GSA group
Discussion topics
- HIV prevention and testing modes of transmission, anonymous rapid testing, preventing infection, treatment costs ($1500 a month for medication), long term effects
- Coming out to self, to family, to friends, to community
- Sexually transmitted infections Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, genital warts, HIV
- Transgender issues gender identity, gender norms
- Healthy relationships communication, boundaries, intimacy
- Safer sex prevention of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, pregnancy
- Homophobia
- Consent laws - The age of consent in Illinois is 17. It is illegal to have sex with someone under the age of 18 if you are more than 5 years older than the minor.
- Discrimination within the lgbt community
- Sexism
- Workplace discrimination/rights
- Kinsey scale
- Hate crimes/laws what to do when discriminated against in school
Speakers panel
Some pride youth participants choose to share their coming out story with audiences. They address audience questions and discuss how homophobia affects LGBT students. The most common questions that are asked by audiences include:
- When did you first know you were gay?
- Did you lose any friends when you came out?
- How did your parents react?
- What do you think of the media portrayals of the gay community?
- How do you meet people to date?
- Do you struggle with your religion and sexuality?
- Do you want to get married?
- What is your reaction to the phrase, "That's so gay?"
- Do you want to have children?
- How can a straight friend be supportive?
