Fighting Hate with Hope: Youth Power vs. Adult Fear
*NOTE: Video caption graphics note Theo’s pronouns as “they/them.” Theo’s correct pronouns are “he/they.”
This conversation explores the importance of youth engagement and centering youth voices in the creating inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students, in the context of sexual violence prevention.
In 2023, the Youth Advisory Board at Atria Collective organized in response to parents bringing an anti-trans speaker to a local high school. Supported by staff and adults at Atria Collective, Claire, Theo and their peers organized a queer joy rally that made national news and had a lasting impact on their school climate.
Theo, Claire and Atria Prevention Specialist Linnea Johnson discuss the planning, execution, and impact of the youth-led event, and highlights the power of youth voices and the ability to overcome adult fear.
To download a transcript of this episode, click here.
Listen to “Fighting Hate with Hope: Youth Power vs. Adult Fear” on Spreaker.
Resources mentioned in this podcast
Hundreds Gather in Vergennes to Protest Anti-Trans Speaker
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Background
- 05:16 Centering Youth Voices and Youth Engagement
- 13:14 Joining the Youth Advisory Board
- 17:30 Anti-Trans Speaker at Virgens High School
- 21:17 The Power of Demonstrations
- 29:09 Organizing the Rally
- 42:14 The Rally
- 44:46 Planning and Preparation
- 45:31 Event Execution
- 46:50 Atmosphere and Experience
- 48:10 Youth Power vs Adult Fear
- 49:52 Lasting Impact on the Community
- 52:18 Lasting Impact