Dimensions X:
The Conference
Friday, September 26, 2008
8am-5pm
San Francisco LGBT Center
1800 Market Street (at Octavia)
Register today to learn cutting edge practices for successfully working with lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer/intersex/questioning (LGBTQIQ) adolescents.
CEU’s are available.
Click here to register now!
Keynote Speaker: Arlene Lev
For questions and special needs, please contact Vittorio D’Angeli, Dimensions Clinic Coordinator, at dimensions.clinic@gmail.com or (415) 487-7589
Conference Fee:
Professionals: $125
Students: $75
Scholarships:
If you are interested in receiving a scholarship, please send an e-mail to dimensions.clinic@gmail.com before Sept. 10, 2008.
Please put “conference scholarship request” in the e-mail title.
In the e-mail body please let us know:
1) Your name, e-mail and phone number,
2) why you are requesting a scholarship and
3) how you will utilize what you learn at the conference.
Dimensions is a collaboration of Larkin Street Youth Services, San Francisco Department of Pubic Health, Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center (LYRIC), Health Initiatives for Youth (HIFY), and New Leaf Services.
The Dimensions X Honorary Planning Committee includes: San Francisco Supervisors Bevan Dufty and Tom Ammiano, Tonya Chaffee, MD, Chuck Wibblesman, MD, Carol Queen,Ph.D, Larry Cruz, Stella Rubenstein, Tori Tait, Richard Stanyon, Caitlin Ryan, Lori Kohler, MD and Michelle Tea.
Conference Schedule
Registration & Breakfast 8:00-8:30am
Welcome 8:30-8:45am
Keynote 8:45-9:30am
Morning Break 9:30-9:45am
Dimensions Model Presentation 9:45-11:30am
Lunch 11:30-12:15pm
Client Panel 12:15-1:15pm
Break 1:15-1:30pm
Workshop Session #1 1:30-2:45pm
Break 2:45-3:00pm
Workshop Session#2 3:15-4:30pm
Closing 4:30-5:00pm
Workshop Descriptions
Session I Workshops
Many Dimensions:
Addressing intersecting risk factors for LGBTQ Youth
LGBTQIQ youth are often exposed to ongoing trauma, intensified by stigmatization and social marginalization. This leaves them vulnerable to a number of health and social concerns, including depression, substance abuse, sexual victimization, partner violence and HIV. Each one of these crises potentially complicates and exacerbates the others, creating a syndemic. This workshop will look at how the Dimensions Model addresses the mental health care needs of LGBTQIQ youth using a syndemic perspective by providing early intervention, working as interdisciplinary team, and focusing on identity affirmation and resiliency. Workshop presenter include Heather Weisbrod, LCSW and other mental health specialists.
Medical Care of the Young Transgender Patient
In this workshop we will explain how Dimensions evaluates and cares for
transgender youth who are seeking medical transition through the use of
"cross-sex" hormones. We will review some of the rationale for our current
protocols, including pretreatment evaluation, dosage regimens and
monitoring. Comparisons will be explored between traditional approaches
and the changes we have made to adapt to the needs of adolescents and young
adults. We will also explore common pitfalls, side effects, and related
medical issues. We strive for a holistic approach to health care for these
youth; we will review our approach to trans youth care as general health
care which includes hormones, rather than specialty care focusing on
hormones alone. Workshop presenters are Debbie Brown, MD and Dimensions Medical Director & Dafna Wu, RN, MSN Dimensions Clinic Head Nurse.
Youth Action Board in Action
At this workshop, members of Dimensions Youth Action Board (YAB) and the YAB Coordinator will share how Dimensions has successfully utilized a youth development model to bring youth into leadership roles at the clinic. YAB member will share their personal stories to let workshop participants understand how the YAB has impacted their lives. In addition to sharing the strengths and lessons learned in our unique model, we will provide workshop attendees with suggestions about how to create and maintain a Youth Action Board at your youth clinic. Workshop presenters are Rachel Clee, Gisselle Andrade, Clair Farley and Arturo Sanchez.
