Youth Empowerment with Pride Conference

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Queer History of South Texas

Queer History runs deep in the heart of Texas. Would you like to share how queer culture has shaped South Texas? Sessions in this track should explore how the movement for LGBTQ+ rights and Texas history are inextricably linked. These talks should provide a timeline/overview of national queer history then dive deeper into specific examples in Texas and the South to provide clear context for youth participants.

Intersectionality: A Framework for Social Change

Our lived experience is multifaceted and must be examined through an intersectional lens to build an intersectional activism practice. Our unique social location is determined by a multitude of experiences such as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, class, and (dis)ability. Sessions in this track should embark on an understanding of how to build an intersectional framework to combat unconscious bias and encourage solidarity. These sessions should encourage youth to better understand where we are oppressed and where we hold power and privilege so that youth can mobilize collectively to address equity and achieve liberation.

Building better routines of self-care and self-love 

This session track is intended for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming youth to learn various methods of self-care and self-love to prevent burnout and how to embrace and empower their innew magical glow. Sessions should also provide space for you to share personal stories and their own journeys of transition (or of deciding not to transition). Sessions in this track can look like sharing skincare tips and make-up skills, using arts, creativity, and personal expression, or building skills to navigate mental health.

Religion & Spirituality in the LGBTQ+ Community 

Our community knows the pains and discrimination brought by close minded faith communities. This topic track will feature a panel of faith leaders with different beliefs who will discuss how people of faith can repair and build healthy relationships with LGBTQ+ youth and adults.

Creating Queer Political Power

Each of us has a responsibility to act and resist the homophobia, transphobia, racism and discrimination that are often found in the political sphere. These sessions will include information on voting rights and why political participation is crucial to the advancement of our movement, visibility, and rights. Proposals for this track should have a focus on learning how the political system works in Texas, what current policy issues are at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and how youth can get involved.

Inclusive Sex Ed, Consent and Healthy Relationships 

This session track will focus on inclusive sex education, consent and building the foundations of healthy relationships. Proposals for this topic can also include medical accurate information about HIV, the local HIV epidemic in Texas, and local STD, STI and HIV prevention and treatment resources. Participants will also learn about local groups, initiatives, and organizations in South Texas communities providing LGBTQ+ health services aimed at addressing the local HIV epidemic.