Be Yourself: Questions and Answers for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth. Today's youth face more social pressures than ever, especially since young people are coming out at increasingly younger ages. This publication offers a supportive approach to common questions asked by teens who may be questioning their sexual orientation. It also provides hotline numbers for teens and a list of resources. Download a one-page summary of Be Yourself.
CONTACTS
Margy Deverall
(765) 491-6357
Meredith Richmond
(765) 567-2478
PRYSM YOUTH GROUP
Background
PFLAG Lafayette/Tippecanoe County, in conjunction with Pride Lafayette and Citizens for Civil Rights, oversees a local LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) youth group. PRSYM (Positive Reflections of Young Sexual Minorities) is a group for youth that is led by youth under the sponsorship and guidance of the above three organizations.
PRYSM was formed to serve as a social-support outlet for Lafayette, Indiana area youth who are dealing with issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Our community can be a threatening place for young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-identified people. We hope to give youth a safe place to gather that is free from harrassment and other forms of bigotry. The peer support fostered by the group will help youth improve their self-esteem and give them opportunities to form friendships with others who are going through similar experiences.
PRYSM is largely a social group; friends and allies are welcome.
History
In April 2004, community leaders sponsored a Youth Issues Summit, followed by a second meeting in May. At these meetings, the youth of the community asked for help in organizing a youth group.
The inaugural meeting of what has become PRYSM took place Thursday, June 3, 2004. A meal was provided by PFLAG members, who were also on hand for guidance.
Meetings
PRYSM meets monthly on the 1st Friday of the month at 6:30PM. For additional information about PFLAG or PRYSM, please contact Meredith at (765) 567-2478 or Margy at (765) 491-6357.
Volunteers and Youth Safety
Adult volunteers who help with PRSYM will be required to meet strict standards in order to assure the safety of the youth involved. The steering committee has put together two documents to help guarentee that only the most trustworthy and responsible adults will work with the youth.
Steering Committee
PRYSM is led by youth leaders, who are guided by a steering committee. This committee is made up of two youth leaders and one representative each from the three sponsoring organizations: PFLAG Lafayette/Tippecanoe County, Pride Lafayette, and Citizens for Civil Rights. The committee meets regularly to plan upcoming PRYSM meetings and to address general concerns about the organization.
