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Join the Center for Connection and John Sovec, LMFT, for an evening focused on supporting LGBTQIA+ kids through coming out and beyond. Our event will start with a reception, welcome by CFC Founder Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Introduction by CFC Clinical Co-Director Annalise Kordell, and followed by a conversation with author John Sovec, LMFT.
Registration encouraged but not required. Click here to download a flyer.
PRE-ORDER & SAVE! Center for Connection attendees located in the US or Canada get a 20% discount off a copy of Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond when pre-ordered through this link. Simply use voucher code: CFC20. Offer valid through April 19, 2023, with free shipping in the continental US. Books will also be available for sale at this event, courtesy of Vromans bookstore.
event schedule
6:30 - reception with the author and CFC staff and community
6:55 pm - welcome by Tina Payne Bryson, PhD (she/her) & Introduction by Annalise Kordell, LCSW (she/her)
7:00 pm - a conversation with author John Sovec, LMFT (he/him)
7:15 pm - moderated discussion and Q&A
7:45 pm - closing remarks
7:50 pm - book signing
ABOUT JOHN
John Sovec is a therapist and coach in Pasadena, California, who specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ youth and their families during the coming out process. He is the author of multiple publications on providing LGBTQIA+ support and is a nationally recognized expert on creating affirmative support for LGBTQIA+ youth. His work has been featured on The Riki Lake Show, OWN, FOX, Bravo, The Advocate, ABC, LA Talk Radio, The Washington Post, and columns for Huffington Post, Medium, and Good Therapy. Even when writing about a serious topic, John finds himself easily distracted whenever a friendly dog walks by his table at the local coffee house. You can learn more about John and his work at www.JohnSovec.com and www.GayTeenTherapy.com.
About the book
The coming out process for LGBTQIA+ adolescents can be a terrifying moment, not only for themselves, but also for their family and friends. When intense emotions are running the gamut of concern, shock, joy or even anger and acceptance, it can be tricky to process how you feel while giving your child the support they need.
Offering essential guidance and advice, this book is here to help you with chapters that explore LGBTQIA+ terminology, understanding the coming out process, effective communication strategies, talking to your LGBTQIA+ kid about sex, the parents' process of acceptance, and the family coming out process. Importantly, this guide also covers a wide range of lesser-known orientations such as pansexuality and asexuality as well as dedicated chapters on trans youth and the often overlooked grieving process for parents with stories of lived experience throughout.
With a unique three step strategy, you and your family can support your LGBTQIA+ child's newly shared identity, create a stronger family unit, and move towards a more open, affirming relationship based on honest communication and understanding. (Click here to pre-order.)
Praise for the book
"Informative, practical, and authentic. What a gift this book is to so many parents, kids, families. Sovec gives parents, wherever they are, the experience of being safe, seen, and soothed, gently helping them move toward being the parent their LGBTQ+ kid needs them to be.” - Tina Payne Bryson, LCSW, Ph.D., New York Times Bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child & No-Drama Discipline, and Founder of The Center for Connection"
“The best thing about this book is that you don't have to know anything before you pick it up - all you need to do is start on page one. It's not technical, it's deeply personal, in a way that can only come from years of working with LGBTQ youth and their families.” - Dr Laura Erickson-Schroth, Editor of Trans Bodies, Trans Selves, Chief Medical Officer at The Jed Foundation
“The book's conversational style truly translates complex themes into easily digestible topics that are sure to amplify support for all LGBTQIA+ kids! A must read for supporting today's LGBTQIA+ youth.” - Nick Grant, PhD, ABPP, President, GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
About the venue
This event will take place at The Center for Connect, on the first floor. Seating will be provided, and parking is available in the adjacent parking lot as well as along nearby side streets. Our reception will start in the hallway, and the talk will take place in our large conference room.
Register
Please use the form below to registration. Registration encouraged but not required, and will help us to ensure we have enough seating and refreshments for attendees.