Working with the Families of LGBTQIQ Youth
This workshop will examine the unique issues working with the families of youth exhibiting same-sex attractions and gender non-conforming behavior. Queer and questioning youth are often exploring and celebrating sex and gender identities that baffle and confuse their parents, and families struggle with the developmental and boundary-related issues as their children mature in ways they do not fully understand. Transgender emergence is viewed as a normative and spiritual process of identity development, which impacts all family members. LGBT youth who have nurturing families will move through there normative lifecycle developmental processes with greater ease, encourages clinicians to take their family issues seriously, even when parents are resistant and rejecting. Utilizing family systems theory within a queer-affirming and trans-health model, we will discuss the diversities of sex and gender expression, and the special issues impacting youth in the utilization the WPATH Standards of Care. Workshop presenter is Arlene Lev.
Session II Workshops
How to set up a Youth LGBTQIQ Welcoming Clinic
Traditionally, medical clinics are not where young people or queer folk have felt seen or respected, let alone welcome. Our workshop will cover the "how to" of creating an LGBTQIQ youth friendly space where queer young people can feel safe and welcome when seeking health care. We will describe how to modify the physical space as well as how to implement clinic protocols that encourage clients to be themselves, engage in respectful self-advocacy and participate in their own health maintenance and promotion. workshop led by Dafna Wu, RN, MSN Dimensions Clinic Head Nurse and Claire Farley, Youth Action Board.
Beyond Benjamin:
Dimensions Mental Health Model for Working with Transgender Youth
This workshop will provide an in-depth look at Dimensions' unique mental health model for working with transgender youth. Mental health providers have traditionally been placed in the role of gatekeeper to medical transition services. Dimensions takes a different approach. At Dimensions, mental health services are not a requirement for those seeking to transition, and medical and mental health providers work together as an interdisciplinary team. This model allows mental health clinicians to provide holistic, client-driven services and to support and respect the self-determination of clients who are engaging in complex decision-making processes around transition. Workshop presenters are Heather Weisbrod, LCSW, and other mental health specialists.
From the Front Lines:
Outreach/Education/HIV Testing at Dimensions
This workshop, presented by health care providers, HIV test counselors, and Youth Action Board (YAB) members, will cover models for developing trusting relationships with LGBTQIQ clients in order to connect them to appropriate services. Learn how to provide medical education to LGBTQ youth, de-escalate difficult situations, and provide immediate access to housing. We will also cover case management for clients who test positive for HIV. The expertise of Dimensions front-line staff and collaborative agencies will provide you with powerful tools to support and advocate for clients both inside and outside the clinic. Workshop presenters are Esteban Rodriguez, Desmond Miller and YAB members.
Providing Competent Primary Care to Intersex Adolescents
Intersex adolescents are an emerging population that has not received much attention in the medical literature. However, intersex adolescents have special medical needs, some related to their particular medical conditions and some resulting from past medical interventions. This workshop will address the most common concerns that may arise in a primary care setting, including an overview of common intersex conditions; psychological issues; building a trusting relationship; etiquette; physicians' personal issues which may interfere with delivery of appropriate care; long-term sequelae of infant genitoplasty; long-term effects of exogenous hormones; effects of non-compliance with hormone treatments; post traumatic stress disorder; guidelines for breast, pelvic, and rectal exams; gender transition; and advocating for intersex patients when referring to other specialists.Workshop presenters is Suegee Tamar-Mattis, D.O.
Trans 101:
Evolving Concepts in Gender Identity
This workshop will provide a theoretical and practical overview of genderqueer, transgender and gender variant identities.
Workshop Presenters
Arlene Istar Lev LCSW, CASAC (Keynote speaker), is a social worker, family therapist, educator, and writer whose work addresses the unique therapeutic needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. She is the founder of Choices Counseling and Consulting in Albany, New York, providing family therapy for LGBT people and is on the adjunct faculties of S.U.N.Y. Albany, School of Social Welfare, Empire College, and Vermont College of the Union Institute and University. Arlene serves on the editorial Boards of the Journal of GLBT Family Studies and the Journal of Transgenderism, and she also serves on the Advisory Board of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute (Center on Halsted, Chicago). She is the Clinical Supervisor for Center Support: Counseling Services, a collaborative program between the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council and SUNY Albany, School of Social Welfare. Arlene is the author of The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide and Transgender Emergence: Therapeutic Guidelines for Working with Gender-Variant People and their Families, winner of the American Psychological Association Distinguished Book Award, 2006. Arlene maintains three nationally syndicated columns on LGBT parenting issues: “In a Family Way,” “Dear Ari,” and “Family Matters.”
