CLEARLAKE>>> On Thursday at the Judge’s Breakfast, Cynthia Coupè, Co-Founder of the Mendocino County Safe Space Project, spoke on the use of Cultural Humility in LGBTQIA+ alliance training.
Coupè shared a brief history of the Mendocino County Safe Space Program (MCSSP) which was founded in June of 2024 by herself and her partner. It is the only project run by Dandelion Outreach, a 501(c3 )non-profit dedicated to creating safe spaces and providing free cultural humility workshops across Mendocino County and beyond.
Together Reyna and Cynthia Coupè saw a need for this type of training in their rural community as they were lacking places where the LGBTQIA+ community would feel safe and welcome, especially LGBTQIA+ youth. Coupè shared “Statistically this group has a much higher chance of attempting suicide, and if they only have one adult who can understand them and (this can be) a safe space for them, then they reduce that chance by 40 percent.” Hoping to create a stronger network of supportive allies, in its inaugural year, MCSSP has been able to deliver over 10 workshops to organizations like hospitals and schools reaching over 200 individuals in total.
According to Coupè, “Cultural humility is looking at what our own cultural beliefs and biases are.” This type of training opens up the conversation allowing people to be curious and ask the questions they may not have ever been able to in order to more fully understand the LGBTQIA+ community. Coupè added, “We have all used a fax machine without knowing how it works,” further explaining how we can support someone without really knowing or understanding their situation. This training asks one to examine their own beliefs – whether that be religious, cultural, or familial, and correlate how those beliefs have shaped your bias. Coupè said, “It’s how to unpack your beliefs and biases in order to help and support other people.”
The floor was then opened for any and all questions where resident Barbara Christwitz asked how best to support an individual who is considering having gender affirming surgery. Coupè responded with “No one has to have surgery to be trans, or take hormones” she continued “…mainly we just support people finding out who they are.”
Long time breakfast attendee Mark Cooper asked about specific statistics related to transgender youth in local schools, to which Konocti Unified School District Superintendent Becky Solano explained there are little ways of being able to gather such data. This kick started the conversation of transgender youth in sports. Coupè referenced state law which allows for a student to choose which sports team they would like to play on, for example the girls team or boys team. Solato said, “I am very aware of many students that identify in different ways.” She also explained that the district has had ally training but will also continue to do so. Coupè mentioned “I think the main thing that is important is to support a person for how they want to be seen, because when we don’t support them and they have to be something else that is when depression starts.”
District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier elaborated on this issue. He said, “We have systemic issues, they were not created for bad, it was just how society evolved.” Continuing he said, “Men are supposed to play on the field and women are supposed to be cheerleaders. It’s been tough to break through that glass ceiling and allow women to do other sports.” Coupè responded in support of how important these safe spaces are.
In the near future, MCSSP plans on continuing their fundraising efforts and participation in county LGBTQIA+ events. They also hope to expand their services by creating a physical safe space, like a tangible location where the LGBTQIA+ community can gather. They would also like to offer after school programs and one on one consultations. Having awarded three scholarships in June, the MCSSP will continue to build the Roy Mora Scholarship Fund in honor of the transgender youth who tragically took their own life. As they are growing they are also in search of a few dedicated staff members.
The judge’s breakfast forum takes place at the Clearlake Senior Center on Thursdays at 7 a.m. All are welcome.
