This Is For You
A zine to support LGBTQQIAP2S+ kids, teens and allies.
THIS IS FOR YOU
is dedicated to Li.
Thank you for letting me go on this journey with you.
All my love,
Moma
is dedicated to Li.
Thank you for letting me go on this journey with you.
All my love,
Moma
I have researched, collected and curated these resources as part of my ongoing advocacy and support for LGBTQQIAP2S+ youth.
My mission is that all kids, teens, either questioning or knowing, have access to accurate information and helpful resources.
My mission is that all kids, teens, either questioning or knowing, have access to accurate information and helpful resources.
This website provides information about various terms, what to do about bullying and resources in the Portland-Metro area.
This Weebly Website is a work in progress. Completion Date no later than June 06, 2020.
Not affiliated with PSU or any Resources listed. This Website is a part of my Senior Capstone Project. All content, with exception to images, own by curator. All images found via Google images. With all my love and best intentions. Warmly, Lisa C. Verling |
TERMS:
There's a lot. Don't freak out. Just take your time.
Also, remember that these definitions aren't always a perfect match. You're still valid, I promise.
Also, remember that these definitions aren't always a perfect match. You're still valid, I promise.
LGBTQQIAP2S+:
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Pansexual, Asexual/Aromatic, and Two Spirit (Native American terminology).
What does all of that even mean??
Lesbian: A girl who has romantic and/or sexual feelings for other girls.
Gay: Usually refers to a boy who has romantic and/or sexual feelings for other boys. Note: It can sometimes be used by lesbians about each other in a positive way. Sometimes, it can also be used as slang to refer to non-straight/non-normative persons. Queer: This word is being turned into a positive word used by those who identify as a person that is or may be LGBTQQIAP2S+. Queer is also used to help identify those that are: Genderqueer: A person who does not identify or conform to the male or female only (Binary) gender or any other specific gender identity. Genderfluid: A person who does not see their gender as fixed or does not feel he same specific gender every day. Questioning: This is when a person may be in the process of exploring their gender and/or sexual identity. Intersex: This is when a person, at birth, may or may not have been born with what medical doctors call, "boy" or "girl" parts. This could mean all kinds of things ranging from genitals, organs, hormones, and any combination there of. |
Asexual/Aromantic: This is when a person do not experience sexual and/or romantic feelings for any gender. Note: Yes, this is a real thing. It's just one of many identities that society will sometimes shame a person for. If this sounds like you, I swear, you are not alone. Pansexual: This is when you are attracted to a person of any gender. Note: Kinda like Hearts Not Parts. Transgender: This is a word that is used as an umbrella term to identify anyone who identifies as a boy or a girl and was assigned the wrong gender at birth. 2 S (Two-Spirit): This term is specifically used in Native and First Nations cultures to describe the range of gender roles and sexuality within people. Note: Understand, this term should not be used by those that are not Native American or of the First Nations tribes. This is a matter of respect and should be respected. Cis: A person who's identity matches their assigned gender at birth. However you think you may identify, just know that this is a journey. Sometimes, things change as you grow and learn about yourself. That's okay. No matter what you decide, be proud of yourself. We need more people like YOU in this world. |
If your assigned gender does feel quite right, you're not alone.
Sometimes, society can make you feel that way but, as you grow older you'll see that you have entire community that cares for you. I hope these resources can help you feel more connected. What to do about bullying:
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If you're questioning or discovering just know that you deserve support. Sometimes, this can all feel so scary or uncertain and maybe you're not sure where you can turn.
I can only hope you have a supportive home but, if you don't or are uncertain, there are support groups, advocates, and allies wanting to help. They can answer questions and offer the support you deserve. |
School staff can sometimes but very dismissive and unhelpful when dealing with bullying. Especially, bullying that happens to LGBTQQIAP2S+ kids. All forms of bullying, whether minor or severe, should be taken seriously.
I know from experience in dealing with public schools, even those with “zero-tolerance bullying” policies, that have failed to protect victims of bullying and dismiss claims of bullying that include non-binary kids.
There were situations of all three, discrimination, harassment, bullying, happening to kids like you. We even dealt with forms of abuses happening to my child and others. We were often gas-lit and blown off about the situations of bullying and abuse happening to kids at schools. We kept advocating and didn't give up. Now, things are so much better for everyone.
