“It’s vitally important we create opportunities for young people to raise their voices, develop their talents, and join in the work of imagining and then building a better future for all of us,” said Chelsea Clinton. “Too many LGBTQ youth face significant challenges to being supported and empowered in their communities, schools and even homes because of who they are. I’m grateful Time to THRIVE is bringing people together to raise awareness and find solutions to ensure every young person can be empowered, for their future, and ours."

“LGBT youth too often face burdens and challenges across virtually every aspect of their daily lives – from home, to school, to their broader communities,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) president Chad Griffin. “Chelsea Clinton’s passion for ensuring that all young people – regardless of who they are – have the tools and support systems necessary to reach their full potential is inspiring. We’re excited to welcome her to our first Time to Thrive conference.”

According to the HRC Foundation’s groundbreaking 2012 survey “Growing Up LGBT in America,” only half of LGBTQ youth say that they “fit in” in their community; LGBTQ youth are more than twice as likely to be verbally harassed at school; and 63 percent of LGBTQ youth say they will need to move to another part of the country to feel accepted. 

When asked about their top concerns, straight young people named test scores, their finances, and getting into college. But for the LGBTQ teens, the top three concerns were unsupportive families, bullying in school, and fear of coming out.  While LGBTQ youth certainly worry about grades and finances too, it’s the issues tied to their identity that weigh on them the most.

Time to THRIVE is being co-presented by the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association, and sponsored by AT&T. Other special guests at the conference include Betty DeGeneres, ESPN columnist LZ Granderson, EJ Johnson, labor and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, and many more.

About Time to THRIVE

Time to THRIVE is the premier national convening of youth-serving professionals to build awareness and cultural competency, learn current and emerging best practices, and gather resources from leading experts and national organizations in the field.  Time to THRIVE will take place over President’s Day Weekend, February 14-16, 2014 at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  Learn more and register at www.TimeToThrive.org.   

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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