About the Workshop
Presenters:
Mario Anima (he/him), Denise Anima (she/her), Eva DeWitt (she/her), Q Licht (he/him), V Nivelle (they/them), Val Palmer (they/them), Kai (he/him)
Youth & Adult Led
Session: 1 & 2
Level: Beginning
For: Both middle and high school students
Description:
The work required to build an affirming universe can sometimes feel overwhelming considering the state of the world, and the daily rhetoric of the political landscape. Where does one begin? How do you take your first steps?
In this workshop, we will have an open conversation with a panel of allied youth to discuss how small, local acts can often have the biggest impact. Then we will work in groups to identify simple things that anyone can do on a daily basis to help build an affirming universe for LGBTQIA2S+ and allied youth in our community starting today!
About the Presenters
Mario is honored to be Milo & Henry’s dad and a partner to Denise. He is a product manager at YouTube, a volunteer at Scotts Valley Middle and High School Theater productions, a film enthusiast, and someone trying to build the world Milo dreamt about.
Denise is a proud mom to Milo & Henry. In her spare time, she is a partner to Mario, a Marriage & Family Therapist, and volunteers with SVMS & SVHS Drama Departments. She believes in the power of kindness and humor, just like Milo did.
Q is a transgender Santa Cruz COE alumni, UC Davis student, and Girl Scout Gold Awardee. In high school, he participated in the Queer & Trans Youth Task Force, and founded the Purple Sticker Project to promote positive LGBTQ+ representation.
V is a young queer actor and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. They have been involved in previous QYLA ceremonies and their school's SAGA club. They hope to be a part of the change that makes this world a more accepting place.
Val is a recent graduate at SVHS and is currently attending Cabrillo college. They want to pursue theater and computer science. Val hopes to make people feel as loved and welcomed as much as Milo did -- not only in the theater space, but anywhere they can.
Kai is a transgender senior at SVHS. He is determined to use his passion for psychology in forensic science in an attempt to make a positive impact. He wants to break down barriers and create meaningful change in the lives of others.
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