If you're experiencing any of these harmful acts there is a lot that you can do.
I know from experience in dealing with public schools, even those with “zero-tolerance bullying” policies, that have failed to protect victims of bullying and dismiss claims of bullying that include non-binary kids.
There were situations of all three, discrimination, harassment, bullying, happening to kids like you. We even dealt with forms of abuses happening to my child and others. We were often gas-lit and blown off about the situations of bullying and abuse happening to kids at schools. We kept advocating and didn't give up. Now, things are so much better for everyone.
If you're experiencing any of these harmful acts there is a lot that you can do.
What can you do when the school isn't doing enough to stop the bullying?
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THE BULLY PROJECT
The Bully Project is a wonderful advocacy group and movement that offers lots of resources for you, your family, friends, and educators.
BEYOND BLUE
This site offers information about mental health, dealing with bullying and resiliency.
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If you're looking to be an ally, here are some ways you can support your LGBTQQIAP2S+ PEERS, friends and family.
1. Hear what they have to say about their experiences.
Keep it to yourself unless given permission to share.
2. Learn the terms.
3. Offer to hang out with them at recess, games, celebrations, or home.
Sometimes, especially after coming out (letting others know), life can feel overwhelming.
4. Stick up for them if you see or hear of someone being harmful and hateful.
5. Report bullying and harmful actions whether verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual.
All forms of bullying are harmful and are a type of abuse.
6. Remind them that you care about them.
7. Share the information in this zine with friends and family.
Keep it to yourself unless given permission to share.
2. Learn the terms.
3. Offer to hang out with them at recess, games, celebrations, or home.
Sometimes, especially after coming out (letting others know), life can feel overwhelming.
4. Stick up for them if you see or hear of someone being harmful and hateful.
5. Report bullying and harmful actions whether verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual.
All forms of bullying are harmful and are a type of abuse.
6. Remind them that you care about them.
7. Share the information in this zine with friends and family.
THE Numbers do matter:
Statistics and Research Information
Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying
A report from the Williams Institute at UCLA shows that, 85% of the students experience verbal harassment. A reported 58% have felt unsafe because of sexual orientation and 43% have felt unsafe because of their gender identity. The report shows that 27% of youth have been physically harassed due to their sexual orientation and 13% have been physically harassed because of the gender identity.
Of those students 34% have been harassed while one school grounds and 28% included cyber bullying as another point of access for bullying to continue once off school grounds.
Currently, we are still fighting for equitable rights and civil liberties within our public school systems. The priority of safety is meant for those that are gender-conforming students. The current regulation explicitly denies protections to students that are discriminated against based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
There are only 20 states within America that has protections that to implement protections for students within the LGBTQQIAP2S+ community. Of those schools, only 10% of the students had reported that the schools they attend actually follow these protections. Approximately, 55%+ of this population reside in states that have no protections for them.
Yet, in instances where discrimination, harassment, and bullying took case, the schools “zero-tolerance” rules are overlooked and the victims are often gaslight into believing that what they experienced was not a form of discrimination, harassment, and bullying. It took my deep involvement, advocacy, involving social workers and the Department of Education before action was taken and
consistent protections were followed for my child and the other handful on non-conforming students within my child’s school.
Some students still face ongoing passive aggressive bullying, outlandish discrimination and relational aggression, as well as, physical
and sexual assault while at school.
A report from the Williams Institute at UCLA shows that, 85% of the students experience verbal harassment. A reported 58% have felt unsafe because of sexual orientation and 43% have felt unsafe because of their gender identity. The report shows that 27% of youth have been physically harassed due to their sexual orientation and 13% have been physically harassed because of the gender identity.
Of those students 34% have been harassed while one school grounds and 28% included cyber bullying as another point of access for bullying to continue once off school grounds.
Currently, we are still fighting for equitable rights and civil liberties within our public school systems. The priority of safety is meant for those that are gender-conforming students. The current regulation explicitly denies protections to students that are discriminated against based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
There are only 20 states within America that has protections that to implement protections for students within the LGBTQQIAP2S+ community. Of those schools, only 10% of the students had reported that the schools they attend actually follow these protections. Approximately, 55%+ of this population reside in states that have no protections for them.
