The groups have a primary aim of providing accepting and affirming social space. However, since it is inevitable that youths will have questions and be seeking information from time to time, the instructor will base the level of information on the guidelines for youths ages 5-8 from the Comprehensive Sexuality Education Guidance of the World Health Organization. These guidelines state, in part, that information should reflect the most current medical and social sciences understanding and focus on promoting the values that all individuals are worthy of dignity, respect, and autonomy. As many of the youth who attend are transgender and/or nonbinary, the existence of such individuals in society and affirmation of their value will be discussed at times.

I am a clinician with two decades of experience working with youth and families and extensive training in working with LGBTQ youth. I am a member of the LGBTQ community and am raising a transgender youth.