The Rainbow Youth Alliance is a support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning teens and their allies. RYA is a safe place to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives.
Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, RYA meetings include structured curricula, discussion groups, movies and games in a safe and supervised environment. Teens between 14 and 18 years of age are welcome, regardless of their gender orientation or religious affiliation. You only need to bring an open heart and mind. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, 4-6pm, in the Senior High Meeting Room.
January 6, 2008
Officer Joe Morquecho
Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit
The Metropolitan Police Department's Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) is staffed by openly gay, lesbian and transgender members of the department and their allies. Since its inception in June 2000, the GLLU has dedicated itself to serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. Officer Morquecho will discuss the rights of GLBT teens and the laws they need to know about.
http://www.gllu.org/
January 20, 2008
Fletcher McNeill
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network
GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Fletcher McNeill of the Baltimore GLSEN chapter will explain how to set up and run a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) in your school.
http://www.glsen.org
February 3, 2008
Wendy Sharp
Suicide Prevention
At one time or another, many GLBT teens contemplate suicide themselves or have friends who are thinking about suicide. Wendy Sharp, a psychologist from the National Institutes of Health, will share information about suicide prevention and how to talk to a fellow teen who is thinking of hurting him or herself. http://intramural.nimh.nih.gov/chp/adhd/index.html
February 17, 2008
Cynthia Thurston and Kristen Ecktrand
Covenant
Trust is the foundation for a great organization. One way that we build trust at RYA is to agree on our covenant, a statement of our rules and expectations. Today, RYA teens will review and rewrite the covenant – and have time for some fun, too!
March 2, 2008
Judy Rayner and Dennis Wellnitz
Everything You Need to Know About Sex and Sexuality
Judy and Dennis are expert instructors for the acclaimed sexuality curriculum, Our Whole Lives, that aims to help teens make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. This is the place to ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask and get the information you need to stay safe and healthy.
http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/ourwhole/
March 16, 2008
Cynthia Thurston and Kristen Eckstrand
Everything You Need to Know About Drugs
“Drugs” can mean many things, from prescription medications to illegal substances. What is a drug? What are the risks, and how can you manage them? What is your personal responsibility when your friends are taking drugs?
April 6, 2008
Plunge Cabaret!
Inner Freak - a performance workshop
Plunge! Cabaret is theater on a mission – doing real work in the real world. Jennifer Rodgers Beach and Tim Coles use music and theater to delve into a workshop on individuality based on their newest show, "The Freak That Sticks." RYA will interact with the artists, engage with the show, and be among the first to help put it on its feet. Jennifer and Tim, both accomplished performers and facilitators, will take us through this experience of finding our inner freaks.
http://www.plungecabaret.com/
April 20, 2008
Cynthia Thurston and Kristen Eckstrand
Creativity!!
Bring your creative works – art, poetry, music, dance – to share with your friends. This has traditionally been one of the best-loved programs at RYA.
May 4, 2008
Speaker TBA
Transgender Issues
Gender is assigned at birth, based on physical appearance. But appearance may not match a person’s self-identification. What does it mean to “come out” as a different gender? What does the transgender experience teach us about gender and sexuality?
May 18, 2008
Rachelle Lee Smith
Rachelle Lee Smith Photography
An accomplished photographer, Rachelle Lee Smith recently had a showing of her photographs of GLBT teens at the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, DC. Pride & Prejudice: Voices of GLBT Youth is a powerful statement of and by young people. For RYA, Rachelle will help us create our own photo stories.
http://www.rachelleleesmith.com/index.html
June 1, 2008
RYA Benefit Concert
The proceeds of this benefit concert go to support the RYA dance and other programs. RYA youth will help with ticketing, ushering, and serving refreshments.
June 15, 2008
Kristen Eckstrand
Your Mind, Your Health
A long time RYA leader and member of a research team at the National Institute of Mental Health, Kristen will share her insights into how diet, nutrition, and exercise underlie mental and emotional health. Be prepared to exercise your mind and your body. http://intramural.nimh.nih.gov/chp/staff.html
July 6, 2008
Rainbow Picnic
Hot dogs, lemonade, brownies, games, and more! RYA’s spring festival is just plain fun for everybody.
SNACKS and DRINKS WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF MEETINGS! Come and bring your friends. ALLIES are MORE THAN WELCOME.