Yet, in instances where discrimination, harassment, and bullying took case, the schools “zero-tolerance” rules are overlooked and the victims are often gaslight into believing that what they experienced was not a form of discrimination, harassment, and bullying. It took my deep involvement, advocacy, involving social workers and the Department of Education before action was taken and
consistent protections were followed for my child and the other handful on non-conforming students within my child’s school.
Some students still face ongoing passive aggressive bullying, outlandish discrimination and relational aggression, as well as, physical
and sexual assault while at school.
CRISIS LINES: |
The Trevor Project
The Trevor lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 Trevortext (a secure messaging service): Text @ 678678 A safe and judgment-free place to talk for young people in crisis. www.thetrevorproject.org |
The TransLifeline
Peer Support Hotline: 1-877-565-8860 A peer-support hotline run by and for transgender people. |
MAYBE IT's NOT A "PHASE":
Notes from...
“Young Trans Children Know Who They Are”
This article is about a scientific study that was done which followed 85 Transgender & Queer kids ages 3-12 years old.
The study suggests that children who begin to socially transition seem to display differences even before formally transitioning.
What is often used as a baseline to measure the child's identifying factors are:
1. consistent
2. persistent
3. insistent
The study suggests that children change their gender because of their identities; they don't change their identities because
of their gender.
The study shows that children in a supportive and nurturing environment when transitioning will have better outcomes in life.
Evidence from this study, and many others, shows that children who are supported through gender questioning and/or
transition are just as mentally and emotionally healthy as their cis peers.
“Young Trans Children Know Who They Are”
This article is about a scientific study that was done which followed 85 Transgender & Queer kids ages 3-12 years old.
The study suggests that children who begin to socially transition seem to display differences even before formally transitioning.
What is often used as a baseline to measure the child's identifying factors are:
1. consistent
2. persistent
3. insistent
The study suggests that children change their gender because of their identities; they don't change their identities because
of their gender.
The study shows that children in a supportive and nurturing environment when transitioning will have better outcomes in life.
Evidence from this study, and many others, shows that children who are supported through gender questioning and/or
transition are just as mentally and emotionally healthy as their cis peers.
Resources:
Portland-Metro Area
Brave Space:
Offers groups, community, counseling, clothing closet and more. The clothing closet is free and there are changing rooms and bags for items you want. Phone: 503 486 8936 Website: www.bravespacellc.com Questions: [email protected] Address: 5627 SE Woodstock Blvd Portland, Oregon TransActive Gender Center: Support groups, advocacy, resources, information for parents, caregivers, and kids. Ask about the chest binder program. They can help in getting you one for free of charge if you're under 18 years old. Phone: 503 252 3000 Questions: [email protected] |
Q Center:
Resource guides and support for individuals and families. Phone: 503 234 7837 Website: www.pdxqcenter.org/resources/ SMYRC (Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center): Offers a safe, supervised, harassment-free space for kids 13-23. It is expected, when there, that you engage in some kind of positive activity. They offer art, music, community organizing, writing, open mic nights, drag shows, and support groups. There are many activities to choose from and they also offer services like, counseling, case-management, education and more. Phone: 503 872 9664 Website: www.smyrc.org Questions: [email protected] Address: Eastside of Portland-Metro Area 16570 SE Oak St, Room # 107 Portland, Oregon Open: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm |
Outside In Medical Clinic:
A walk-in medical clinic and resource center for youth and those facing homelessness. Offering services that include medical services, housing services, case-management, youth services, mental health care, transgender clinic, needle exchange, birth control and more. Phone: 503 535 3800 Address: 1132 SW 13th Ave Portland, Oregon Randall’s Children's Hospital- Endocrinology/T-Clinic: With a referral from your doctor, a professional can talk to you and your parent(s)/guardian/advocate about the process of hormone therapy and transitioning. Addresses: Cornell Medical Plaza 1960 N.W. 167th Place, Suite 103 Beaverton, Oregon Legacy Emanuel Medical Center 501 N. Graham St., Suite 375 Portland, OR 97227 |
Lisa C. Verling
on faceback @ Lisa C Verling
on instagram @ mygardendarling
on faceback @ Lisa C Verling
on instagram @ mygardendarling