LGBTQ forum will assess communitys hopes

By Michelle Wing
Tribune Senior Staff Writer

Tribune
Calistoga
Independently owned and published in Calistoga for Calistogans since 2002
pockets all over, and we are often invisible. Stanley said there are an estimated 11,000 LGBTQ people in Napa County, most of whom remain in the closet, keeping their sexual orientation a secret in at least some aspect of their lives choosing not to come out to an employer, or their parents, or their faith leader, or some other important part of their social network. Stanley also said 76 percent of nonprofit agencies surveyed in Napa Valley agreed that the needs of LGBTQ people are not being adequately met. Other troubling statistics pointed out by the Napa LGBTQ Program are that lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and they are 190 percent more likely to use drugs and alcohol in large part due to the isolation and self-esteem issues which often occur as a result of living in intolerant school and home settings. Back in early spring 2010, what started as a support group for LGBTQ youth began moving towards the development of an LGBTQ Community Initiative. Stanley said the three focuses of the initiative are: engaging the community through a representative advisory committee that calls town hall meetings and other gatherings to identify community hopes and prioritize action steps; training health and service providers through workshops and technical assistance to deepen awareness and skills in working with LGBTQ people in nonprofits, schools, community groups, health and mental health services, government, faith communities, the business community and the hospitality industry; and developing quality programming to support and offer resources to the most underserved groups youth, senior citizens, and transgender people. So far, Stanley said, 15 LGBTQ youth, adults and senior citizens from across the county have formed an advisory committee, and 60 young people have been participating in a monthly support group.

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Do gays, lesbians and transgender people feel safe in Napa County? Do they receive adequate services from nonprofit agencies? Are they fully included in the fabric of daily life, whether at school or on the job? These are some of the questions that will be addressed at the town hall meeting scheduled Oct. 11 in Napa, a day that also happens to be National Coming Out Day. The Napa LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning) Community Forum is what organizers hope will be a first step in establishing direction for the creation of a healthier Napa Valley for LGBTQ residents. Ian Stanley, Napa LBGTQ program director, said, The ultimate goal is that we bring visibility to LGBTQ people in the valley and their hopes in the community. That doesnt often get talked about, because we are in small

Additionally, over 100 professionals from 32 agencies have participated in LGBTQ best practices trainings. One of the groups goals is to eventually open Napas first LGBTQ Community Center. The Community Forum will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room at McPherson Elementary School, 2670 Yajome St., Napa. The free event will include door prizes and appetizers. All LGBTQ people are invited, even if they are not out. Straight allies are also welcome. It will be a safe space and a hate-free zone. The forum is sponsored by the Napa LGBTQ Project, On the Move, Spectrum LGBT Center of the North Bay and the County of Napa. Reservations are requested. Go to www.napaLGBTQproject.org to fill out the short form. For more information or to register by phone, call Ian Stanley at (707) 251-9432.