Triangle Speakers - Background

Triangle Speakers was created in 1991 by a group of individuals in Santa Cruz County who were concerned about the risks that gay youth face in the community and local schools. The organization was created with the objective of providing information to dispel myths and stereotypes about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people:

    * so that sexual minority and questioning youth feel affirmation and support, instead of isolation and despair;

    * to ensure that all youth, school personnel and community members are sensitized to the issues faced by youth who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender or who are questioning their sexual orientation, and;

    * to help create a healthy, safe and supportive environment for all individuals in Santa Cruz County.

Triangle Speakers accomplishes this through its speaker's bureau. Panels of speakers are provided to schools and organizations that request them. Panel members are drawn from a roster of trained speakers. We strive to include five individuals in each panel: a lesbian, a gay man, a bisexual, a transgender person, and the parent or family member of an LGBT person.

The panelists speak from their hearts. They do not lecture or act as experts on anything other than their own lives. Each speaks only from his or her own experience. Each panelist gives a 2 to 3 minute biography about themselves, and then answers audience questions about their life experiences.

At the close of each speaking engagement a resource list is provided to each audience member. This ensures that any gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning member of the audience does not have to identify him/herself to receive the information. Audience members are also asked to complete written evaluation forms. These forms have been invaluable in providing immediate feedback from audience members to the speakers and the organization as a whole.

  Comments have included:

* "I'm a very homophobic person and usually I feel uncomfortable about being around lesbian, gay (sic) etc., but today I felt relaxed and really didn't feel that uncomfortable" -14 year old Middle School Student.

    * "I used to think it was gross but now I know that their (sic) normal people" - 13 year old Middle School Student.

    * "(I liked) having the topic discussed among staff for the 1st time in my teaching career (20 years)" - Elementary School Teacher.

    * "I think that you guys are great and I feel better about coming out" - 15 year old High School Student.

In 1997 Triangle Speakers was incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation. The organization is primarily made up of volunteers. A board of directors and officers make decisions for the organization. Funding is obtained through private donations and grants. Donations are tax-deductible. Trainings are held several times each year for new speakers. The training includes an orientation to Triangle Speakers and its mission, assistance in constructing and practicing personal biographies, listening skills, presentation skills, as well as hands-on practice providing age-appropriate answers to sample audience questions.

Triangle Speakers provides almost 175+ speakers' panels to schools, organizations, religious groups, teacher trainings and government employees each year. Since its inception, Triangle Speakers panels have spoken to more than 42,800 individuals.

Triangle Speakers is currently working with the Latino/a community to provide culturally relevant services to LGBT and questioning youth.