95 - Challenges and Support For LGBTQ+

Pauline Bosma is the founder and coordinator of the Rainbow Support Groups, a network of support groups for LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pauline works for Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, where she also leads sex education webinars and trains people with disabilities to respond to and report abuse. Oscar Hughes is a PhD student in special education at Boston University. He collaborates with LGBTQ+ adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to create resources that support gender and sexual expression. He also works as the assistant to the Rainbow Support Groups and as a sexuality education trainer for Elevatus Training. We chat about the following: What is your background or personal experience in the area of dating, relationships, and disabilities? The particular perspectives in dating that are both a benefit and a challenge in expressing your identity and sexuality in the LGBTQ+ community. The particular challenges for people with disabilities in dating and relationships. Why Pauline founded the Rainbow Support Group for people with I/DD who are also in the LGBTQ community and their biggest insights from running it. Their new Rainbow Support Group guidebook which is an excellent resource for providing support to people with I/DD and in the LGBTQ community.  Resources The Rainbow Support Group Rainbow Support Group Guidebook Contact Pauline and Oscar here Check out our Dating Memberships:Dating Made Easier (for all people wanting to date) - is a monthly membership for anyone (with or without disabilities) who wants support and guidance in dating skills and getting the RESULTS you want in dating and relationships. Click here to learn more. Supporting Dating and Relationships membership (for special educators and professionals in disability services) - is for professionals in the disability field who are looking for training and resources to effectively help students/people with disabilities in developing dating and relationship skills. Click here to learn more. Music by Successful Motivation |Artwork photo by Elevate