Join us for a morning of training and discussion on creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in our organizations and volunteer programs.

After nearly two decades of working with sexual and gender minority youth, New Avenues for Youth and the SMYRC program know firsthand that the harassment and discrimination they experience commonly lead to adverse long-term impacts on their education, safety, mental health, well-being, and future socioeconomic status.

Bridge 13 community education training is designed to address root causes of discrimination impacting the LGBTQ+ community and to create affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ people of all ages. The Bridge 13 curriculum is broad in scope and covers topics related to sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, and gender expression. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the barriers that LGBTQ+ individuals face and take away tangible skills to create more equitable and accessible workplaces. 

Seth Johnstone is the LGBTQ Education Specialist for the Bridge 13 Community Education Project at SMYRC (Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Resource Center). In addition to facilitating equity trainings, Seth holds a staff role at SMYRC’s resource center, working with and being inspired by queer and trans young people. Seth believes deeply in the role that community education can play in motivating people into action, awakening empathy, building alliances, and developing robust and accessible resources.