In today's episode, Karen is joined by Edie Young, a 17-year-old advocate and the birthday card project lead at Queer Youth Assemble. Edie, who also organizes events in Washington, D.C., shares her passion for creating safe and welcoming spaces for queer and trans students. Her motivation stems from a desire to ensure that all students can freely express their true selves without facing discrimination or hostility.
Queer Youth Assemble, the organization Edie volunteers with, targets individuals aged 13 to 25, focusing on advocacy, professional development, and community-building events. Edie discusses the challenges faced by her and her friends in the school system, particularly around issues such as being addressed by their dead names. She suggests that schools could better support queer and trans students by providing teachers with inclusive training and resources like an ally cheat sheet at the start of the school year.
One of the key initiatives Edie is involved in is sending free, affirming birthday cards to queer and trans youth, to counteract the negative experiences they might have with family members who do not accept their identity. These cards use the names and pronouns the youth identify with, offering a personal touch that acknowledges and affirms their chosen identity.
Edie also touches on the importance of parental support and understanding for queer youth, emphasizing that true love involves embracing and affirming one's child as they are, including their chosen name and pronouns. The discussion highlights how small acts of kindness and recognition, like receiving a birthday card with their chosen name, can significantly impact young people's lives.
Throughout the conversation, Edie’s dedication to her advocacy work shines through, illustrating her commitment to making a difference in the lives of queer and trans youth. She plans to continue her advocacy work while pursuing a career in social work or as a child life specialist, driven by her love for helping others and creating supportive communities.
To request a gender affirming birthday card from the QYAs Birthday Card Project visit this link: https://forms.gle/zaH9J2bznr95uv2t8
Or check out the QYA website!
Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization!
For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org
Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "DOFD" to 44321
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In today's episode, Karen is joined by Edie Young, a 17-year-old advocate and the birthday card project lead at Queer Youth Assemble. Edie, who also organizes events in Washington, D.C., shares her passion for creating safe and welcoming spaces for queer and trans students. Her motivation stems from a desire to ensure that all students can freely express their true selves without facing discrimination or hostility.
Queer Youth Assemble, the organization Edie volunteers with, targets individuals aged 13 to 25, focusing on advocacy, professional development, and community-building events. Edie discusses the challenges faced by her and her friends in the school system, particularly around issues such as being addressed by their dead names. She suggests that schools could better support queer and trans students by providing teachers with inclusive training and resources like an ally cheat sheet at the start of the school year.
One of the key initiatives Edie is involved in is sending free, affirming birthday cards to queer and trans youth, to counteract the negative experiences they might have with family members who do not accept their identity. These cards use the names and pronouns the youth identify with, offering a personal touch that acknowledges and affirms their chosen identity.
Edie also touches on the importance of parental support and understanding for queer youth, emphasizing that true love involves embracing and affirming one's child as they are, including their chosen name and pronouns. The discussion highlights how small acts of kindness and recognition, like receiving a birthday card with their chosen name, can significantly impact young people's lives.
Throughout the conversation, Edie’s dedication to her advocacy work shines through, illustrating her commitment to making a difference in the lives of queer and trans youth. She plans to continue her advocacy work while pursuing a career in social work or as a child life specialist, driven by her love for helping others and creating supportive communities.
To request a gender affirming birthday card from the QYAs Birthday Card Project visit this link: https://forms.gle/zaH9J2bznr95uv2t8
Or check out the QYA website!
Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization!
For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org
Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "DOFD" to 44321
Follow, Like and Get Involved!
Connect with DofD on all the social platforms:
Facebook
Twitter
TikTok
Instagram