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Monday, December 9
 

8:00am CST

Registration and Breakfast
Monday December 9, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Monday December 9, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST

9:00am CST

Welcome Address
Monday December 9, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am CST
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Mix

Jordan Mix

Director of Educational Programming, Iowa Safe Schools
Jordan Mix (they/them) is the Director of Educational Programming at Iowa Safe Schools. They graduated from Drake University in 2016 with degrees in Law, Politics, and Society; Sociology; and Women and Gender Studies. While at Drake they were the president of Drake’s LGBTQ organization... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am CST

9:45am CST

Trans 101
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am CST
This training focuses on issues related specifically to the Trans and Nonbinary community and is an excellent follow-up training to an LGBTQ 101 session, or it can stand alone. This session covers Trans and Nonbinary terminology, information about discrimination and disparities faced by the Trans and Nonbinary community, and best practices for working with Trans and Nonbinary individuals in any environment.
Speakers
avatar for Cecilia Martinez

Cecilia Martinez

Program Coordinator, One Iowa
Cecilia Martinez is a Program Coordinator with One Iowa. Born in Mexico, Cecilia and their family moved to Iowa in 1997 and have been here since. They graduated from Simpson College in 2018 and have worked with the LGBTQ community since high school. They are passionate about equity... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am CST

9:45am CST

Resilience, Resistance, and Hope: A Student Roundtable
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am CST
Facilitated by Iowa Safe Schools' Director of Youth Engagement, this roundtable discussion offers students a safe and supportive space to connect and share their experiences at their schools and in their communities. Whether it's navigating school policies, finding supportive peers and staff, or addressing challenges related to identity and inclusion, this session is designed for students to talk openly with each other about what they’re going through.

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss their successes, challenges, and ideas for creating more inclusive and affirming environments in their schools. This roundtable is all about student voices—come share your story and learn from others in a space dedicated to uplifting and empowering Iowa’s LGBTQ youth.

Speakers
avatar for Hannah Mitchell

Hannah Mitchell

GSA Coordinator, Iowa Safe Schools
Hannah Mitchell (She/They) serves as the GSA Coordinator at Iowa Safe Schools. With degrees in Gender & Sexuality Studies, Social Justice, and Social Work, her practical passion for improving the LGBTQ student educational experience began as an active member of her high school's Gay-Straight... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am CST

10:45am CST

Teaching Trans-Inclusive Human Growth and Development
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:30am CST
This session, led by an expert from EyesOpenIowa, will dive into the importance of providing LGBTQ-inclusive sex education in Iowa’s schools. Participants will learn key strategies for creating safe, affirming, and comprehensive sex-ed curricula that ensure all students—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—feel seen and supported.

The session will also address the impact of SF 496, providing clarification on new guidelines and restrictions for sex education in Iowa. Educators will leave with practical tools to implement inclusive teaching and a deeper understanding of what it means to create a curriculum that supports LGBTQ students. This workshop is ideal for educators looking to ensure their teaching is both inclusive and compliant with evolving state policies.

Speakers
avatar for Emily Gillon

Emily Gillon

Director of Training, EyesOpenIowa
Emily Gillon (she/her/hers) is the Director of Training and leads the organization’s robust training department. She designs classes and trains educators, other professionals, parents and caregivers, and advocates of all ages on a wide variety of topics and curricula.She also travels... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:30am CST

10:45am CST

Legislative Update
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:30am CST
In this interactive workshop, students will learn about the latest legislative developments affecting LGBTQ rights in Iowa and what they mean for their daily lives at school. Led by experts in advocacy and policy, this session will empower students with the knowledge of their legal rights and how to navigate challenges posed by recent laws. Participants will also explore ways to advocate for themselves and their peers, including how to engage in local and state-level advocacy. Whether you’re looking to understand new policies or take action, this workshop will equip you with the tools and confidence to stand up for your rights.
Speakers
avatar for Damian J. Thompson

