By: Jacquilyn Davis, CDP®
On March 21, 2025, I walked into the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts at UCONN and took a seat near the front of the stage, unsure of what to expect from my first SOGIEcon. As the screens lit up and the opening ceremonies began, I knew this was special.
The True Colors SOGIEcon brings together thousands to empower and support LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies. The opening remarks from founder Robin McHaelen, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and author Chasten Buttigieg were followed by a powerful song from Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg, inviting us to take in a sea of over 1,000 joyful, smiling faces.
On day one, I attended a powerful panel led by Tony Ferraiolo, joined by transgender youth and their parents, including my friend and neighbor Glenn “PJ” Eason and his son. The panelists’ stories of coming out, setting boundaries, and finding forgiveness were deeply moving. “Watching my son share his story on a panel in front of a room full of strangers, was one of my proudest moments,” shared PJ. “I was blown away by his bravery, vulnerability, and honesty.”
On day two, I presented my workshop on LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Allyship. I arrived early to set up my slides, lay out my resources, and prepare to give back after learning so much the day before. One of the many great things about teaching is the opportunity to learn from your audience, and this was one of the kindest, most empathetic, and attentive groups I’ve ever presented to.
The workshop started with an icebreaker, asking the group to explore their allyship as a superpower by considering their privilege, experiences, and the resiliency they’ve built. During the presentation, everyone was directed to personalize how they can support our youth by utilizing those superpowers.
According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth with at least one accepting adult are 40% less likely to attempt suicide. While family support strongly boosts self-esteem and health, only 6 in 10 LGBTQ+ youth are out to their immediate families, leaving many in need of a trusted adult. Teachers, mentors, coaches, medical professionals, and others can all play a life-saving role.
“The Superpower exercise really made me think and recontextualize my privilege, experiences, and resiliency,” said PJ. “I have been giving a lot of thought regarding my other privileges and experiences and how I can use those to be a better Ally, Father, Friend, and Partner.”
An attendee, Heather Poole-LaFountain, CHW, LMSW shared, “experiencing SOGIEcon 2025 was a reminder of and testament to the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community… An overwhelming theme in the provider sessions was how to navigate the legal and political while honoring our clients and building the collective spirit of the community to allow for healing. Jacquilyn embodied this sentiment through her “LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Allyship” workshop, as we discussed the importance of LGBTQIA+ youth having at least one accepting adult in their life and the superpowers that all allies have.”
Attending SOGIEcon as not only an educator but also a member and willing ally to the LGBTQ+ community was an unforgettable honor. On the final evening, out of the individuals who volunteered and trained, ten students were selected to participate in a drag show. Their happiness radiated as they performed, smiling with a palpable sense of relief, feeling safe, accepted, and affirmed as their most authentic selves. To say it brought me joy is an understatement.
As we head into May and observe Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m reflecting on the importance of safe, affirming spaces like SOGIEcon. Through Mental Health Connecticut’s Let’s Face It campaign, we’re reminded that mental health is deeply tied to identity, community, and belonging. Stories like the ones shared at SOGIEcon highlight how acceptance and visibility can be transformative and even life-saving.
Watching the joy on everyone’s faces, seeing the strength of parents and allies, and hearing the brave voices of LGBTQ+ individuals reminded me of why this work matters. As we continue to raise awareness this month, let’s amplify these voices as well as others that have been silenced by stigma and fight for a world where everyone has the safety, support, and love they deserve.
For resources on LGBTQ+ youth, visit the following resources:
Trevor Project Resource Center: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/
Health Care Advocates International: https://www.hcaillc.com/advocacy-programs/lgbtq-plus/youth-and-family-program/
