This webinar, co-hosted by Samaritans and Greater Boston PFLAG, will explore how caregivers can manage their own mental health while supporting LGBTQ+ youth in their lives over the next four years.
Families of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those with transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth, face unique challenges in a political climate that increasingly threatens their rights and well-being. This webinar will explore how caregivers can manage their own mental health while supporting LGBTQ+ youth in their lives over the next four years.
Featuring insights from a GBPFLAG representative, a mental health expert from Samaritans, and a parent sharing their lived experiences, the panel will discuss how to navigate mental health challenges, validate children’s fears, and nurture resilience. We’ll also address the importance of suicide prevention and mental health support during times of high stress, offering resources and strategies to help families stay connected and grounded. Together, we’ll reflect on LGBTQ+ history—celebrating progress while acknowledging the work still needed. We’ll share with participants practical strategies to sustain hope and well-being while advocating for our community in a time of uncertainty.
To protect the privacy of the panelists, this webinar will not be recorded.
Panelists
Kacy C. Maitland (she/her), LICSW, is the Chief Clinical Officer at Samaritans, a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization. In that role, she oversees all programming, including the 24/7 crisis helpline, youth text line, grief support services for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and suicide prevention community education. Kacy has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. She has practiced as both a trainer and clinician in a variety of settings, including working with those struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, and holds leadership roles with community organizations and government policy advisory groups. Kacy is a Commissioner for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She has also been an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Simmons University Graduate School of Social Work and in Sociology at Quincy College.
Nina Selvaggio (she/her) is the Executive Director at GBPFLAG and a nonprofit professional with over twenty-five years of leadership experience in the social sector. She began her career as a grassroots organizer and has developed extensive expertise in community organizing, operations management, and strategic leadership. Nina has built coalitions and worked with communities on a range of critical issues, including education reform, racial equity, family equality, and addressing the intersections of oppression. Her unwavering commitment to social justice drives her work and fuels her dedication to creating lasting impacts.
Diane Gorman (she/her) is an advocate, ally, and upstander, and the mother of two young adult sons, one of whom is transgender. A learning and development professional with a background in mental health and expertise in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Diane is known for her ability to listen empathically, question with curiosity, and build bridges. In her spare time, Diane enjoys hiking, reading, writing, and spending time with her family.
Tate Duffy (he/him) is a dedicated advocate, educator, and community activist working to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and understanding. As the Education and Training Program Manager at GBPFLAG, Tate oversees a team of trainers and speakers, curating impactful educational content and facilitating training sessions that prioritize DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) principles. Through his leadership, he fosters connections with new community partners, extending GBPFLAG’s outreach and impact. With a master’s in DEIJ from Tufts University, Tate brings both expertise and passion to his role, where he champions meaningful change and empowerment within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.
