EDGY CONFERENCE 2024: WE SAY GAY- HOW TO BE AN ALLY IN TODAY'S WORLD

The EDGY Conference provides a “one-stop-shop” opportunity for youth-serving professionals to build awareness and cultural competency, learn current and emerging best practices, and gather resources from leading experts and national organizations in the field.

The EDGY Conference, which is presented by Penny Lane Centers, strives to create a supportive environment for GLBTQ+ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) youth and families through initiatives, education, and enlightenment.

As Penny Lane’s work with GLBTQ+ youth and families expanded so did the organization’s knowledge of best practices for working with this population. In an effort to share their knowledge and experience with the social service community, Penny Lane held its first EDGY Conference in 2009. Penny Lane has remained committed to bringing to light the unique issues GLBTQ+ youth and families face.

For more information visit www.edgyconference.com

EDGY 2024 THEME: WE SAY GAY- HOW TO BE AN ALLY IN TODAY'S WORLD

The world we live in continues to be a challenge for LGBTQ+ individuals. The divisiveness of the current political climate especially during an election cycle causes a lot of anxiety and frankly fear in LGBTQ+ populations as some espouse “don’t say gay” bills and try to ban drag and deny gender affirming care to transgender youth. All of this makes allyship much more important since no one or no group can make change by themselves. Now instead of fighting for rights it is a battle to maintain the hard-won rights that have been attained over the past decades. How do you fit in to this picture? How can you help or show your support? Why is this important for each of us regardless of how we may identify? Being part of the EDGY conference as an attendee, presenter, sponsor, or volunteer is a good start.

The issues of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies seem to be constant fodder for new stories but unfortunately not in positive ways. In a world where we all seek a safe space to be who we choose to be and love who we love how do we find a way to not be afraid? Rhetoric and reality often don’t align in many parts of the country we live in and we all see that creeping closer to us daily. We must join and push back as we have truth and common human decency on our side. We want to be your ally and through our workshops and presentations empower you to help move forward. Attending EDGY will give you knowledge and resources to be part of the solution.

Host or Publisher Penny Lane Centers