Supporting Safe Spaces
Supporting Safe Spaces is geared towards Direct Support Professionals, managers, family members, and others who are supporting people in the LGBTQ+ community with IDD.
The goal of the program is to provide the necessary information, training tips and resources to support your organization. This program also offers continuous support in how to have these conversations at your organization, and how to create effective support groups that can meet the unique needs of this population. A Train-the-Trainer program is also available with a goal to provide the necessary information, training tips, resources, and support to hold your own Supporting Safe Spaces workshops at your organization.
Highlights of the Supporting Safe Spaces Program include:
- Information tailored especially for DSPs, managers and family members.
- Knowledge about how to create effective support groups that can meet the unique needs of this population.
- Continuous support in how to have these conversations at your organization after the training is over.
- Also available: A train-the-trainer model delivered at your organization delivered by a lauded expert in the field.
"When I came out as a teenager, I felt scared about what my staff and family would think. I didn't want to feel regjected or get kicked out of my house. I told one of my staff who I trusted, and she was awesome aboutr it. She helped me tell the rrest of my house and family when I was ready. Some people had questions, but everyone was nice to me and understood. When I aged out of this house, finding an agency that was LGBT friendly was the most important thing to me. I am glad that I have met other LGBT people who have gone through similiar things."
Meet Brian Potvin
At The Arc of Monroe, Brian Potvin is Coordinator of Person-Centered Approaches and a true Advocacy Champion. Growing out of his broad experiences with the LGBTQ+/IDD population, Brian developed the “Supporting Safe Spaces” curriculum in 2019 and in the past two years, has utilized these materials to conduct training for Arc constituents. His vast understanding of the issues pertaining to the IDD filed, coupled with his approachable delivery have made Brian a trusted and sought-after expert presenter. He has been a staff advisor to The Arc Alliance Self-Advocacy group for many years and is a certified Strategies for Crisis Intervention & Prevention instructor, as well as an Agency Rights & Responsibilities instructor and Out Alliance Safe Zone Train the Trainer. In addition, Brian has been an advisor to Roc PrideAbility since 2018.
Contact Brian via email or phone to learn more about bringing Supporting Safe Spaces to your organization:
bpotvin@arcmonroe.org
(585) 643-0097
ArcMonroe.org/SupportingSafeSpaces
LGBTQ+ and I/DD Statistics & Facts in the US
Research shows that LGBT people are more likely than the general population to have a disability and face systemic challenges finding employment, community, and more. Even 29 years after the passage of the ADA, more work is needed to ensure that people with disabilities, including LGBT people with disabilities, have full and equal access in American society.
3-5 Million
LGBT People in the US with a Disability
26%
Gay Men Reported Having a Disability
36%
Lesbian Women Reported Having a Disability
8.8%
LGBT People with Disabilities Unemployed
5.4%
LGBT People without Disabilities Unemployed
2 in 5
Transgender Adults Reported Having a Disability
Resources
News
Training
A Map of Gender-Diverse Cultures
Better Allies, Karen Catlin, Better Allies Press
Campus Pride: Resources, events, and research on creating safer environments for
LGBTQ+ students
Trans Student Educational Resources
Gender Pronouns, lists and descriptions, University of Wisconsin River Falls
Little Edward P. (Children’s book series) by Mrs. Kasha Davis
Proud and Supported: DDPC and ASAN project with training and resources
Hotlines and Resource Hubs
Gay and Lesbian National Hotline: counseling, education, and resources for all ages
Visit their website or call 888-843-4564
GLMA (Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality) Healthcare resources, healthcare equality index, advocacy and more
GLSEN – (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network): Resources, education, and networking around creating safe schools
ISNA (Intersex Society of North America): Resources, advocacy, and support for intersex individuals
National LGBTQ Task Force: Building grassroots power of the LGBTQ+ community.
