This event is part of a series of borough-specific LGBTQ youth-targeted summits designed to increase LGBTQ youth’s access to vital community services and reduce their isolation. These summits are a key part of a strategic citywide LGBTQ youth initiative “HMI GOES CITYWIDE for LGBTQ YOUTH” designed to bring comprehensive mental health and support services to young people across the five boroughs. City Council Members Daniel Dromm and Jimmy Van Bramer will welcome the youth to the day’s activities.
“HMI is honored to again partner with Speaker Viverito, the Queens Delegation, Majority Leader Van Bramer, Queens Council Member Daniel Dromm, Initiative Champion Council Member Carlos Menchaca, and the LGBTQ Caucus of the City Council, in leading the way to help New York better understand and address the needs of LGBTQ youth in all boroughs. Building on what we learned from year 1 of this tremendous partnership, we are strengthening community efforts to address systemic barriers such as violence, stigma, lack of access to care, and discrimination, that continue to jeopardize one of our city’s most vulnerable populations, LGBTQ youth of color, especially those who are immigrants, homeless, and/or court-involved.” – HMI CEO, Thomas Krever
The Queens LGBTQ Youth Summit will include information and resources about community services available to LGBTQ youth in Queens and will feature youth-led workshops, music, art, and opportunities for networking and making connections.
“LGBTQ youth deserve a safe environment where mentors and peers can come together in developing the skills to thrive,” said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Through their innovative use of direct services and referrals, the Hetrick-Martin Institute provides our communities with exactly that model of programming and mentorship. I thank Council Member Daniel Dromm and Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer for bringing HMI and the City Council into collaboration, and am proud to be partnering with the organization on another productive year of LGBTQ Youth Summits. I look forward to the furthered progress that is certain to come out of these comprehensive conversations.”
“When it sometimes seems like we are moving backwards on the issues important to the LGBT Community, events like the Hetrick-Martin’s Institute’s Queens LGBT Youth Summit are especially important,” said City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “This event will help reduce isolation among Queens’ LGBT youth, and connect this underserved population with vitally important services and resources. I’m proud to help sponsor this event that is so meaningful for LGBT youth in Queens.”
“LGBTQ youth must have access to quality mental health and support services in a safe, affirmative environment,” said NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst). “As a long-time gay activist and founder of Queens’ first LGBTQ social service organizations, this has long been a top priority for me. I am proud to join Speaker Mark-Viverito, my colleagues in the LGBT Caucus and the Hetrick-Martin Institute in breaking down the barriers these young people face and connecting them with competent care.”
Queens Summit Partners include: NYC Department of Education, Safe Space/ Sheltering Arms, APICHA Community Health Center, Intermediate School 230, The Ali Forney Center, South Asian Youth Action (SAYA), The Trevor Project, Aids Center of Queens County (ACQC), The Caribbean Equality Project, Generation Q, PFLAG and SCO Family of Services.
Interviews and images available upon request.