Damian J. Thompson

Director of External Affairs, Iowa Safe Schools
Damian J. Thompson (He/Him/His) is the Director of External Affairs at Iowa Safe Schools. Damian has been with Iowa Safe Schools since 2019. During his time at Iowa Safe Schools, Damian has spearheaded the organization’s lobbying efforts at the local, state, and federal levels... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:30am CST

11:30am CST

Lunch
Monday December 9, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Monday December 9, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CST

12:45pm CST

Supporting LGBTQ Students Under SF 496: Guidance for School Counselors
Monday December 9, 2024 12:45pm - 1:30pm CST
In the wake of SF 496, many school counselors are seeking guidance on how to best support LGBTQ students while navigating new restrictions and maintaining a confidential environment. Led by representatives from the executive team of the Iowa School Counselor Association, this workshop will provide concrete strategies for school counselors to ensure LGBTQ students feel safe and affirmed in counseling spaces.

The session will cover approaches to supporting students, clarify what questions counselors should be asking their building or district leaders, and offer insight on how to balance the needs of students with school policy requirements. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and resources to navigate these challenges while continuing to advocate for the well-being of LGBTQ youth.

Speakers
BS

Brett Steelman

Iowa School Counselors Association
CB

Chambray Burk

Iowa School Counselors Association
Monday December 9, 2024 12:45pm - 1:30pm CST

12:45pm CST

Mental Health Impacts of Anti-Transgender Legislation: A Community in Focus
Monday December 9, 2024 12:45pm - 1:30pm CST
This panel, featuring mental health professionals with experience supporting transgender individuals, will explore the profound mental health impacts of anti-transgender legislation on the trans community. As legislative attacks on trans rights increase, so do the emotional and psychological burdens placed on trans youth and adults alike.

Panelists will discuss the specific challenges that anti-trans laws create, including increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. They will also share strategies for mental health professionals, educators, and community members to support trans individuals during these difficult times. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the mental health struggles facing the transgender community and actionable steps to foster resilience and provide meaningful support.
Speakers
avatar for Joby Holcomb, LMHC

Joby Holcomb, LMHC

LMHC, Joby Holcomb LLC
Joby Holcomb, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, received his Master’s degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.  Joby has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in a variety of settings including Psychiatric... Read More →
avatar for Kelsey Finch, LMHC

Kelsey Finch, LMHC

New Beginnings Counseling Center
Kelsey Finch (she/her), LMHC, received her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University. She currently works at New Beginnings Counseling Center in Urbandale, Iowa, where she works with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, couples, families, adolescents... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 12:45pm - 1:30pm CST

1:45pm CST

Understanding Anti-Transgender Legislation
Monday December 9, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm CST
A deep dive into the current legislative landscape in Iowa and its impact on transgender youth, including strategies for advocacy and resistance.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Mix

Jordan Mix

Director of Educational Programming, Iowa Safe Schools
Jordan Mix (they/them) is the Director of Educational Programming at Iowa Safe Schools. They graduated from Drake University in 2016 with degrees in Law, Politics, and Society; Sociology; and Women and Gender Studies. While at Drake they were the president of Drake’s LGBTQ organization... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm CST

1:45pm CST

Empowering Students Through GSAs: Creating and Sustaining Inclusive Spaces
Monday December 9, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm CST
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) play a crucial role in fostering safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students in schools. This session will explore what GSAs are, why they are vital for creating inclusive school cultures, and the profound impact they have on both LGBTQ+ and allied students. Participants will learn about the benefits of connecting with the Iowa Safe Schools GSA Network, which offers resources, support, and a community of like-minded advocates across the state.

In this session, attendees will also gain practical guidance on how to establish a GSA in their school, as well as strategies for sustaining and growing these student-led groups over time. Whether you're an educator, student, or community member, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to champion GSAs and ensure that every student has access to a safe and affirming school environment.
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Mitchell

Hannah Mitchell

GSA Coordinator, Iowa Safe Schools
Hannah Mitchell (She/They) serves as the GSA Coordinator at Iowa Safe Schools. With degrees in Gender & Sexuality Studies, Social Justice, and Social Work, her practical passion for improving the LGBTQ student educational experience began as an active member of her high school's Gay-Straight... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm CST
 
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