The EDGY Conference, which is presented by Penny Lane Centers, strives to create a supportive environment for GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) youth and families through initiatives, education, and enlightenment.

As Penny Lane’s work with GLBTQ youth and families expanded so did the organization’s knowledge of best practices for working with this population. In an effort to share their knowledge and experience with the social service community, Penny Lane held its first EDGY Conference in 2009. Penny Lane has remained committed to bringing to light the unique issues GLBTQ youth and families face.

Commemorating 10 years of “one-stop-shop” for LBGTQ+  youth-serving professionals to build awareness and cultural competency, learn current and emerging best practices, and gather resources from leading experts and national organizations in the field.

Keynote Presenters:

Jonathan Skurnik, Director, Youth & Gender Media Project

Kate Bornstein, Author/Speaker, The Institute for Democratic Education and Culture

Susan Cottrell, Master of Theological Studies– FreedHearts,Inc

Carolina Rubio-MacWright, BFA/JD, International Rights Speaker/Lawyer

Presenters:

Beck Gee-Cohen, MA, LADC,BGC Consulting

Roxanne Cherry, Ph. D, Laguna Nigel Counseling

Anthony Eftimeo, Anti-Defamation League

Jamie Julian, LCSW, Center for Transyouth Health and Development

Dr. Jason Bolton, Psy. D, The Help Group

Samantha Gerson, MD, Penny Lane Centers

Brian Gaeta-Symonds, Minster of Divinity, Presbyterian Church

Gregory Canillas, Ph. D, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Summer Gomez, LCSW, Penny Lane Centers

Chris Villalobos, Thrive Tribal Foundation

Susan Cottrell,Master of Theological Studies,  FreedHearts, Inc.

Breana Wiles, MSW, University of Southern California

Tim Vallez, MSW, Los Angeles County Probation Department

Meredith Harper Houston, BA, Swan Within: Healing Through Ballet

THIS YEAR’S AWARDS/HONOREES:

Monea Meadows,  Former Penny Lane Client

Youth Ambassador Award

The EDGY Youth Ambassador Award recognizes queer youth across Los Angeles County for being leaders within their community. Being a leader encompasses many attributes and spans across all disciplines and activities.  The EDGY Youth Ambassador Award is given to an LGBTQ+ youth who has successfully navigated through the social service system. Their life and achievements serve as an example for other LGBTQ+ youth in the social service system and beyond. This is our first year giving this award.

Kate Bornstein– Author/Speaker

EDGY “Kate Bornstein” Trailblazer Award

The EDGY Kate Bornstein Trailblazer Award is new this year and is named in honor of activist, author, and advocate, Kate Bornstein. Kate is a trailblazer in the gender-non-conforming community, and has written numerous books now used in Gender Studies classrooms all over the world. This award will be presented to Kate Bornstein in its first year, and then be given at future EDGY Conferences to new trailblazers in the LGBTQ community in her honor.

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