Virginia’s LGBTQ+ Youth Can Belong & Flourish: An Interview with Ted Lewis, Side by Side

I interviewed Ted Lewis, Executive Director of Side by Side, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ youth in Richmond, Virginia.

Our interview begins at 1:08.

OUR CONVERSATION COVERS

4:13 How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact how Side by Side is assisting youth and the services they offer?

7:33 Side by Side's biggest need now is for host homes for homeless LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.

9:43 What resources are available for people who are new to being an ally? What work can allies do?

13:00 What resources do LGBTQ youth need in their communities?

14:19 What is a possibility model, and why is it important for LGBTQIA+ youth?

18:26 What roles do faith communities play in the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth? What mistakes have been made? What have faith communities done right?

28:45 What takeaways would Ted Lewis like to leave? Be mindful of what equitable recovery from the pandemic looks like. Be aware of where people are being excluded and strive to be inclusive.

32:00 The history of Side by Side, formerly ROSMY, and the changes in Richmond, Virginia and nationally during its history. Ted shares their advice to remain vigilant about backlash that occurs in reaction to the advances that have been made in LGBTQIA+ equality.

SIDE BY SIDE

Side by Side (formerly ROSMY) is dedicated to creating supportive communities where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish. Founded to support LGBTQ youth in Richmond, Virginia, Side by Side has grown into a national leader in working with LGBTQ+ youth on a broad range of challenges and opportunities in their lives. 95% of youth feel like they matter when they are at Side by Side’s youth group. 99% of youth feel that volunteers and facilitators at Side by Side care about them. 85% of youth report increased feelings of self-worth and self-esteem after attending the Side by Side middle school program. Learn more at http://www.sidebysideva.org

TED LEWIS

Ted Lewis has over a decade of experience working with LGBTQ+ youth mainly through working within higher education institutions including UNC Charlotte and the University of Richmond. They also served as the Special Projects & Outreach Coordinator for Campus Pride, a national organization focused on LGBTQ+ college student leaders. They were recently recognized for their efforts as on of 2018’s 40 Under 40 by Style Weekly. Ted is a graduate of Mary Washington and the University of South Carolina and lives in Richmond, Virginia.