Jay Tyler of CANDLE Youth Pride
Pronouns: he/him/his, they/them/theirs
&
David Diamond of WJCS's Center Lane
Pronouns: he/him/his
HVTF Breakout Session 2 Workshop Presenters on Saturday, November 23rd
Youth Up Front! Leading the Way and Creating Safe Spaces
A Session for TGNCNB Youth/Young Adults
Workshop Description: If you have ever struggled with anything related to your gender identity and expression, and wish that someone had already started the conversation, now is the time to be that person for yourself and those who come after you. Use your voice and experiences to help others. You are the most qualified person to advocate for your needs in creating and implementing changes to policies and programs that impact TGNCNB youth. From school policies that impact the name and pronouns you use, to trans-friendly sexual and reproductive health education and services, to the very laws that govern our community, state, and nation, TGNCNB voices need to be heard and to be part of the process. Be a part of it! If you’re not, someone else will!
Workshop Format: Coming soon!
Bios:
Jay Tyler is the Youth Pride Program Assistant as CANDLE (Community Awareness Network For A Drug-Free Life And Environment). Jay joined CANDLE as a staff member in 2016 as the Youth Pride Program Assistant. Jay assists in planning programs and activities for LGBTQ youth and youth serving professionals and coordinates the volunteer mentoring program for young adults. Jay visits school groups and clubs to provide technical assistance and discuss CANDLE programs and events. Jay also facilitates the Trans Youth Group and presents LGBT Cultural Competency training to high school and middle school students.
Jay was a Youth Pride Program participant while in high school and joined CANDLE’s Leadership Project while studying Journalism and Public Relations at SUNY New Paltz because of his love for the program. Upon graduating with his Bachelor’s degree, Jay became a full-time staff member at CANDLE.
David Diamond is the Program Specialist at Center Lane, a program of Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS). David has extensive experience supporting people in the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to having been the Director of PrideWorks, a conference for LGBTQ youth and their allies, David has advised several Gay-Straight Alliances, and facilitated at Common Threads Youth Empowerment Retreat, and Queer Spirit Camp, a program for 18-24 year-olds. David has been a board member of PrideWorks, GLSEN Hudson Valley, and CANDLE, as well as part of PFLAG Westchester. A certified special education teacher and school administrator, David has a BA in English from Columbia College, Columbia University, and an MA, M.Ed. and M.Phil. from Columbia University Teachers College.