Sydney Rogers
BA,MSW
LA LGBT Center
Sydney Rogers
Sydney Rogers, MSW, is a Black trans woman with over 25 years of experience working with and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. As Program Manager at the LA LGBT Center, she leads efforts to support trans and non-binary individuals in navigating systemic barriers to employment and professional development. Sydney is a respected community leader, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to her work, particularly in trauma-informed care, TGI inclusion training, and intersectional support services.
In addition to her professional work, Sydney is known globally under the drag persona Miss Barbie-Q, performing and hosting events that uplift LGBTQ+ narratives. Her extensive artistic career includes theater, storytelling, and performance art, all of which she uses as tools for education, empowerment, and visibility for marginalized communities. Sydney’s unique ability to blend advocacy and creativity has made her a sought-after speaker, facilitator, and trainer.
Sydney holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) and has been recognized for her commitment to equity and inclusion across community programs, corporate partnerships, and youth-focused initiatives.
SESSION OVERVIEW
Empowering TGI Youth: Strategies for Equity and Belonging
Creating inclusive environments for Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, and Intersex (TGI) youth is essential to fostering their well-being and success. This workshop will provide practical strategies for youth-serving organizations to implement TGI-inclusive policies, practices, and programming. We will explore the unique challenges TGI youth face in accessing equitable resources and services, including systemic discrimination and lack of representation.
Drawing from lived experience and professional expertise, I will share effective methods for building affirming environments where TGI youth feel seen, respected, and empowered. Attendees will gain actionable tools to enhance staff training, develop affirming policies, and build culturally responsive support networks. This session will also include opportunities for interactive discussion, encouraging participants to reflect on their own organizational practices and identify areas for growth.