Maryland and Delaware Stronger Communities

Stronger Communities: LGBTQ Suicide Prevention is a full-day conference sponsored by the Maryland and Delaware Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

The goal is to raise awareness about LGBTQ suicide risk, bring research findings to the attention of professionals and the public, and explore strategies for LGBTQ suicide prevention in local communities. 

The agenda includes plenary and breakout sessions that feature national and local experts on LGBTQ mental health and suicide risk and will be focused on making mental health, suicide prevention, and education an LGBTQ community priority.

Community members not seeking Continuing Education (CE) Units should purchase their registration at the standard rate of $25. 

Select this option if you are a Licensed Mental Health Professionals seeking CEs from this conference. The Continuing Education Unit registration rate is $25.  

There is clear scientific consensus that LGBT communities are among those at high risk for suicide. A strong body of research has identified individual risk and protective factors for suicide, but there is surprisingly little evidence for what works to prevent suicide among LGBT communities. This presentation includes a brief review of the scientific consensus: What we know, and what we still need to know regarding suicide in LGBT communities. It then considers promising new research that points to strategies for suicide prevention. Focusing on suicide risk for LGBT youth, new findings are reviewed which identify strategies for understanding individual-level vulnerability, as well as efforts to change the structural conditions – the community-level, policy factors – that shape suicide risk among LGBT people.

Risk for mental health and suicidality among sexual and gender minorities in the U.S. is significantly greater than the general population. Largely these outcomes are attributed to the presence of minority stress and discrimination related to the silencing of one's sexual and gender identity, othering and isolation. Through a story-telling approach, this talk invites participants to consider how we might approach conversations around sex and sexuality, not only to allow space for SGM people to thrive, but for all of us. 

The presentation provides a basic framework of understanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and the unique challenges they often face. This training is designed to create dialogue regarding what it means to be an ally for LGBTQ youth by informing participants about terminology used in the LGBTQ community, the process of “coming out” as an LGBTQ person and a discussion of the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth. Through activities, participants are encouraged to explore their own biases, build their knowledge and understanding and develop empathy. In addition to providing this framework, this training offers specific action items to improve the environment for LGBTQ youth.

To minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure at indoor events, AFSP is following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and will be enacting the following policies:

Each attendee / Invitee should complete a COVID-19 self-assessment before arriving at the event, per the COVID-19 Self-Assessment and Checklist below.

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?

▪ A fever

▪ A cough

▪ Any shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

▪ Any repeated shaking with chills

▪ Any muscle pain that differs from any chronic pain

▪ A persistent headache

▪ A sore throat

▪ A new loss of taste or smell

▪ Fatigue

▪ Congestion or runny nose

▪ Nausea or vomiting

▪ Diarrhea

If you are experiencing any one of the above symptoms or if you suspect that you could have COVID-19, stay at home.

Face coverings may be required depending on the location or nature of the activity. Invitees are expected to carry a mask with them while on campus to be worn when necessary.