Coffeehouse goers hear from faith leaders

For many young people, coming out as LGBT places them in direct opposition to the religious traditions of their families and communities. Anti-LGBT defamation by religious institutions is an especially painful dimension of homophobia and is often cited as a contributing factor to depression, substance abuse and even suicide. Young people who want to maintain a connection to religion or spirituality contend with a profound question. How do I manage the dual identities of being LGBT and being a person of faith? A February 19th Coffeehouse program sought to provide some answers that question. A panel of faith leaders from LGBT-welcoming institutions addressed the Coffeehouse group to share their experiences coming out and finding a home in a faith community. The speakers included Reverend Laura Tria, an Interfaith Minister, Neil Shults from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, and Reverend Shane Hibbs from the Long Island Community Fellowship. The common thread of the discussion was that these particular faith organizations embrace LGBT youth. In contrast to the view of many high-profile religious leaders, the message was that LGBT youth should be respected, loved and celebrated. Thanks to Laura, Neil and Shane for making this event a memorable and inspirational night!

Come Party at Kelli's

PFY will be having a fundraiser at Kelli's in Bellmore on March 13th. Come out and enjoy a fun night for a good cause! Click on the image below for a larger version.

PFY Gets a New Director, by Andy Peters

In January 2010, Pete Carney was promoted to Director of Pride for Youth. Simultaneous to this transition, I took on the position of Long Island Crisis Center’s Associate Executive Director wherein my responsibilities shifted to fund development and administration for all three divisions of the agency. I’m truly delighted to make room for this opportunity for Pete. Pete possess tremendous experience, skill and passion for the cause of LGBT youth. In his two years as Assistant Director, he forged new relationships with schools, enhanced PFY’s professional training program particularly in the area of transgender education, and established partnerships with LGBT business and organizations to broaden PFY’s circle of support. I know that PFY will be in good hands. I spent twelve years directing PFY and four years before that in successive positions starting as a social work intern. I could not have asked for a more rewarding career experience. To work at PFY is to be part of something rare and special. In 1994, I moved from Buffalo to Long Island to attend graduate school and expecting I would find a job in New York City. Instead, I found a home at Long Island Crisis Center and a mission in Pride for Youth, a place that a former co-worker (also a transplant) once called: “The very best place on Long Island.” I won’t be far away from PFY and will continue working hard in the background to sustain and expand its programs. I wish Pete the best of luck with his new position and thank all the young people, colleagues and supporters who made my years as director so gratifying.