Monthly Workshops to Provide Support for Young Gays, Bisexuals

Young gays, lesbians and bisexuals grappling with their sexual orientation have been invited to participate in a series of monthly workshops held throughout Los Angeles.

This month’s “Merging Identities” meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on March 14 in downtown Los Angeles at the headquarters of the National Conference, a nonsectarian civil rights organizations that is sponsoring the sessions.

Discussion topics include the “coming out” process, safer sex behavior, balancing race and sexual orientation, sexism within the gay community and the history and contributions of gays and lesbians.

Lecia Brooks, a National Conference program specialist, explained that the meetings are designed to provide a support network for young gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

Brooks emphasized that the conference meetings do not push the young people to be “out” about their sexuality.

“A lot of people end up being alienated by their communities, especially people of color,” Brooks said.

“We want people to feel OK about themselves and understand homophobia within their own culture. Some gay organizations really want you to be ‘out’ and do not have much sympathy for people who are not.”

The next workshop will be held at 1055 Wilshire Blvd. and is free and open to 15- to 22-year-olds.

Anyone interested in participating should contact Brooks at (213) 250-8787.