Earlier this month, HRC Arkansas led a workshop for the Arkansas Counselors Association Annual Conference. The workshop, “Beyond Bullied: Creating Inclusive LGBTQ Spaces” focused on raising awareness about the unique challenges that LGBTQ youth and young adults face and how counselors can be intentional allies in creating safe spaces.

Counselors in attendance ranged from high school counselors to family therapists, social workers and college advisors. Those in attendance participated in exercises highlighting the challenges students face daily around coming out, being bullied, peer support and familial or societal rejection. HRC Arkansas also highlighted the soon to be released 2017 Youth Survey. 

“One of the most important things we can do to create safer environments for kids is equipping counselors with much-needed resources to support LGBTQ youth,” said HRC Arkansas’ Kendra R. Johnson. The presentation also highlighted local and national resources for suicide prevention, safe zone training and HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools program.