Providing a Safe Space

SRD Straightening Reins is providing a safe place for LGBTQ teens to receive mental health support while learning healthy life skills alongside the equine-assisted learning model (EAGALA). In January 2021, Kerri R. Smith-Osei, CLC, CECP an experienced life coach and trainer, began a “free” eight-week support group for teens between the ages of 13-18 years. This group will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm at the Ranch and all CDC guidelines will be adhered to during the sessions. Pre-registration is required.
Topics during the sessions will include, coming out and questioning, shame and bullying, self-harm, reconciling intersectional identities such as cultural and ethnic, anger management, self-care, self-compassion, and self-empowerment. SRD wants to offer mental well-being and hope through working with horses and a place this is a means to begin a conversation for LGBTQ teens.
It’s important to recognize the struggles that those LGBTQ teens who are questioning their identity are facing by being forced from their homes due to conflicts with their families of origin over sexual orientation or gender identity. Data from the LA County Department of Mental Health stated, “LGB youth who come from highly rejecting family are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers who come from no or low levels of family rejection. Also, LGB adolescents are 190 % more likely to use drugs and alcohol than their heterosexual peers. Almost all transgender students reporting data had been verbally harassed or threatened during their school years.” https://dmh.lacounty.gov/our-services/transition-age-youth/psp/facts-research/
LGBTQ youth are also more likely to experience homelessness than their heterosexual peers. If unsheltered, LGBTQ youth suffer from greater levels of physical and sexual assault, mistreatment by police and sexual propositioning in comparison to other homeless youth. https://socialinnovation.usc.edu The Santa Clarita Valley offers several supportive programs for both teens and their families https://bethedifferencesvc.org.
To sign up for SRD’s LGBTQ Support Group, please contact Deborah Rocha by text or phone (661) 803-1641 or via email debbie@srdstraighteningreins.org. Please visit the SRD website for information on other programs being offered at the Ranch www.srdstraighteningreins.org.
We at SRD hope to bring a better understanding and mental well-being for all teens who need a place to share their feelings.​