Real Talk, Safe Spaces: LGBTQ+ Identity, Community, and Cyber Safety

Join us for a 2-track workshop on LGBTQ+ youth digital safety—separate parent/youth sessions, followed by a shared discussion and dinner!
About this Event

This is a two-track workshop for parents/caregivers/caring adults and teens/tweens

Digital spaces offer incredible opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth to find community, express themselves, and connect. However, navigating privacy, safety, and healthy boundaries online can be complex for both youth and the adults who support them.

Join us for an interactive, split-track evening designed to equip both youth and caregivers with practical tools, open dialogue, and safety strategies.

🕒 Schedule of Events

• 5:30 PM — Doors Open & Welcome
• 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM — Parallel Breakout Sessions & Snacks (Separate rooms for Parents/Caregivers and Teens/Tweens)
• 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM — Joint Session & Complimentary Dinner (Everyone gathers in the common room for shared key takeaways, open discussion, and a free provided dinner

👥 Breakout Track Details (5:45 - 6:45 PM)
📌 Caregiver Track: Parent & Caregiver Room

Digital spaces play an important role in the lives of many LGBTQ+ youth. At the same time, parents and caregivers often have questions about online safety, privacy, social media use, and how to support healthy digital engagement. This session helps parents better understand the online experiences of LGBTQ+ youth while learning practical strategies to promote safety, communication, and well-being.

What We'll Cover:

• How LGBTQ+ youth use online spaces for support and connection
• The benefits and potential risks of social media and digital communities
• Privacy, online safety, and protecting personal information
• Recognizing signs of cyberbullying, harassment, and online exploitation
• Supporting healthy digital habits, boundaries, and affirming communication
• Resources for parents and caregivers supporting LGBTQ+ youth online

⚡ Youth Track: Tweens & Young Teens Room

For many LGBTQ+ youth, online spaces offer opportunities to connect with supportive communities, explore identity, access resources, and build meaningful relationships. While digital platforms create belonging and empowerment, they also present challenges. This interactive session helps students build confidence in navigating online spaces while protecting their well-being.

What We'll Cover:

• Exploring LGBTQ+ identity and community in online spaces
• The benefits and challenges of social media, gaming, and online communities
• Protecting privacy and managing your digital footprint
• Navigating online harassment, bullying, and unsafe interactions
• Setting healthy boundaries in digital relationships
• Finding affirming online resources and building safer digital communities

🍽️ Joint Session & Dinner (6:45 - 7:30 PM)

After the breakout sessions, both groups will come together in the main room. We’ll bridge the conversation between parents and youth, share key takeaways, and discuss ways to keep communication open at home—all while enjoying a free dinner together!