Dr. Stacy Hunt
Dr. Stacy K. Hunt, licensed clinical psychologist, and Kayti Protos, licensed clinical social worker will be speaking on “Our LGBTQ+ Community; Working towards an Affirming Society.” on Sunday, October 29 at 9:45 a.m. at the Newtown Friends Meetinghouse, 219 Court Street. Following the presentation, there will be Meeting for Worship at 11 a.m. with coffee and snacks served afterwards in the Gathering Room. Child Care is provided and the public is welcome at all events.
Hunt and Protos are Co-Directors of Bucks Support Services located on 17 Barclay Street, Suite B3, Newtown PA. “an affirming space for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families and friends.” Bucks Support Services “provides Masters and Doctoral Level clinical support, professional community based educational trainings and community events.”
During their presentation, Stacy and Kayti will offer open discussion and supply data on the ever-present risks for our adult and youth LGBTQ+ community as well as discuss current issues around bullying, violence, and political/legislative concerns. They will discuss ways to be an LGBTQ+ safe & affirming space, use inclusive language and appropriate identification.
Dr. Hunt said, “All people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.”
Kayti Protos
Kayti Protos added, “Despite decades of proactive movements in support of the LGBTQ+ community, statistics indicate the road to justice and equality is still a long and daunting one. Suicide attempts are still high, and harassment at schools and communities are rampant. To make things worse, young adults in the LGBTQ+ community who lack parental support are significantly more at risk for depression and substance abuse.”
Research at Columbia University has revealed the following key elements to improve the LGBTQ+ community quality of life: anti-bullying policies; gay-straight alliances; anti-discrimination policies; and a higher proportion of recognized same sex couples.
Dr. Stacy Hunt holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia, a Bachelor’s degree from New York University, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia, as well as from California State University at Dominguez Hills.
Kayti Protos earned her Masters in Social Work from Tennessee State University and a B.A. in Women’s & Gender Studies and Communication Studies from Vanderbilt University.
Newtown Friends Meeting, co-founded by the Quaker artist and minister, Edward Hicks, in 1815, holds services every First Day (Sunday). During the school year, First Day classes for children and adults are at 9:45 a.m. and Meeting for Worship at 11:00 a.m. Professional childcare is provided. All meetings are open to the public and visitors are warmly welcomed.