On Sunday, HRC Foundation’s seventh annual Time to THRIVE Conference held in support of LGBTQ youth came to a close after a day of workshops, award honorees, speakers and a musical performance.

HRC presented Upstander Awards to Camika Shelby and Nicole Maines, and Youth Ambassador Nicole Talbot gave a beautiful performance of the song “You Say” to wrap the weekend.

The annual event is held in partnership with the American Counseling Association and the National Education Association, with AT&T, BBVA and Toyota as presenting sponsors. In its seventh year, the HRC Foundation’s premier national event addresses safety, inclusion and well-being for LGBTQ youth, and brings together youth-serving professionals to discuss best practices for working with and caring for LGBTQ youth and their families in schools, community centers, health care settings and beyond.

Following the final morning of breakout workshops, HRC Foundation Board Chair Jodie Patternson kicked off the closing plenary. Patterson is a founding member of HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council and the mother of a trans child.

“This is the very place that changed me…I am encouraged and inspired by your presence here.” - @HRC Foundation Board Chair Jodie Patterson (@jodie_GeorgiaNY) #TimeToTHRIVE pic.twitter.com/athGNQ5zjN

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 16, 2020

Camika Shebly became an advocate and activist after her 15-year-old son Nigel Shelby, who struggled with depression and had also faced homophobic bullying for being gay, died by suicide. She currently serves as a National Black Justice Coalition Black Youth Advocate and Ambassador.

Heartbreaking to hear from Judy and Dennis Shepard and Camika Shelby. Grateful for their efforts to protect LGBTQ youth! From Camika’s acceptance speech: “For Nigel & too many others school was unwelcoming & hostile.” 1/ #TimeToTHRIVE pic.twitter.com/ZLOH2gg3dC

— Tiferet Ani (@tmalkaa) February 16, 2020

“He loved singing, he loved dancing. He recorded himself all the time...He radiated joy.”

We are so proud to present Camika Shelby, who lost her son Nigel to suicide, with an Upstander Award for her incredible advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ youth. #TimeToTHRIVE ���� pic.twitter.com/mV3HA3OMX5

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 16, 2020

Transgender activist and actress Nicole Maines stars as Nia Nal/Dreamer in The CW’s hit series “Supergirl.” Dreamer is the first transgender superhero on television.

 

 

 

 

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Mighty Rebekah and Dreamer! ����‍♀️����‍♀️⁣ ⁣ Congratulations @nicoleamaines on your @humanrightscampaign Upstander Award, from one trans superhero to another... even if I’m @marvel and you’re DC, we gotta stick together! ����⁣ ⁣ #TimeToThrive #MightyRebekah #Dreamer #representationmatters #transisbeautiful #youngactivist #heroproject

A post shared by Rebekah Bruesehoff (@therealrebekah) on Feb 16, 2020 at 9:56am PST

“Family support is crucial—it was my foundation...That is what every parent needs to be responsible for doing: Putting aside their own fears to love & support their kids unconditionally.” - Upstander Award recipient actress & trans advocate @NicoleAMaines ������ #TimeToTHRIVE pic.twitter.com/knor297VAZ

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 16, 2020

Other speakers included Youth Ambassadors Gia Parr, Sam Moehlig, Sameer Jha, Jacob Kanter and MaKayla Humphrey, Executive Director and CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals JoAnn Bartoletti, Judy and Dennis Shepard and HRC’s Sarah McBride.

������@HRC Youth Ambassador Nicole Talbot closes out this impactful and inspiring weekend with a beautiful performance of “You Say.” #TimeToTHRIVE pic.twitter.com/fTbOJWdS2z

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 16, 2020

 

 

 

 

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Juat showing off a small portion of the pins I've picked up the @humanrightscampaign #timetothrive conference. I have tons of resources to bring back to my school and our GSA. #pride��

A post shared by Laura Gray (@pegasuschick) on Feb 16, 2020 at 5:51am PST

#TimeToTHRIVE has come to a close. It was a very emotional weekend. Hearing stories of hardship & perseverance, rejection & loss is crucial to creating a society that is accepting. Having 1 accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt by 40% for #LGBTQ youth

— Charlotte McConnell (@trustinkind) February 16, 2020

 

 

 

 

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‪What another incredible year at #TimeToThrive! Thanks @humanrightscampaign and all the other amazing orgs in attendance for the work you do on behalf of LGBTQ youth! ‬

A post shared by ACA (@americancounselingassociation) on Feb 16, 2020 at 9:06am PST

Great discussion to kick off the morning here at #TimeToTHRIVE with @dixierae4 @dm12osu @20Pres @jackryantucker.

Principals set the culture in their building and play a crucial role in ensuring schools are supportive places for LGBTQ students and staff. #principalsadvocate ��️‍�� pic.twitter.com/UsxEaeC9zt

— Greg Waples (@GWaples) February 16, 2020

The @HRC Youth Ambassadors have so much heart! Moving words by Jacob Kantor: “Home is a place where you are cared for and loved. The most solid support & truest home is in yourself. Go find your home & become the hero you once needed.” #TimeToTHRIVE

— Tiferet Ani (@tmalkaa) February 16, 2020