Thisfunktional Magazine Issue 04 | Page 13

P AGE 12 Time to THRIVE Vincent “Vinnie” Pompei said, “Normally, that means coming out to your friends, family and colleagues. Rarely does that mean telling your truth to the entire world. The bravery that Ellen Page displayed in deciding to come out t a live audience of youth-serving professionals, youth’s themselves and the entire world as social media so easily allows was pure heroism.” The “Time to THRIVE” conference kicked off that is meant to be an annual conference to promte safety, inclusion and well being for the LGBTQ youth. The HRO looks to help LGBTQ youth with the growing struggles faced in day-to-day life. Issues such as family rejection, bullying and safety weigh heavily on LGBTQ youth. “Time to THRIVE” brings together the LGBTQ youth with youth-serving professionals to better educate and serve those in need. Some of the profesionals include K-12 educators, mental health providers, pediatritions, religious leaders, recreational athletic coaches and youth development staff. What may seem like regular life events can be some of the most frightening times for LGBTQ youth. “Very few schools are providing professional development on working with LGBTQ youth,” Pompei said, “The lack of cultural