Rhymes (whether it be in sonnets, limericks, free verse, etc.). Many forms, he must admit a certain penchant for verse which utilizes They live in Pontiac, IL where he writes a column ("The Poet's Married to a "wonderful, loving, long-suffering wife," and they have 5Ĭhildren. He is a Psychologist,Ĭurrently employed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, and heĬurrently works with individuals who have a developmental disability. Often a much tougher crowd than most poetic critics. Their attentional focus long enough to gain their appreciation. Not appreciate poetry unless it's written in a manner which can capture He writes poems for theĮveryday person who doesn't often (if ever) read poetry-those who may Written word that he wishes to share with others. They already have the awareness, appreciation, and insight of the Has been published in a few minor venues. Since then he has written a great deal of poetry, and Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she works and lives in Chicago, USA.ĭavid LaRue Alexander David LaRue Alexander is an avid poet who first developed a love for poetry when he wrote hisįirst poem in the second grade (eons ago), and it was published in the Most recently her short story, "Reaching the Border," was a finalist in the 43rd New Millennium Fiction Competition. She has published works in Armco World Magazine, Cune Press and the Ekphrastic Review. Driehaus Foundation, The Leadership Foundation, International Women’s Forum and the Goethe Institute. Jocelyn has been the recipient of numerous awards, including major grants from the Richard H. Among her award-winning films are Gypsy Heart, Oasis of Peace and Queen of the Gypsies.
She is the founder of Gypsy Heart Productions which specializes in projects related to cultural awareness and social justice. This is a time to celebrate the history and achievements of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ people, and to reach out to those in need of mental health support.įor more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 70 or 70.Loren Zee Jocelyn Ajami Jocelyn Ajami is an award winning painter, independent documentary filmmaker and writer.
Active listening is the best way to start, along with asking how to help. So this month and throughout the year, please offer support to someone you know who may be struggling. The Human Rights Campaign reports, in 2020, 44 transgender or gender non-conforming people were murdered. The American Psychiatric Association notes “LGBTQ individuals are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety and substance misuse, compared with heterosexual individuals.” The National Transgender Discrimination Survey found more than 40% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide this is almost nine times the overall rate in the United States. “People that identify as LGBTQ+ generally experience mental health issues at higher rates,” notes Todd Metcalf, Director of Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
Unfortunately, the stigma around both mental illness and LGBTQ+ can prohibit those in need from getting help. The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 to honor a young man who attempted to take his own life because of the lack of acceptance he faced from being LGBTQ+ ( ).Ģ019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data reveal LGBTQ+ youth are more than three times more likely to attempt suicide, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among high school-aged youth (14-18) in the United States. People identifying as LGBTQ+ are at greater risk of suicide, as they often experience stigma and bullying because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The American Psychological Association (APA) issued a statement in 2018 acknowledging the damage caused by this harmful practice. Use of “conversion therapy,” where LGBTQ+ people received psychological “treatment” to “convert” to being heterosexual, is just one example. Unfortunately, for generations, the field of Behavioral Health exacerbated stigma and mistreatment. Lake County Behavioral Health Services acknowledges community members that identify as LGBTQ+ have unique strengths and challenges. October was selected to coincide with the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights (October 14, 1979) and National Coming Out Day, October 11 th. This observation was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school history teacher. Each October, we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) History Month.