by Jessica Carreras
Ryan Oliver is the youth program coordinator at Affirmations, and is a firm advocate for LGBT rights. Oliver, who currently lives in Highland Park, was also involved in the start-up of GenderSpark, a local group for trans youth.
1) Why did you get involved with starting GenderSpark?
I have always felt that nothing is more powerful than young adults advocating for themselves and each other. When I was asked to be a part of GenderSpark, I was honored. The young leaders that fronted this organization were dedicated, passionate, brilliant and wanted to create a movement for the trans youth community that would be sustainable. I consider myself to always be accessible as much as possible to this particular population. I want them to tell me where my expertise, experiences, education, advocacy, etc. could be most helpful.
There were no organizations for transgender, genderqueer, questioning and gender non-conforming youth to go for resources or just a listening ear. Those young adult leaders of this organization were capable and believed in the importance of having an organization like this. The diversity was something to be proud of as well, not just race and ethnic difference but social class, levels of education, experience and identities. I wanted to be a part of something new that I hope will change the world and the way we think.
2) What is the group up to now?
I haven't been an active participant with GenderSpark for several months due to family concerns and work demands, but I hope to soon be more involved soon. Now, I hope GenderSpark members would be willing to have their meeting within Affirmations. As far as I know, they are currently on a hiatus but are in the works of planning some major events and transforming this organization into something even more amazing. The founders are working hard from what I understand. I'm excited to see the work they completed and how I can be of service for the work that still needs to be done.
3) What got you interested in working with LGBT youth?
I came out at an "old age" compared to the youth that I work for. I was 22 years old, a junior in undergrad and confused beyond belief. I had to come to terms with a lot about myself, and about the community I was raised in, its culture and the responsibility that I had to myself, my family and my community. Unfortunately, at the time, these all felt like different missions. How could I be truthful to myself while still carrying out the responsibilities of what was expected of me within my family and my community?
I didn't know where to start, so I started reading. I took a specific course in graduate school that focused on poverty and education, then I did a research paper on LGBTQ youth. Aside from the struggles to survive within poverty, young people had to struggle with a lack of quality education, and the abuse and/or neglect of identifying as LGBT. I thought about my struggles with coming out and the emotions, insecurities and false beliefs that my LGBT identity was a sin and that I would go to hell from feeling the way I did.
But nothing could prepare me in doing my best to serve as a resource to this specific community more than working directly with this population. I wanted to know these youth and young adults by name and know their experiences. I saw the youth at Affirmations and the organization as a safe space.
4) What do you believe you can offer youth, given your background?
I am a youth worker with expertise in prevention work to eliminate high suicide rates, homelessness, illiteracy, internalized homophobia, middle and high school drop-outs, institutionalized racism, internalized racism and more, with a focus on the importance of quality, accessible education. Assisting them with getting back in school, motivating them to stay in school, finding them an alternative school or trade school; showing them the positive options they have with their future. Next, empowerment. Our youth need a voice, and myself and the YEP staff have worked to create programs that will motivate and empower youth to become conscious of their voice and use it as a tool to advocate for themselves and each other. Finally, I hope I offer youth a resource for emergency housing, a listening ear and quality programming that allows them to feel free to express themselves in a positive way, feel challenged but not defeated and exposes them to a more active role in their communities.
5) What LGBT issue is most important to you?
Human rights are what is important me. The right to marry is a huge one, but personally not a part of my current mission. I am more concerned about quality and affordable education for poor communities, homelessness, abuse and neglect of children, and access to quality health care for poor communities. All these issues affect someone within the LGBTQ community.
To keep up-to-date on GenderSpark, visit http://www.genderspark.org.