Arturo Sanchez is an 18 year old who has been living in San Francisco on & off for the past 3 years. He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Los Angeles, CA. Arturo joined the Youth Action Board about three months ago, wanting to become more involved in the queer community. He enjoys working with young queer people around his age and hopes that being involved in the YAB will teach him more about queer health care. Arturo hopes to move into a health care profession one day.
Clair Farley is a 24 year old post-op MTF pretty lady joined the Youth Action Board in January 2007 with the intent of reaching out to youth and help meet their needs. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, receiving her degree in Psychology. She moved to San Francisco in the summer of 2006 to continue her education. If you want to learn more about Clair, check out the documentary Red Without Blue. When Clair is not at Dimensions she is working as the Transgender Economic Development Coordinator.
Dafna Wu is a trilingual, Jewish, Chinese, Brazilian, lesbian, mother who knits and surfs but never at the same time. She graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz in English Literature with a minor in Biology and has an MSN from San Francisco State University. Since 1994 she has served as staff nurse at the Castro-Mission Health Center, where she works with queer & transgender youth, and was on the founding team of Dimensions Clinic, a clinic for LGBTQIQ youth. As Dimensions' Head Nurse, and as a queer youth advocate, her work is dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe spaces where LGBTQIQ youth can seek and receive quality primary care.
David Olem has been working as a therapist in the LGBTQ community for almost 10 years. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. David currently splits his time between New Leaf Services and UCSF’s Center for AIDS Prevention Studies and has a private practice as well. He specializes in working with issues related to gender, sexuality and life transitions and has specific training around trauma and abuse, HIV, substance use, and stress management. He works with both individuals and couples.
Debbie Brown is a family doctor and has been working at the Castro-Mission Health Center for 19 years, with about 10 of those years also being the medical director of Dimensions Clinic. She went to medical school at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and did her residency at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. She is a union activist and serves as secretary of the board of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. Dr. Brown's
off-hours interests include cycling, reading science fiction, and taking her son to visit model railways.
Desmond Miller is an HIV Test Counselor who currently works for Larkin Street Youth Services as an HIV tester and counselor. Through Larkin, Desmond does testing at three different locations in the city, Cole Street Youth Clinic, Larkin Street Youth Clinic, and at Dimensions Clinic. In his free time he loves to read and write comics.
Esteban Rodriguez is the Outreach & Health Worker at Dimensions. Before coming to Dimensions he worked with homeless residents in the Tenderloin, Latino Immigrants in the Mission, and many people with substance abuse issues both young & old. He is from the south Texas / northern Mexico frontera and has called the bay area home for 4 years. He is invested in promoting empowerment, self-sufficiency, and health & wellness among young queer and transgender people.
Gisselle Andrade is an 18 year old San Francisco native. She considers herself to be a very happy person most of the time, and a short and proud Guatemalan and Salvadorian straight girl and LGBTQQI ally. Gisselle is in her senior year at Ida B. Wells High School, and upon graduating plans on attending City College of San Francisco for her general education and then transfer to San Francisco State. She wants to pursue a career in the health care field.
Heather Weisbrod, LCSW, works as a therapist at Castro Mission Health Center and has been working with queer youth, adults and families for the past 10 years. Prior to coming to Castro Mission
and Dimensions she worked with youth-serving agencies including Larkin Street Youth Services and Huckleberry Youth Programs. Heather's areas of focus include gender and sexuality, HIV and harm reduction.
Rachel Clee is 26 years old, and has lived in the Bay Area her whole life--and in San Francisco for 9 years. She first became involved in the YAB during its pilot session in 2005, and became the YAB coordinator in 2006. Rachel got involved with Dimensions because she wanted to get involved in sevice to queer youth. She feels that being the YAB coordinator means that she get to work with some amazing interns, and assist them in their work as the Dimensions queer youth emissaries, facilitating their work with our collaborative partners.
Suegee Tamar-Mattis, D.O., is a Family Practice physician and long-time intersex and LGBT rights activist. A former director of Dimensions Clinic for LGBTQIQ youth in San Francisco, Suegee has spoken widely on matters of intersex rights and appropriate health care, in venues ranging from the UCSF School of Medicine to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. With spouse Anne Tamar-Mattis, Suegee is the parent of two children.
|
