An annual LGBTQ+ youth conference made a vibrant return to the University of Connecticut (UConn) this past weekend after a four-year hiatus. The event, known as SOGIEcon, brought together hundreds of attendees for a weekend filled with workshops, discussions, and performances, all aimed at fostering community and support among LGBTQ+ youth.
Key Takeaways
- The SOGIEcon conference returned after a four-year break, previously known as the True Colors event.
- The event featured workshops on various topics relevant to LGBTQ+ youth, including healthcare and economic empowerment.
- Organizers emphasized the importance of the conference amid rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and legislation.
A Celebration of Identity and Community
The conference kicked off with a lively atmosphere in the Student Union building, where attendees were greeted by costumed stilt-walkers and a drag performer who entertained the crowd with humor and charisma. Many participants showcased their pride by wearing rainbow-themed attire, creating a colorful and inclusive environment.
Robyn Ventura-Chavez, a 26-year-old non-binary transgender man, shared his personal journey with attendees. Having first attended the True Colors event as a high school freshman, he expressed how the conference helped him realize he was not alone in his identity. "There was an overwhelming sense of acceptance here, and I hope people leave here today understanding it’s okay to still be figuring things out," he said.
Workshops and Discussions
The SOGIEcon featured a variety of workshops and panels designed to address critical issues faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Some notable topics included:
- Navigating Healthcare: Discussions on accessing appropriate medical care and understanding rights.
- Code-Switching: Strategies for LGBTQ+ individuals to navigate different social environments.
- Economic Empowerment: Focused on financial literacy and career development for Black and brown LGBTQ+ youth.
These sessions aimed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in a society that can often be hostile to their identities.
The Need for Support
The conference’s revival comes at a time when LGBTQ+ youth face increasing challenges. According to organizers, over 400 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the United States in the past year, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. Ventura-Chavez noted that many of his peers have felt the impact of this rhetoric, leading to heightened anxiety about their rights and safety.
Jerad Ripley, a therapist who participated in the conference, highlighted the importance of providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. He conducted counseling sessions aimed at helping attendees cope with the bullying and discrimination they may face. "I want people to leave here today and understand they are not alone, that there are people out there who care for them," he stated.
Looking Ahead
Lily Denver, a UConn junior who identifies as pansexual, emphasized the importance of ongoing support for LGBTQ+ youth beyond just Pride Month. "It can be so hard to find people like you, or to have older allies and role models. That’s why we need events like these," she said.
As the SOGIEcon concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of community and empowerment, ready to face the challenges ahead with the support of their peers and allies. The event not only celebrated diversity but also reinforced the message that acceptance and understanding are crucial in the fight for equality.
Sources
- UConn welcomes back LGBTQ+ youth conference amid renewed fears, The Day.
- UConn welcomes back LGBTQ+ youth conference amid renewed fears, Yahoo.
