Education for Allies Resources
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Education for Allies: Showing Up, Learning About,
and Supporting Our Queer Youth
Sponsored by Kettering Pride Coalition, Q Allyship, PFLAG, Q+ Youth Center, Citizens for a Better
Beavercreek, and the Dayton Metro Library
Earlier this month, we gathered for Education for Allies, a day-long conference dedicated to one vital goal:
learning how to show up better for the queer youth in our lives. Whether you're a teacher, guardian, friend, or
simply someone who cares, the event offered tools, insight, and encouragement for navigating a world that can
often feel uncertain and unkind—especially for LGBTQIA+ young people.
We were grateful to be joined by a lineup of powerful speakers, including the Reverend Dr. Raven Rowe, a
panel of voices from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and Morgan Masters, Esquire, a lawyer focused on
community advocacy and outreach. Each brought their own wisdom and perspective to discussions on inclusive
language, emotional support, and navigating today's ever-shifting legal landscape.
A special thank-you goes out to our sponsors—Kettering Pride Coalition, Q Allyship, PFLAG, Q+ Youth Center, Citizens for a Better Beavercreek, and Dayton Metro Library—for making this event possible and helping fill our space with
resources and love. And an extra-special shoutout to Mrs. Sara Darrah, for hosting and making sure we were all well-fed and welcomed!
Starting With the Basics: Language, Identity, and Understanding
The Reverend Dr. Raven Rowe opened the day with a keynote that beautifully laid the groundwork for the
conversations that followed. Raven guided us through essential Q+ terminology and shared one of the most
accessible teaching tools out there: The Gender Unicorn. This simple yet powerful graphic breaks down the
difference between:
● Gender Identity – who we know ourselves to be internally,
● Gender Expression – how we present ourselves outwardly,
● Sex Assigned at Birth,
● Physical Attraction, and
● Emotional Attraction.
Dr. Rowe reminded us that just because we can see someone’s gender expression doesn’t mean we know who
they are. And just because something was assigned at birth doesn’t mean it defines a person’s identity or
worth. These distinctions help build a deeper respect and care for the people in our lives—especially those
who may already feel unseen or misunderstood.
Dr. Rowe also spoke about the power of inclusive language—how even small changes in how we speak can
help affirm and include transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This especially resonated with me
personally, as a transgender person. I've seen firsthand how language can include—or exclude—someone's
humanity. Words matter.
The Power of the Panel: Stories, Curiosity, and Courage
Our second panel brought together Q+ youth, allies, educators, and community members for a brave and
honest conversation. We were encouraged to ask real questions—about identity, experience, and how to be
better allies.
It can be scary to ask someone something personal. But asking with love and a willingness to learn can open
doors to connection. One panelist said it best: “Understanding someone is the first step to not hating them.”
That’s why events like these matter—they create space for dialogue, vulnerability, and growth.
Morgan Masters: The Law and Living While Queer
We closed with a talk from Morgan Masters, Esquire, who walked us through the legal realities currently
facing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For many of us, it’s overwhelming to see how our lives—and our
identities—are politicized, debated, and even erased by policy. Masters helped us unpack the current
landscape, but also reminded us that knowledge is power - and being informed is a form of resistance.
As someone who lives within that politicized experience, I know how exhausting it can be to constantly defend
your right to exist. But I also know that when allies learn how to show up, speak up, and stay present, it can
make all the difference.
Resources, Reflections, and What’s Next
Throughout the day, attendees got to connect with sponsors and explore resources available in our
community. One upcoming event to note: Dayton Metro Library’s 988-Day Celebration, happening Monday, September 8th from 6–9PM. It includes a panel discussion and a screening of the documentary "Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention" (2020). September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a crucial time to highlight the unique mental health challenges faced by queer youth.
We saw statistics during this event that shook many of us: the rate of suicide among 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in
America is devastating. It’s a reminder of why this work matters so much. Sometimes, simply being there for
someone—listening, affirming, showing up—can literally save a life. You never know who feels isolated, or
who’s silently struggling.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Resources from Education for Allies are shared below. In the meantime, tell someone they look nice. Smile at someone who looks like they need it. And remember: kindness is free, but it can change everything.
-Evie T., Communications Intern, Harmony Creek Church
Resources:
Dr. Raven Rowe, "LGBTQIAP2+ Identity, Inclusion, & Injustice Education for Educators and Caregivers Entrusted with Caring for Persons of Diverse Identities"
Morgan Masters, Esq., "Lawyer Legal Considerations for Allies"
