Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association 947 Garfield, Oak Park, IL 60304, U.S.A. Info-line & Messages: (708) 848-0273 FAX: (708) 848-7544 E-mail: info@opalga.org Prism Youth Director: prism@opalga.org Prism/Spectrum Tel: (708) 386-3463

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Illinois Gender Advocates Announces TYRA Trans Youth Resource and Advocacy Youth Drop-In Center
Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 9:30 pm at Holy Covenant UMC (the Mural Church) 925 W. Diversey, Chicago Near the Diversey Brown Line L Stop. For Transgender Youth Ages 14-20 call the Youth Hotline, 312-217-1120 for more information. TYRA drop-in center is a safe and confidential place for young transgender people between the ages of 14 to 20 to come and meet other youth who also identify as transgender, or are questioning their gender identity. They provide music, snacks and refreshments, peer support, adult supervision, referrals and education. This is a fun place for you to relax and be yourself, among others who understand because they've been there themselves. The center is a place to learn more about yourself, meet others, and have a great time.
Prism Kids Complete Mural by Carl Mattson Recently, when the OPALGA office moved locations, the non-movable mural created by the Prism members and volunteers was lost. Robinlee Garber helped the kids overcome this loss and turned it into a positive experience by facilitating the painting of a new movable mural. The mural was completed August 15, 2002 after an all day “paint-a-thon” that capped off several months of hard work. The process involved about 15 Prism members who started by verbally throwing out ideas, brainstorming, and sketching out concepts with pencils and crayons supplied by Robinlee. The kids worked together to create a composite of the different ideas that was approved by all and eventually became the mural you see pictured here. Robinlee noted that most of the kids who worked on the original returned to work on the new mural. She also feels the kid’s painting skills have really improved and this mural is, “artistically more sophisticated.” There was also more than just painting going on; Robinlee engaged the kids in conversations covering issues that were important to them. She hopes that the kids learned from this process that, “art is a great way to be an activist,” and feels honored that the OPALGA Board allowed her to create art with the Prism kids. Many thanks to the companies that donated materials and equipment that helped make the mural possible. Essannay loaned us an opaque projector that normally runs $50.00 a day for FREE for a week! Essannay is located at 851 W. Grand Avenue in Chicago, (312) 733-5511. We also received a massive paint donation from Michael DiGilio of DiGilio Decorating. They are located at 7718 W. Monroe in Forest Park (708) 366-0036. Mr. Digilio overheard Susan Abbott at a paint store discussing the fact that this year the paint store did not want to give her any freebies. He approached Susan and said he had multiple samples that he did not need, and would we like them for our project. He delivered them to us that day, and they were a huge help!		Click on photo to see larger image.

Program Information

	YOUTH NETWORKS Prism and Spectrum are non-therapeutic youth resource programs and support groups for youths questioning or discovering their gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered orientation featuring: • Drop-in weekly youth groups • Newsletters • Community Education • Info-Line • Advocacy for inclusive youth services INFO-LINE For information about Prism and Spectrum, other supports for sexual minority youth, and parent support groups: Call 708/FUN-FIND (708/386-3463) email: prism@opalga.org YOUTH DROP-IN CENTER Prism youth, ages 14-18 meeting: Every Thursday 6:30 - 9:00 pm Spectrum young adults, ages 18-25 meeting: Every Monday 7:00 - 9:30 pm 947 Garfield Street, Oak Park, Illinois HOW TO GET HERE! EL, PACE, METRA INFO 836-7000 within 312, 708, 847, 630 & 815 area codes Prism and Spectrum are at 947 Garfield Street, Oak Park, Illinois. DROP IN! • Discover sexual minority cultures! • Find support from other youth and advisors • Express yourself! It's safe to be you. . . here! • Update your info on sexuality & sexual health! • Safer sex education and resources are available NETWORK! • Meet people like you • Learn about available resources in the area • Share your thoughts and concerns with others facing the same issues you face		FEED YOUR HEAD! • Learn about sexual minority cultures: our pride symbols, terminology and histories! • Check out Lesbian & Gay newsmagazines! • Borrow Les-Bi-Gay-Trans paperback books! • Share ideas about dating, partnering, safer sex, and sexuality! • Learn about protecting your sexual health! PLUG IN TO RESOURCES . . . Culture: concerts, movies & plays! Friendly businesses: coffeehouses and bookstores! Sensitive services: medical, counseling, legal! CONNECT WITH SUPPORT Most youth have very few safe places to go to talk over their concerns about sexual orientation. Some do not feel safe talking to school friends, teachers, religious leaders or even parents. Prism and Spectrum are safer places to talk. Peers here are often going through similar experiences, and can share how they cope with the risks of harassment, dating, and coming-out safely to friends and family. DIVERSITY Prism's and Spectrum’s advisor group tries to stay diverse in race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status to offer you a broad range of experiential and cultural perspectives. CONFIDENTIALITY Our advisors will keep your confidentiality. They can discuss your questions about safer sex, or your issues with school or family, and can find you help if facing serious problems. OH . . . WHY NOT!! Feel Real: no drugs / booze allowed on you or in you! The support you’ve been looking for. Refreshments, refreshments, refreshments!

COMMUNITY EDUCATION Quality training on sexual minority youth issues: For classrooms, assemblies, peer counselors: Personal experiences of gays & lesbians (panel) Is our school safe for sexual minority youth? Sensitivity training For teachers, social workers & counselors: Developmental issues of sexual minority youth Stressors challenging sexual minority youth Counseling issues For administrators & deans: Policy & liability re: sexual minority youth ADVOCACY Prism advocates on behalf of youth for truly inclusive services by schools, social service agencies, and government services. We serve the following communities: Argo, Alsip, Bedford Park, Bellwood, Bensenville, Berkley, Berwyn, Blue Island, Bridgeview, Broadview, Brookfield, Burbank, Burr Ridge, Calumet Park, Chicago Ridge, Countryside, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Garden Homes, Harwood Heights, Hickory Hills, Hillside, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, Hometown, Indian Head Park, Justice, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lemont, Lyons, Maywood, McCook, Melrose Park, Merrionette Park, Norridge, Northlake, North Riverside, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Robbins, Rosemont, Schiller Park, Stickney, Stone Park, Summit, Westchester, Western Springs, Willow Springs and Worth

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