JASMYN Moves into its 20th Year
--One of the Nation's Longest-Operating LGBT Youth Organizations Has Seen Many Changes --
The Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network is celebrating its 20th anniversary serving LGBTQ youth (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) with a year filled with reflection on its history, plans for the future and special events to commemorate this important milestone.
A lot has changed since the organization, founded by a young gay teen who responded to his own sense of isolation and suicidal thoughts, reached out for support. A handful of adults, including members of the newly created PFLAG Jacksonville Chapter(Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), joined in to sponsor weekly gay youth support group meetings at the Willow Branch public library.
"Attitudes and acceptance have shifted significantly here in Jacksonville and across the country since we started in 1994," says JASMYN Executive Director, Cindy Watson. "There's no question that we've come a long way and things are easier on some levels. But many of our youth still struggle with rejection by their families, bullying in school, health problems, self-worth issues and more. It's still not easy to be an LGBTQ teen or young adult. We still have lots of work to do."
The focus at JASMYN has shifted over time. During its first 10 years, JASMYN's primary role was providing peer-led support in groups held at the Public Libraries and a youth drop in center. During its second decade, JASMYN expanded programs in response to the growing numbers of young people who are rejected by families and require individual assistance to survive.
"While some of these changes are dramatic, they aren't totally surprising. Some families and communities have become more accepting of LGBTQ youth," said Watson. "What's troubling are the increased incidences of HIV, homelessness and food-insecure youth. Our programs have migrated to much more of a caseworker model, where we can help or refer our youth to the services they need. The social aspect of the safe space we provide is still needed and necessary. But we're dealing with much more pressing issues today."
The JASMYN Board of Directors is currently addressing the need for a larger space to accommodate the growing demand for its services. Support for the organization now comes from many mainstreamed businesses and organizations and building greater awareness for the agency is a priority for their anniversary year.
To that end, a special 20th anniversary celebration is being planned for November, featuring the stories of many of the youth who have, with JASMYN's help, gone on to lead proud and successful lives.
For more information on how you can celebrate 20 years with JASMYN visit www.jasmyn.org
|