Howard Brown Health Center ( HBHC ) , through a grant from the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, will launch a mentor program that will allow LGBT youth to link with supportive adults.
According to an HBHC press release, a youth forum named an LGBT youth-adult mentor program as one of the most urgent needs for queer youth. The program, to be headed by Tony Alvarado-Rivera, will be LGBT-specific, with technical assistance such as policy development. In addition, Supporting Our Youth—a Canadian mentor program—will provide formal training.
Alvarado-Rivera is returning to Chicago from New York City, where he was a specialist for the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. In touting the program, he said that it 'will give youth access to the elders of their community. It provides a very intentional opportunity to foster intergenerational dialogue with queer youth and adults.'
HBHC's Broadway Youth Center will establish the program. Those interested in serving on the advisory board or as a youth participant or adult mentor can contact Alvarado-Rivera at ( 773 ) 935-3151, ext. 6 or at tonyar@howardbrown.org .
HBHC is also celebrating its 7th Youth Pride Weekend:
— June 24: Out in the Loop, Jones College Prep High School, 606 S. State, 7-11 p.m.
— June 25: Youth Pride Picnic, 49 Lake Street, Oak Park, noon-4 p.m.; Synergy Dance, 525 S. State, 8-11:30 p.m.
— June 26: Gay Pride Parade. Youth who wish to ride the Synergy Pride Float are asked to meet at the corner of Broadway and Belmont at 10 a.m.
For more information about Youth Pride Weekend, call ( 773 ) 935-3151, ext. 1 or e-mail youth@howardbrown.org .