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GENERAL INFO
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What's in It (SAIM) for Me?
Find out just how NOT alone you are. Many other youth
have similar feelings and questions. This is your chance to
meet them. The youth that come to SAIM may be questioning their
sexual orientation or gender identities, or coping with the
daily challenges of being a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered,
or questioning youth. Sometimes, the best way to meet these
challenges or resolve problems is to talk it over with your
peers in a friendly, supportive environment. If you just want
to come and listen, that's okay too.
SAIM Meetings Time and Location:
Meetings are held every Saturday at the Gay
and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore in Room 201
and begin at 12:30. They are facilitated by trained adult volunteers,
who make sure SAIM is a safe environment for all youth who want
to talk, listen, and learn. In meetings we talk about issues
members need help with, current events, group projects, and
simply whatever members want/need to talk about. We have a break
around 1:30. Hopefully the pizza arrives on time. Around 1:45,
we start the second half of the group meeting. Some weeks,
the adult facilitators plan a special program with a guest speaker;
generally, they're pretty good! Otherwise the second half goes
pretty much the same way as the first half.
Short Guide to Life with GLBT Youth:
The following was taken from the Maryland
State Dpt. of Education "Protecting Students from Harassment,
The Law, Its Implications and Implementations Workshop," on
9/23/99.
Respect Confidentiality: If a gay or lesbian shares
with you about his or her sexual orientation, you have a sacred
trust that must be repected. The terror of homosexual youth
is profound. A breach of this confidence has led some to suicide.
Be Informed: Most of us are the products of a homophobic
society paralyzed by misinformation and fear. You can't be free
of it just be deciding to; read reliable resources and talk
to qualified persons.
Examine your own biases: Don't attempt to help others
if you yourself need help. Don't add to the burden of struggling
and already over-burdened teenagers by laying your problems
and uncertainties on his or her shoulders.
Know when and where to seek help: Know the referral
agencies and counselors in your area. Gay hotlines can provide
you with the professional persons and organizations that are
qualified to help. Tell them who you are and what kind of assistance
you need. They will be helpful and fair.
Maintain a balanced perspective: Sexual thoughts and
feelings are only a small (but important) part of a person's
personality. Gay people are no more obsessed with sex than you
are.
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