2023 Sessions

In this session you will learn how to reframe discussions about fitness, exercise, and movement to be more Inclusive. This session will discuss how to focus on the internal benefits as well as how to find safe space to build more opportunities for intuitive exercise.

Come hear stories of trial and error on how NOT to engage with people who don't affirm LGBTQ lives. Learn some effective strategies for how to better engage with people so there is a common ground of inclusion even amidst differences. Discuss how to best engage parents who are not supportive of LGBTQ-inclusive initiatives.

Come learn about behavioral health supports offered within Howard County. This session will include behavioral health navigation, crisis services, 988, suicide prevention, and sources of strength.

Eating disorders are a big problem, which very few are talking about. On Our Own of Maryland, Inc.’s Eating Disorders: What Are They and What Help is Available? goes over what eating disorders are, how they develop, common types of eating disorders, and treatment methods. Through starting the conversation about eating disorders, this workshop is designed to help peers gain a deeper knowledge of the struggles that those with eating disorders face, and better prepare them for advocacy roles therein.

Come hear about and ask question about what it is like to be part of the LGBTQ+ and be in higher education. Whether thinking about going for an associates, bachelors, masters, or PhD, we are a panel of people who know what it is like to be a part of this community and pursue higher education. Will include members from the Lavender Lab from UMCP which focus on Queer BIPOC intersectionality and mental health.

This session goes over how to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ kids in school, from the perspective of a current student. We'll discuss the impacts school has on the lives of queer students, as well as the roles teachers, parents, and fellow students play in shaping it. 

Intended for parents, staff, and other non-LGBTQ+ attendees. Non-binary identities will be explained, covering an understanding what they are, the vocabulary surrounding them, and busting some of the widespread myths about non-binary people. A great place to come if you have questions and are not sure whom to ask.

Come learn from WLHS students! The WLHS GSA club created a set of guidelines based on a GLSEN project, that can help school communities address actions by students who use slurs. The intent behind this set of guidelines is to fill the gap that comes before actions are identified as bullying, harassment, or intimidation. The strategies focus on education, building community, creating safe spaces, and ways to address repeated slurs if prior interventions do not work. WLHS GSA students hope that these guidelines will be adopted by schools and the Board of Education to become part of the HCPSS Strategic Call to Action.

Drawing from existing research and personal insight, Drag Pedagogy will be presented as a method that can cultivate a classroom where imagination, play, and performance expand our cultural understanding of gender beyond the horizon. Attendees will be given opportunities to share what their current practices are, reflect on expectations of professionalism, and imagine what a supportive environment can look like. 

Following the framework put forward by Rhoades and Daiello (2019), this session outlines the process of Losting + Founding: sitting in poetic and reflective contemplation of texts, looking for meaning "beyond, below, and between the words on the page." Embodying a queer space often also requires us to look for meaning beyond, below, and between: to see ourselves situated in cultures that are not explicitly made to affirm- or even tolerate- queerness, trans lives, and resistance to binaries. This creative writing mini-workshop will explore and celebrate those in between spaces- and provide tools for teachers, students, parents, and school and community leaders to develop their own wayfinding in vulnerable spaces.

This will be an information session on PFLAG in Howard County and the efforts to establish a new SGM Community Center.

Join Robinson Nature center staff to talk about ways to find community in the outdoors. Robinson staff will talk about the pride programs we have implemented at the nature center, as well as highlight other LGBT+ outdoor organizations. We will then talk about diversity and fluidity in nature, and give the audience an opportunity to meet one of our animal ambassadors.

Listen and learn about an awesome selection of children's books written by LGBTQIA+ authors and featuring LGBTQIA+ characters, curated and celebrated by your local librarians.

Listen and learn about an awesome selection of teen books written by LGBTQIA+ authors and featuring LGBTQIA+ characters, curated and celebrated by your local librarians.

Performance of "By Any Other Name" by Karissa Kralik, "Midsummer Lullaby" by Michael West, Jr, and an excerpt of "Ultraviolet" by Michael West, Jr. 

"By Any Other Name" was born out of wanting to see more representation of different kinds of love on the stage. Everyone's journey to self understanding and acceptance is different, but seeing yourself in the world around you is priceless. 

"Ultraviolet" is an abstract meditation on the intersection of nature and the cosmos, and a contemplation of the magic if vulnerability and the potency of tenderness.

Hang out with Roll Up N Dye and make your own bag to take home! One bag will be provided for each attendee, free of charge.

Participate In some fun outdoor activities with Unmatched Athlete to earn points and a chance at winning a prize! 

Enjoy a cool treat with Kona Ice!