Education, activism, research, and resources
PFLAG (Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies United with LGBTQ people to move equality forward) Support, education, resources, advocacy
Trans Lifeline: Free helpline/hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people Or call 877-565-8860
Trevor Project: National 24 Hour helpline and online support for LGBTQ+ youth Or call 866-4UTREVOR
WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health): Professional and educational organization devoted to transgender health
American Institute of Bisexuality
Elevatus Sexuality Education Training
Family Acceptance Project (for youth)
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
Intersex Society of North America
What Is a Rainbow Group and How to Start One
Rainbow Support Group Facebook Page
LGBT National Hotline (all ages)
44 Self-Esteem Resources for Nonbinary Adolescents and Teens
How Addiction Affects The Transgender Community
Support for Gender Confirmation
Videos
Rosie Jones on being a gay disabled woman in comedy (4:21)
The way we think about biological sex is wrong (14:05)
5 Non-Binary People Explain What Non-Binary Means to Them (7:32)
Anecdotes of a disabled gay (16:59)
Sometimes You’re a Caterpillar (3:19)
What is Non-Binary (2:03)
5 Tips for Being an Ally (3:32)
Rosie Jones on Being a Gay Disabled Woman in Comedy (4:21)
Anecdotes of a Disabled Gay (16:59)
Local Resources
TV/Streaming
RuPaul’s Drag Race
We’re Here
Legendary
Chosen
Queer Eye
Q-Force
Pose
Schitt’s Creek
Special
Grace and Frankie
Love, Victor
Will & Grace
Current Events Impacting the LGBTQ+ Community
Returning to work
COVID-19 and social distancing requirements had an impact on everyone. The LGBTQ+ community was uniquely impacted as people may have come out, explored gender identity, or transitioned during times where face to face contact was limited. As the world opens up and people return to their jobs or daily routines, they are facing the reality that they have to “come out” again.
Don’t say gay?
On March 28, 2022 Florida’s Parental Right in Education Bill was signed into state law. This prohibits any classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in K-3rd Grade; and prohibits instruction that isn’t age appropriate for students. Additionally, schools are to adopt procedures to notify parents of anything regarding a child’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being. Parents can sue school districts for potential violations. LGBTQ+ organizations oppose this legislation, saying that it can unnecessarily “out” students by requiring school personnel to notify parents. It also may cause children in LGBTQ+ families to hide the truth about their family life. Instead of hearing positive messages of affirmation, students in Florida public schools are being told that their truth isn’t “age appropriate.”
Other state legislation
State legislatures with bills to limit gender affirming healthcare
LGBTQ+ people, specifically youth, are having their rights debated and used as pawns in America’s “culture war” between conservatives and liberals. It is important to take politics out of this, and recognize the psychological harm that these bills have to someone who is questioning their sexuality or gender identity. Confront these negative stories by advocating, checking in with the LGBTQ+ people in your social circles, and providing positive messages of affirmation to the people you support.
There are laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in 33 states. The Equality Act would extend these protections to all 50 states.
Marriage equality is recognized in the United States and 30 other countries. In 2021, Chile and Switzerland recognized marriage equality.
This program is made possible by The New York Health Foundation – and we are so grateful! NYHealth seeks to improve the health of all New Yorkers, particularly by “spreading effective programs that work to improve the health system.” We are proud and honored that NYHealth chose to support The Arc of Monroe as we fully step into what we perceive to be a natural leadership role in the long overdue space of supporting people with IDD identifying as LGBTQ+. We look forward to facilitating lasting, comprehensive growth and change throughout our region by safely supporting the personal journeys of those we help. NYHealth’s endorsement through this grant award will provide value and meaning far beyond what the actual dollars will achieve.
Contact Us Today
Brian Potvin
Coordinator of Person-Centered Approaches
(585) 943-3687
bpotvin@arcmonroe.org
Christen Smith
Director of Marketing & Communications
(585) 773-8535
chrsmith@arcmonroe.org
