A Place to Talk:
​LGBTQ+ 101 for People of Faith

We're sorry you missed any of the live sessions.
Just scroll down to watch the video of any session you're interested in.

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​Many people of faith are committed to justice for our LGBTQ+ neighbors but want to know more about the context of their lives and the issues that affect them--in our faith communities and in the wider world. If you want to help, and you want to learn more, this series of forums is for you.

Check out the topics below to learn more about what we learned and discussed. 

Session Topics

Session #1     "LGBTQ+ Toolkit" with Dr. Yolanda Turner
Session #2    "From Facts to Faces" with Tasha Santiago
Session #3     "Loving Our Neighbors: So Now What?" for Panel Discussion
Session #4    "Bible Perspectives and Clarifications" with Austen Hartke

Session #1 "LGBTQ+ Toolkit" with Dr. Yolanda Turner
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​Find yourself confused by the letters, terminology, meanings around gender and sexuality these days? You are not alone! Landi will provide you with a “toolkit” that will sort it all out and help you find a place to enter the conversation.

Yolanda Turner, PhD Human Sexuality (Landi; she/her)

Dr. Yolanda Turner was bestowed the title of professor emeritus upon her retirement from Eastern University where she co-chaired the undergraduate psychology department.  In addition, Dr. Turner worked for 30 years as a therapist and partner at Center Counseling Associates, seeing individuals, couples, and specializing in online relationships, emerging adulthood, marriage and divorce counseling, as well as co-facilitating transgender support groups.
Dr. Turner received her BA degree in religion from Bates College and her master’s in movement psychotherapy from Hahnemann Medical University and earned her PhD in human sexuality from Widener University. 
Dr. Turner is a member of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. She has received the William R. Stayton Award for Applied Leadership in Human Sexuality, the SSSS and Kinsey Institute Emergency Professionals award, and the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award.
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Session #2  "From Facts to Faces" with Tasha Santiago
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Short stories by various folks identified and introduced by the LBGT Center of Greater Reading

Join us as Tasha introduces us to friends who embody the language we talked about in Session #1. Putting faces and stories to words helps us to “see” who the conversation is about. 

​Tasha Santiago is a dedicated professional with a passion for education, social advocacy, and empowering the LGBTQ+ community. As the Director of Education for the LGBT Center of Greater Reading, Tasha plays a pivotal role in creating impactful programs and initiatives that foster inclusivity, understanding, and acceptance.

Tasha Santiago, M. Instructional Design (she/her)

Session #3  "Loving Our Neighbors: So Now What?" Panel Discussion

​Our panel will include what the LGBT Center of Greater Reading is doing throughout the state and here in Pottstown, why a place of worship would publicly declare their affirmation and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, and what is needed and happening in our local school district to treat LGBTQ+ students with dignity and care.

​Opportunity will be provided for conversation, questions, & insights!
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Community Panel
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A Representative from the LGBT Center of Greater Reading
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Michelle Dech, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Greater Reading, has been instrumental in organizing vital resources, support, and community-building opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals in Berks county and beyond. In July of this year, Michelle was also appointed to The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs by Governor Josh Shapiro. As a member of the commission, Dech will join legislators, professionals and activists in advising Shapiro and state agencies on policies, programs and legislation that impact LGBTQ communities and will serve as a intermediary between LGBTQ communities and state government.
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Michelle Dech, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Greater Reading

A Representative from First Baptist Church of Pottstown
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Joel Dugan, Lay Pastor at FBC

Joel Dugan, a long-time member of FBC, became the first trans person licensed in lay pastoral ministry in the American Baptist Churches USA denomination on May 1, 2022. He worked for many years to create safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community in his church and in Pottstown. Joel is currently active as a volunteer with the LGBTQ+ teen group run by the LGBT Center of Greater Reading at FBC and as a mentor to youth in our community.
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​A Representative from Pottstown School District
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Kelly Leibold received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, she taught Home Economics in Allentown Pennsylvania for two years. She then moved on to teach Family & Consumer Science at Pottstown Middle School. Kelly graduated with a Master of Science in Secondary Counseling from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Kelly transitioned to school counseling in 2006. She also earned a certificate in Restorative Practices from the International Institute of Restorative Practices. Kelly is starting her 27th year in education. In her free time Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband & daughter, reading, cycling, traveling and hiking.

Kelly Leibodl, M.Ed, counseling

 Session #4 "Bible Perspectives and Clarifications" with Austen Hartke 
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​Austen will explore parts of the Bible that relate to gender identity and offer a fresh way of understanding often misunderstood or overlooked passages.

​It’s sure to be an interesting conversation!

Austen Hartke, MA OT/Hebrew Bible

​Austen Hartke is the author of Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians, a book on theology and personal narratives published by Westminster John Knox Press, now in its second edition. He is also the founder and Executive Director of Transmission Ministry Collective, an online community dedicated to the spiritual care, faith formation, and leadership potential of transgender and gender-expansive Christians. Austen is a graduate of Luther Seminary’s Master of Arts program in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Studies. As a transgender person of faith, Austen's greatest passion is helping other trans and gender-expansive people see themselves in scripture.