As we grow and evolve as a race, we have to keep educating ourselves. So much is changing around us and especially with our youth. According to Merriam-Webster, to evolve is to change or develop slowly often into a better, more complex, or more advanced state. In regards to human sexuality and gender things are evolving all the time. New words are being used to better explain or identify different people. People are transitioning into more accurate and comfortable versions of themselves. In the world around us, changes are happening and our community needs to seek out that education.
This may be a new concept for some, and can feel foreign and confusing at first. And that’s okay. Evolving takes time and effort, because learning and changing is not something that happens overnight. We ask that you keep an open mind, ask questions, reserve your past judgments and remember that even sexuality and identified genders are in a constant state of change and evolution.
Due to this evolution, it is important for our youth to have access to clubs and resources such as GSA’s. GSA stands for Gender Sexuality Alliance, a school club with the mission of creating a safe and inclusive environment for youth. The mission of a GSA is to educate and bring awareness to LGBTQ+ issues, and help youth build leadership and advocacy skills. Because of the positive benefits of GSA’s we have partnered with the Partnership for Community Action (PFCA) to help support and sustain these clubs in our county.
In Chaffee County, we are lucky to have the PFCA to teach and share experiences of Queer, transgender and non-binary individuals. This group of passionate folks offers amazing learning opportunities for those who need education, such as an online Trans 101 class, LGBTQ+A and more. They also provide safe space training for businesses to train and inform staff how to be more culturally appropriate. Check out gopfca.com to learn what is going on in our community and how you can get involved.
- Cassie Stauch FYI’s Youth Intervention Specialist and Storm Dolente PFCA’s Community Outreach Coordinator VISTA