice (ages 18-24)
Parents and families describe how they dealt with their church and their LGBT child. Some have left the church; others stayed and attempted to revise from within.
Carol Mannion, Karen Mason, Mariette Sawchuk, San Gabriel Valley Asian Pacific Islander PFLAG

What's Your Sign: Astrology, Dating and Compatibility
Alumni Park/ Fabulosity (ages 18-24)
People are fascinated by astrology and often wonder what it means to the dating world.  In this workshop, attendees will be introduced to the archetypal energy behind each of the 12 signs of the zodiac. We will learn the interpretations that are behind how each of the signs interact with each other and leave with a deep understanding on how different people connect in different ways.
Michael Lennox