LGBTQ+ 101 and How to Be a Supportive Ally - Adults

This is the adult program on this topic. For the teen program on Thursday, June 30 from 7-8pm, click here.

Have you ever wondered what different LGBTQIA+ terms mean or wanted to be supportive but aren’t sure where to start? Join us for this friendly and approachable talk with Mel Cordner of QPlus exploring what different LGBTQIA+ terms mean and how to be a supportive ally. This 101 level talk is designed to be beginner friendly and assumes no prior knowledge.

This interactive lecture will allow attendees to learn more about LGBTQIA+ vocabulary and identity, as well as ways to be a better ally to members of the community. Learn more about the experiences of the queer community, the unique challenges queer people face, and the ways allies can intervene. We will discuss direct immediate personal interventions, like interrupting bullying or harassment, as well as structural supports allies can offer, like advocating for an update to their school or workplace policies. In the spirit of allyship, please join us for a collaborative art project immediately after the presentation!

About Q Plus: Q Plus is a Connecticut nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering queer youth through programs like open mics, skill and advocacy workshops, game nights, support groups, and GSA support. Youth programs are created and facilitated based on needs identified by young people, and available in online and in-person formats (current event schedules are available online). Q Plus has visited or consulted with dozens of GSAs and schools across the state, and even offers resources like workshops, trainings, consultations, and a parent support group to adults who support queer youth. 

About Mel Cordner: Mel Cordner (they/them) is the founding leader of Q Plus, a Connecticut queer youth organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering queer youth through programs like open mics, workshops,  weekly game nights and support groups, and GSA support. Mel has years of experience running programs and events for youth, and facilitating trainings for adults and youth alike on topics like gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, consent, college activism, and youth culture and leadership development. Mel works to support youth in meeting the needs and making the changes that they identify as important for themselves. They are an educator, advocate, writer, and all-around loudmouth genderqueer whose mission is to shake things up and leave a place a little more colorful than they found it.