The East Hampton Library will offer a virtual presentation called L.G.B.T. 101, an anti-bullying and awareness initiative from the L.G.B.T. Network, tomorrow at 5 p.m.
The event is free and designed to increase public understanding of the multifaceted L.G.B.T.Q.+ experience with the goal of preventing bullying. A representative from the L.G.B.T. Network will conduct the program in a workshop format featuring activities, question-and-answer periods, and dialogue to build comfort and understanding of topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and varied L.G.B.T.Q.+ experiences. The program will also define terms of growing prominence such as non-binary, pronouns, heterosexism, and more.
The L.G.B.T. Network is an association of nonprofits working to support the L.G.B.T.Q.+ communities on Long Island and in Queens. The member organizations organize events uniting, educating, and increasing awareness of issues in the community.
According to a 2018 report from the Human Rights Campaign, only 26 percent of L.G.B.T.Q.+ youth reported feeling safe in their school classrooms, and only 5 percent felt their teachers and school staff supported L.G.B.T.Q.+ people. Youth are bullied and cyberbullied at double the rates of their heterosexual classmates, according to the national government initiative Stop Bullying.
Interested individuals can register for tomorrow's event by calling the East Hampton Library at 631-324-0222, ext. 3, or by visiting the Eventbrite page for the event at bit.ly/3xSd1ja.
