Community, Education, and Empowerment: A Talk with The Point Foundation's Jorge Valencia

Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

In this episode of Just Breathe, I welcome Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation. Jorge shares his journey from being raised in a Mormon family in Texas to leading prominent LGBTQ+ organizations like the Trevor Project and Point Foundation. The discussion delves into the challenges and needs of LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on the importance of community, mentoring, and educational support. Jorge emphasizes the role of voting and advocacy in protecting LGBTQ+ rights and provides resources for students and families seeking support. The episode concludes with a call to action for allies to remain active and vocal in the fight for equality.

Bio

Jorge Valencia serves as the Point Foundation’s Executive Director and CEO. Before Point Foundation, Jorge served as Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project and has worked in the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. He brings to Point a wealth of experience in managing and growing nonprofit organizations, a proven ability to design and manage the infrastructure of expanding organizations, and extensive experience with, and sensitivity to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth issues.

Important Links from this episode:

Point Foundation

Campus Pride

OutVote

Summary:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:35 Meet Jorge Valencia: Background and Journey

03:57 The Trevor Project: Beginnings and Impact

05:20 Transition to Point Foundation

08:47 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Students

11:23 Mentorship and Support Programs

15:10 The Importance of Voting and Advocacy

19:36 Finding Community and Support

27:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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