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LGTBQ+ Center to host webinar on supporting gender diverse youth, families for statewide community

rainbow diversity

The LGBTQ+ Center and the WVU School of Social Work invite students, parents, families and community members from across West Virginia to attend a free virtual webinar on best practices for supporting gender diverse youth and families Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. 

Hosted by Ellen Rodrigues, director of the LGBTQ+ Center, this webinar will include expert panelists Dr. Kacie Kidd, assistant professor in the Division of Adolescent Medicine and medical director of the Gender & Sexual Development Clinic; Caroline Critchfield, a passionate advocate for transgender rights; and Angel Smothers, a parent of a gender diverse teen.  

Join this panel of experts as they discuss the process of coming out to family and friends, mental health, accessing gender affirming care, navigating conversations with educators and reflecting on the importance of inclusivity within faith communities.

Kidd is a physician trained in internal medicine, pediatrics and adolescent medicine as well as gender-affirming care. As the medical director of the WVU Medicine Children’s Gender & Sexual Development Clinic, she provides support and care to gender diverse youth and their families. As a well-reputed researcher, she is focused on improving health equity for gender diverse youth and aiding parents and families in supporting their gender diverse children.  Her research has been published in such prestigious journals as Pediatrics, JAMA Pediatrics, Journal of Adolescent Health and Transgender Health as well as on CNN, NBC and many other news outlets.  

Critchfield is a passionate advocate for transgender rights and has traveled throughout the state offering support to numerous gender diverse children and families and Smothers is the parent of a gender diverse teen and brings first-hand experience to the table.

Register in advance for the Zoom link. 

Participation and offering a safe, open discussion is encouraged. Attendees may participate via the Q&A box in Zoom. Additionally, licensed social workers and nurses will be able to receive one hour of continuing education by participating in this webinar.