As pride month come to an end we are excited to share with you our new webpage featuring our work with LGBTQIA+ youth and young people.
Statistically, Israeli LGBTQIA+ youth experience severe stressors at considerably higher rates than other demographics. These stressors include bullying, homelessness and prostitution.
Across our various programs and shelters, we are expanding our support to LGBTQIA+ youth by recognizing and meeting the unique needs of this community.
Beyond providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and young people, we have the same commitment to our volunteers and employees who serve in various positions, including leadership positions.
“Once I came out as trans, it became more difficult to find a job. I would often arrive at job interviews and the interviewer was more interested in my life’s story than my qualifications as a potential candidate. They wanted to hear about my difficulties. There are people who are more interested in ‘juicy details’ than the person. Then I went to a job interview at ELEM and it was great. The manager treated me like every other candidate. I have been working at ELEM ever since, and I’m really happy. I am the coordinator of ELEM’s Haifa outreach van. We meet teenagers and stay with them until the wee hours of the night. We sit, talk, I listen attentively, and sometimes provide a little humanitarian help. The kids ask questions and I can handle them. We talk about it openly. “- Or Mizen, ELEM’s Haifa outreach van coordinator.
