Hello, OutSupport friends!
There are so many things going on, it’s hard to know where to start! Hoping this letter finds you all well and healthy! The spring and summer offers lots of opportunities to get outside and enjoy warmer weather, so I hope you find an outdoor setting to enjoy!
Our first OutSupport OutDoors was a pretty big success! We welcomed nearly 20 teens and their parents/adult supporters! The kiddos were happy to hang out and the parents got to know some other parents with trans/gender nonconforming teens/children. Looking forward to these monthly get togethers!
We are excited to let you know of other offerings by our friends at Colors+ and Love on a Mission for outdoor get togethers for youth!
Colors+ : Family Get togethers for youth ages 12 and under
Bain Park Picnic Pavilion 21680 Eaton Road, Fairview Park
May 28 June 25 July 30 6:30-7:30pm
Additionally, Colors+ will be having a Virtual Pride Walk/Run from June1- July 31st!
Love on a Mission: Youth gathering
South Park 100 Brinkerhoff Ave. Mansfield
June 4 5:30-6:30
July/Aug TBA
Akron Children’s Hospital and the Trevor Project are teaming up for an important 2 Part (90 minute video and May 26 virtual session), all related to LGBTQ youth and suicide prevention.
This looks like very important and timely information that many of us could use and utilize in our families, work, schools, or other communities. See attached for details.
OutSupport is happy to be a part of an article by Ohio State University Professor Clayton Howard for the the article “Gay Is Good for Business”. OutSupport provided photos of the LGBTQ Ordinance that OutSupport friend helped pass in 2019. Very interesting article about the history and importance of welcoming LGBTQ in small cities and suburbs for business development and growth of the communities! Check it out!
origins.osu.edu/article/gay-good-business-lgbtq-rights-and-economic-development-america-s-cities-and-suburbs
We just learned about a new podcast from a friend in Brunswick, called T-Time Tuesdays!
Available on Apple, Spotify and Stitcher!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t-time/id1561043467
Check it out!!
Outsupport is excited to continue working with the Medina County Health Dept. and their efforts to educate the LGBTQ Community regarding smoking/vaping prevention and cessation! Representatives from the MCHD will participate in one of our OutDoors programs and will provide information at the Medina Pizza Palooza this year on the Medina Square! The Pizza Palooza will take place on June 19th from 9-2…come and enjoy delicious pizza, pick up a rainbow flag and stickers, and learn about staying healthy!! Stop by the OutSupport table and say Hi!!
OutSupport continues to be involved in the Akron Regional LGBTQ Needs Assessment, conducted by Andrew Snyder, a Doctoral student at Kent State University!
We continue to provide binders and gaffs for youth, and we will start purchasing for trans children/young teens from www.rubyshines.com soon! Happy to see this new option for trans children! If you knoe=w of a young person in need of a binder or gaff, just let us know, and we’ll get a new one to them in a jiffy!
One last thing: If you haven’t contacted your state representatives and senators regarding Ohio HB61 and Senate Bill 132 regarding transgender youth sports participation yet, please do so at your earliest convenience in the next week or so. These bills are designed to keep transgender girls from participating in team sports, and it’s absolutely wrong! Trans girls deserve the ability to play sports, and the OHSAA and NCAA and many others have spoken out against these Bills. Please add your voice to protect our transgender children, teens and college athletes. Thank you!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and get outside!!!
Kindest regards,
Sandy (she/her)