GLBTQ Support –

Did you know that GLBTQ youth have higher rates of suicide, STI / HIV transmission, and drug and alcohol abuse than their non gay peers? 

Planned Parenthood understands the unique needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community (GLBTQ) and has historically provided confidential and caring services.  PPCW works closely with the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Washington State to meet the needs of the GLBTQ community in Central Washington.  PPCW is honored to have one of its educators selected to be the GLSEN Region 10 coordinator. All of PPCW’s educators provide education and information for the GLBTQ community in a variety of safe locations and settings. 

In 2005 PPCW worked with youth from a local Yakima High School Gay-Straight Alliance group to present workshops from the Beyond the Binary; a curriculum that focuses on GLBTQ issues.  The workshops were facilitated by the youth to allow them to gain leadership skills.  The workshops were held at the Yakima PPCW Clinic. 

Planned Parenthood of Central Washington was awarded $2,500 by the Pride Foundation to support outreach and education to the GLBTQ population of Benton and Franklin Counties that primarily focused on youth. This outreach takes place at the Club Out & About, a local hangout that is all-ages on Friday and Sunday nights. Interestingly, it is just about the only place for teens to gather in the community and it consistently draws a packed audience of GLBTQ and straight youth. The goals of the program are to:
1) Provide Sexually Transmitted Disease and HIV prevention education;
2) Identify potential leaders who will assist in the facilitation of a local Gay Straight Alliance;
3) Acquire support from community members and organizations for GLBTQ issues and programs;
4) Communicate the open door policy of Planned Parenthood.  Planned Parenthood is currently working to start a GSA at a Yakima High School and wants to expand its work with the GLBTQ community into Benton and Franklin Counties. (pridefoundation.org)