Forever Young Artist Talk & Community Conversation

6:00 pm: “Forever Young” exhibition viewing
6:30 pm: Artist Talk followed by Community Conversation

Inspired by the Museum’s current exhibition “Forever Young: Representations of Childhood and Adolescence,” the Museum and the Newport Health Equity Zone welcome exhibiting artists Lindsay Morris and Zoe Perry-Wood for a gallery talk and community conversation surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity among youth. Both Morris and Perry-Wood are photographers whose work illuminates and celebrates children and teens who identify as LGBTQ+.

Today, youth must grapple with maturing in an environment of rapid change, polarized views, and a constant and intense social media presence. Young people today are more empowered to openly question who they are, reflect on their sexual orientation and gender identity, and develop their own sense of self. Still, navigating these feelings requires courage and resilience, as well as emotional support from parents, educators, their young peers, and the community.

How can we create safe spaces for young people as they explore their feelings related to gender identity and sexual orientation? How can those spaces support inclusivity and encourage mutual respect? Join us for a meaningful community conversation with special guests from the health, education, legal, advocacy, and social arenas, who have made it a priority to support the LGBTQ+ community.

This is a free event, but seating is limited. Reservations recommended. 

Special Guests:

Francine Weiss, Senior Curator, Newport Art Museum
Lindsay Morris, Forever Young exhibiting artist
Zoe Perry-Wood, Forever Young exhibiting artist
Rex LeBeau, Community Conversation Facilitator, Women’s Resource Center and the Newport Health Equity Zone, staffs the newly formed Newport HEZ LGBTQ Health Working Group

Angela Lemire, Rhode Island Department of Health’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Equity Group
Doreen LePage, Facilitator of the Newport Satellite of PFLAG Providence
Percy Lowe, Senior at The East Bay MET School and Newport Health Equity Zone intern
Julie Medeiros and her parents Eileen and Bob, a young trans woman who lobbied successfully for health insurance to cover her transition expenses as a teenager
Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, from the RI Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Elana Rosenberg, Executive Director of Youth Pride, Inc.
Jeffrey Sheehan, Staff Attorney, LGBTQ Protection Project at Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: 

IMAGE  Lindsay Morris, Stages, 2014, Archival pigment prints, From the series You Are You, 2011-2015, Courtesy of the Artist