Positive Images

Positive Images holds Weekly drop-in LGBTQIA+ support group MEETINGS facilitated by Peer Counselors and Staff. THESE are a special time for members who volunteer to open about their lives, share, and get support from their peers in a safe, confidential setting. The Youth Trans Group is a drop-in support group that meets twice a month. This is an opportunity for members family and friends to join them for a meeting, ask questions, share their experiences, get information and meet our community. Members CAN self select to become peer counselors. They attend a 12-hour training (over the course of six weeks) to become well acquainted with counseling issues particular to the queer youth community. They practice and perfect their own empathetic skills in becoming an effective active listener. At the end of the training, there is a final role play in which it is decided whether or not the peer counselor is ready to step into individual or small-group peer counseling sessions. Monthly follow-up supervision is mandatory for 6 months as the peer counselors begin counseling sessions. Peer advocates are readily identified on the member phone list, and must commit to a service term of one year. High priority is given to creating the safe, private space for peer counselors to do their work. Positive images is a main resource for education regarding sexuality, gender and the LGBTQIA+ experience. Youth speaker panels build internal growth and presentation skills in members by providing authentic opportunities to serve. Adults in community groups, county schools and mental/physical health professionals are transformed when when they experience our members stories and the expression of our common humanity. Each year we personalize gender/sexuality issues and bring community leaders and students from abstract theory about nontraditional gender/sexual preference, to direct, human connection. Participation in Pride parades, festivals AND OTHER CELEBRATIONS is a definite statement of this organizations presence, outreach, esteem and risk to participate with the greater Sonoma County community. Gay pride month [June] activities have been a vital interest and commitment for Positive Images throughout our history.