June 2023 Newsletter
To our Kaleidoscope community,
Pride month, which happens every June, is one of the most important celebrations for our LGBTQ+ community. Kaleidoscope is so excited to be participating in Weho Pride, LA Pride, San Fernando Valley Pride, and hosting a pride party for our LGBTQ+ youth! Check out our events and offerings below to find out how you can participate in these city wide pride events and also stop by and say hello to us! Program Coordinator Leo Kirkham also explores the history and purpose of this day in depth in their most recent blog post.
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
Leo Kirkham
Program Coordinator
They/Them
lkirkham@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
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and all that we have accomplished. It is also a time to raise awareness of the challenges that LGBTQIA+ people still face.
Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the LGBTQ+ community and our fight for equal rights. It began with the Stonewall Uprising in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, when LGBTQ+ people in New York City protested against police brutality and discrimination during a police bar raid of a gay bar, the Stonewall Inn. The riots are widely considered to be a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
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 15, 2023.
Upcoming LGBTQIA+ Events, Services & More
LA PRIDE!
Kaleidoscope will be marching along with an organization called Cheer LA and will be beneficiaries of their Cheer4Life fund for the second year in a row.
Webcast – Navigating Your Child’s Coming Out Journey Together
June 21st | 10 – 11 am
All parents desire the best for their children, but many are caught off-guard when their child comes out as LGBTQ+. Join the webcast to learn how to navigate this journey, find support, and ensure everyone’s well-being. Free to attend!
Pride Party
for LGBTQ Youth ages 11-17!
Friday, June 23rd | 6 – 8 pm
Come celebrate Pride with us! Join us in person on Friday June 23rd at our Sherman Oaks campus and celebrate with food, games, music and prizes. Youth and their allies ages 11-17 welcome.
San Fernando Valley Pride
June 24th | 1 – 6 pm
Kaleidoscope will be participating in the resource fair at San Fernando Valley Pride. Come march in the parade and stop by our booth afterward to say hello!
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.
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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.
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