July 2022 Newsletter
To our Kaleidoscope community,
We hope you had a happy and joyous Pride month and let’s keep the good vibes going all summer long! We so enjoyed participating in the WeHo Pride Festival/Parade, in LA Pride, in Pasadena’s Pride Celebration, and the San Fernando Valley Pride Party. We also hosted a webcast titled, “Providing Affirming Therapeutic Support to LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults.” ICYMI or would like to re-watch it, click here. We also made an appearance on KTLA Morning News! These events were filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of community. You can see photos and read our full Pride Month recap here, or continue to lend your support to our program by donating here.
In this month’s blogpost, we shed light on a source of stress and anxiety for many in the LGBTQIA+ community: swimwear. Many LGBTQIA+ young people want to participate in pool parties and beach days but worry about what to wear. Our Program Navigator, Jay Baldwin, offers suggestions for easing this stress to allow everyone to enjoy the summer months.
Lastly, we invite you to follow us on social media and keep current on our clubs and groups meetings as well as special events. Please comment, share, and tag your friends, as we celebrate all things LGBTQIA+ on Instagram @kaleidoscopelgbtq, and follow us on Facebook at KaleidoscopeLGBTQ.
Our warmest wishes,
-The Kaleidoscope Team
Jeri Rochman, JD, MS
Program Director
She/Her/Hers
jrochman@thehelpgroup.org
Laurie Stephens, Ph.D. PSY 18520
Sr. Director, Autism & LGBTQ+ Programs
She/Her/Hers
lstephens@thehelpgroup.org
Joselyn Valle, PsyD
LGBTQIA+ Psychologist
She/Her/Ella
jovalle@thehelpgroup.org
Jay Baldwin
Program Navigator
They/Them
jbaldwin@thehelpgroup.org
* For general inquiries, contact us at kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org
Summer is upon us, which for many of us brings up images of splashing in the ocean, relaxing by the pool, and soaking up the sun. But every year, right before summer, the inevitable shadow is cast upon this otherwise bright season. “Are you beach body ready?” the ads ask us. “Get yourself ready for bikini season!” From magazines, to diet ads, to many other kinds of media, the message is clear: Only certain kinds of bodies are acceptable. But we say, no more! May we celebrate all of our bodies, in all their uniqueness, strength, and diversity, and shine just as bright as the summer sun.
Upcoming LGBTQIA+ Events, Services & More
Movie Night for Teens
Friday, July 8th | 6-8pm
Join us for our in-person movie night for ages 13-17. We will be watching the first three episodes of Netflix’s Heart Stopper! Enjoy pizza and snacks and come hang out. Exact address will be sent upon registration.
Parent/Caregivers Support Group – In English
ENGLISH – Thurs., July 14th | 6-7pm
This free and monthly virtual support group is a great space for parents and caretakers to connect, receive affirming support strategies, and learn from one another. Group discussions will be facilitated by Dr. Joselyn Valle (she/ella), LGBTQIA+ Therapist with The Help Group’s Kaleidoscope program. Note: This group will also be offered in Spanish on Thurs., June 23rd at 6pm.
Parent Support Group (in Spanish)
Grupo de Apoyo para Padres
Thurs., July 28th | 6-7 pm
28 de Julio | 6-7pm
Estas sesiones virtuales son gratis y diseñadas para que los padres y cuidadores puedan concetar, recibir apoyo y aprender unos de otros. Las discusiones grupales serán facilitadas por la Dra. Joselyn Valle, Terapeuta LGBTQIA+ con el programa Kaleidoscope de The Help Group. This free and monthly virtual support group in Spanish is a great space for parents and caretakers to connect, receive affirming support strategies, and learn from one another.
Parent Education Group
A new group for parents of LGBTQIA+ young people with autism will be forming in Fall 2022. This 6-week long group will focus on teaching skills and discussing topics including: Gender Identity Exploration; “Coming Out;” Managing Mental Health Challenges and Improving Parent-Child Relationships and Communication Skills. Our monthly support group for parents who have completed this program will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7-8pm.
Mental Health Services
Kaleidoscope offers individual & group therapy as well as psychiatric care in a safe & affirming environment at affordable rates. We accept insurance, Medi-cal, and offer sliding-scale rates based upon annual income. Contact us to learn more.
Individual Coaching
Coaching available for LGBTQIA+ youth & young adults who need assistance with identifying goals, taking next steps, & establishing healthy connections in community settings. Contact us to learn more.
Training & Presentations
We offer training, education & presentations to parents, administrators, and the community to provide LGBTQIA+ youth with the affirming support that they need to thrive. Contact us to learn more.
ABOUT KALEIDOSCOPE:
Kaleidoscope’s mission is to provide services and supports for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults to help each person realize their unique and full potential. We focus on mental health services, family training and support, forming strong social connections, finding allies and developing critically needed life and coping skills. Kaleidoscope hopes to pave the way to self, family and community acceptance, resilience and care needed for LGBTQ+ folks to thrive.
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