Sundays, Oct 15, 22, 29 and Nov 5
at 7pm on Zoom

​
​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'll learn and discuss. Then click HERE to register and join the conversation.​


​In order to create a safe space for this conversation, we're asking for you to register. BUT, we will not use or share any contact information you provide. The email you provide will only be used to send the link for each session. ​You are welcome to join with a pseudonym, and you can choose whether or not to turn on your camera.
Meetings will be recorded, but no participants will appear in videos. Videos of each session will be available for viewing the following week.

Session Topics by Week
Sundays at 7pm on Zoom

​You only have to register once to gain access to all of the sessions, and we'll provide links to edited videos on this webpage for any session you are unable to attend. Keep scrolling down for details on each topic as well as our expert discussion leaders.


Oct 15    Session #1     "LGBTQ+ Toolkit" with Dr. Yolanda Turner
Oct 22    Session #2    "From Facts to Faces" with Tasha Santiago
Oct 29    Session #3    "Bible Perspectives and Clarifications" with Austen Hartke
Nov 5     Session #4     "Loving Our Neighbors: So Now What?" for Panel Discussion

Oct 15th  Session #1 "LGBTQ+ Toolkit" with Dr. Yolanda Turner
​


​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.

Picture
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.

Oct 22  Session #2  "From Facts to Faces" with Tasha Santiago
​


Short stories by various folks identified and introduced by the LBGTQ Center

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.

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

 Oct 29 Session #3 "Bible Perspectives and Clarifications" with Austen Hartke 
​


​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!
Picture
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.

Nov 5  Session #4  "Loving Our Neighbors: So Now What?" Panel Discussion


​Our panel will include what the LGBT Center 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!
​

Community Panel
​

A Representative from the LGBT Center of Greater Reading
​

​Info coming soon!
​

A Representative from First Baptist Church of Pottstown
​

​Info coming soon!
​


​A Representative from Pottstown School District
​

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.
Picture
Kelly Leibodl, M.Ed, counseling