IBOSP Conference Schedule
Saturday October 7, 2023 | 9am – 12:30pm EST
Dylan Brooks, MSW, RCSWI
Nia Abbate
Pride and Pleasure: The Intersections of Pleasure and Inclusion in Sex Education
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm EST
Conversations about sexual health with clients become engaging and effective when we emphasize the positive outcomes of safer sex practices and affirm their identity. Including the LGBTQ+ community in the world of sex education begins with respecting the lived experiences of queer people and shifting the narrative away from fear or risk-based talking points.
We will discuss how letting go of shame and internalized stigma around sex and STIs can empower people to take responsibility for their sexual health. Ultimately, creating a safe space for marginalized communities to have open and honest dialogue can be a powerful tool to learn about and meet their needs.
Presenter Bio: Dylan Brooks
MSW, RCSWI
Dylan Brooks (he/him) serves as the Director of HIV Prevention and Education at Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center, the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ community center in South Florida. He has been with Compass 8 years, but in the field of HIV Prevention and Education for over 10 years!
Dylan has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and is currently a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern on the path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Dylan is originally from rural Northeast Georgia and moved down to South Florida in 2014. Dylan has been active in community organizing and fundraising from a young age and will continue for a long time!
Presenter Bio: Nia Abbate
Nia Abbate (she/they) is a queer Latine activist and grassroots organizer dedicated to making the world a safer space for young LGBTQ+ people of color. In 2020, she graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Sociology; and a certificate in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights from Florida Atlantic University.
They currently serve as an Outreach Intervention Specialist at Compass Community Center, an LGBTQ+ focused non-profit organization working to end the HIV epidemic in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. At Compass, Nia facilitates a social and support group for young adults in the LGBTQ+ community known as Entourage. Through her work, she encourages people to live their most authentic healthy lives by practicing safer sex and destigmatizing HIV. She ensures people feel empowered and educated by providing them with the resources they need to thrive.
Express Your Interest
Express your interest in joining us at the 2023 IBOSP Annual Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida