August 2023 Newsletter
Hello Kaleidoscope Community!
We hope you are having a wonderful summer and staying cool! As we head into back to school month, we are excited to offer our LGBTQ+ youth a fun opportunity to relax and hang out with us at our Heart Stopper Season 2 Watch Party! In addition, our extended deadline to sign up for the Youth Leadership Council is August 31st! We encourage you or a youth you know to consider joining and help make a positive impact in our Kaleidoscope community.
As always, we invite you to follow us on social media and keep current on our clubs and groups, as well as special events. Please comment, share, and tag your friends, as we celebrate all things LGBTQIA+ on Instagram @kaleidoscopelgbtq, and follow us on Facebook at KaleidoscopeLGBTQ.
Wishing you a safe and beautiful Pride Month!
-The Kaleidoscope Team
Jay Baldwin
Program Navigator
They/Them
jbaldwin@thehelpgroup.org
Laurie Stephens, Ph.D. PSY 18520
Sr. Director, Autism & LGBTQ+ Programs
She/Her/Hers
lstephens@thehelpgroup.org
* For general inquiries, contact us at kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org
The American Civil Liberties Union is currently tracking nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills in the United States that have been introduced since the start of 2023. It is staggering to realize that this already is nearly twice the number of anti-LGBTQ bills that were introduced just one year ago in 2022. Despite the existence of the First Amendment, which affords us the right to free expression, many politicians are determined to stomp on free speech and expression for LGBTQ people, limiting access to books about the community and trying to ban or censor performances like drag shows. When it comes to the transgender and gender diverse community, many of these bills aim to restrict or eliminate entirely transgender youth’s access to trans affirming health care, ability to participate in sports that align with their gender identity, or their ability to be fully protected and included in school wide policies.
Virtual Leadership Program for LGBTQ+ & Neurodivergent Youth
September 2023 to February 2024
Join our six-month leadership youth council program! Must be between the ages of 15 and 22. The virtual program will be hosted on Zoom and is open to L.A. County residents.
- Serve as a youth leader for 2 hours per month for six months – paid!
- Help plan social events for youth (attendance encouraged)
- Form new friendships and build a supportive community
- Develop leadership, social, and employment skills
- Connect with local resources and organizations
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to make a difference in the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent community!
The application deadline is Tuesday, August 31, 2023.
Upcoming LGBTQIA+ Events, Services & More
Heart Stopper Season 2 Watch Party for LGBTQ+ Youth 12-17!
Friday, August 25 | 6 – 8pm
Come join us for the first three episodes of the second season release of one of Netflix’s top rated queer teen shows, Heart Stopper! Enjoy some pizza and snacks on us and come watch the story of British teens Charlie and Nick as they figure out their place in school, forge unlikely friendships and navigate their first love.
We Want to Know Your Thoughts
Tell us what you want for Kaleidoscope. What kind of programming and events would you like to see? As a thank you for filling out the survey, you can opt into a drawing for a chance to receive a $20 gift card.
Mental Health Services
Kaleidoscope offers individual & group therapy as well as psychiatric care in a safe & affirming environment at affordable rates. We accept insurance, Medi-cal, and offer sliding-scale rates based upon annual income. Contact us to learn more.
Individual Coaching
Coaching available for LGBTQIA+ youth & young adults who need assistance with identifying goals, taking next steps, & establishing healthy connections in community settings. Contact us to learn more.
Training & Presentations
We offer training, education & presentations to parents, administrators, and the community to provide LGBTQIA+ youth with the affirming support that they need to thrive. Contact us to learn more.
ABOUT KALEIDOSCOPE:
Kaleidoscope’s mission is to provide services and supports for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults to help each person realize their unique and full potential. We focus on mental health services, family training and support, forming strong social connections, finding allies and developing critically needed life and coping skills. Kaleidoscope hopes to pave the way to self, family and community acceptance, resilience and care needed for LGBTQ+ folks to thrive.
Copyright © *2023* *The Help Group, All rights reserved