In Our Own Words: Navigating Identity, Safety, and Joy in the LGBTQ Community

Rainbow Room, Collaborative, and The Welcome Project

Lex is joining Rainbow Room on June 15th from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm for this Pride panel and event!

Panelists

  • Lex Horwitz (he/him) - LGBTQIA+ Educator, Consultant and Public Speaker

  • Leon Mopecha (they/them) - Rainbow Room and Pennridge SD Alum

  • Steven Hartzman (he/it) — Pennridge HS Junior, Member of Planned Parenthood Keystone’s Rainbow Room

  • Louis (he/him) — Middle School Student in Bucks, Rainbow Room Youth

About the Event

Join us for an honest, human-centered conversation that moves beyond the headlines. While the current landscape for the LGBTQ+ community is often defined by statistics and political noise, "In Our Own Words" centers on the lived realities of those at the heart of the community. We are bringing together a diverse panel of speakers—including vibrant youth voices—to share candid, authentic stories about what it means to live, advocate, and thrive in today’s world.

Why Join Us?

This session is designed to offer a multifaceted look at the LGBTQ+ experience, exploring both the weight of our current challenges and the resilience of our community. We will hold space for:

  • The Realities of Intersectionality: A deep dive into how race, culture, disability, age, and class shape our unique journeys through the world.

  • Safety & Advocacy: Practical reflections on navigating a changing socio-political climate and evolving definitions of belonging.

  • The Power of Queer Joy: A celebration of the small wins, personal triumphs, and community resilience that replenish our energy and provide hope.

  • Future-Building: An interactive dialogue on how we can better support the most marginalized among us and move forward together.

Whether you are a member of the community or an ally looking to better support those around you, this is an opportunity to listen, learn, and connect. Come prepared for a nuanced, courageous, and uplifting discussion.

Join us to help shape a more supportive and inclusive future for everyone.


Guided Conversation Prompts

  1. On Identity & Intersectionality
    How do your other identities (such as race, cultural heritage, or disability) influence the way you navigate the world as an LGBTQ+ person? When has this intersection felt like a source of strength, and when has it presented unique obstacles?

  2. On the Current Climate
    In the face of recent legislative or social shifts, how has your definition of 'safety' or 'belonging' evolved over the last year? What is one specific way you’ve had to adapt your lifestyle or advocacy?

  3. On Joy and Victories
    Amidst the headlines, where are you finding queer joy right now? Can you share a 'small win' or a moment of community triumph that has given you hope or replenished your energy lately?

  4. On Future-Building
    If you could ask one thing of allies—or even of our own community—to better support the most marginalized among us in the current climate, what would it be?

 

Follow my journey.