Access, Advocacy, & Empowerment: Health and Well-being of LGBTQ Youth

October 12, 2018 -
11:30am to 5:00pm

 

Opening Lecture:

Incentives for Promoting LGBTQ Youth Health
Craig Konnoth, JD
Associate Professor of Law
University of Colorado Law School

Abstract: Law and social mores have engaged with LGBT youth in three ways: originally, they would incent LGBT-harming activities (e.g. sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts).  Today, the law somewhat prohibits such harmful interventions, but leaves many gaps that increase risks to young people’s health and well-being. There are legal efforts to address those gaps, but legislation is needed. Moving forward, social and legislative initiatives should incent LGBT-promoting activities. 

Panel 1: Barriers to Health for LGBTQ Youth

  • Kristen Eckstrand, MD, PhD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UPMC
  • Gina Sequeria, MD, Child and Adolescent Medicine, UPMC
  • Brian Thoma, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh

Panel 2: Health Advocacy for LGBTQ Youth

  • Gerald Montano, DO, MS, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh
  • Sarah Rosso, MPH, Director of Community Programs, Persad Center
  • Darren Whitfield, MSW, PhD, Assistant Professor of Social Work and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh

Keynote Lecture:

Empowering LGBT Youth to Thrive
Zena Sharman, PhD
LGBTQ+ health advocate, author and strategist
Director, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
Author of The Remedy: Queer and Trans Voices on Health and Health Care

Abstract: This talk will explore strategies for empowering LGBT youth and what the adults who care for, serve, and study them can do to support LGBT youth to thrive. Drawing on evidence from research and practice, the talk will demonstrate the importance of approaches to LGBT youth health and wellbeing that are strengths-based, that situate youth in families, communities, and cultures, and that are grounded in an intersectional analysis of systemic oppression and root causes of health disparities. By examining lessons from the past, the talk will conclude with reflections on how we can empower LGBT youth to imagine a future in which they and their peers are able to thrive.

Additional Information and Regsitration

Co-sponsored by the Center for Bioethics & Health Law; School of Law; Provost’s Year of the Healthy U; Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program; and Students for Healthcare Equality

Location and Address

Barco Law Building, Ground Floor