Chicago law firm Matt Cohen and Associates has announced a first-of-its-kind symposium and resource fair for LGBTQ+ youth, families, and allies at Loyola University School of Law. located at 25 E. Pearson Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60611 on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, from 9 am to 4 pm. The event will provide opportunities to connect with legal, community and mental health resources. Required registration also includes light breakfast and box lunch at mattcohenandassociates.com ($10).

Two inspiring keynote speakers include Ash Whitaker, a transgender student who began to openly identify as male when he was a high school freshman at Kenosha Unified School District, after being prohibited from using the boys' restroom. That case has been pivotal in protecting the rights of transgender students in Wisconsin, Illinois, and throughout the United States. Additional speakers include renowned civil rights attorney Joseph Wardenski who successfully represented Whitaker and advanced LGBTQ+ equality and racial justice.

"With so many efforts taking place across the country to deny civil rights and basic personhood, this event will address the many positive ways youth and their allies can protect their rights and help navigate the systems they may encounter in their lives," said Brad Dembs, attorney at Matt Cohen and Associates.

Other presenters will discuss the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and mental health, legal and educational rights, bullying, and ways to advocate for youth in school.

Advocates, clinicians, therapy providers, and community organizations will be available at the resource fair to talk one-on-one with participants about their experiences and provide information on what is available and where they can go to get the help they need. Free admission will be offered on a per-case basis. To register, go to Article Link Here ($10)