The causes of poor mental health for LGBTQ+ communities—stigma, discrimination, isolation—are widely recognized. What still needs to be discussed however, is how do we keep ourselves well? In this Connecting Conversation panel discussion, we will look at one of the less discussed sources of community wellness, our bodies.

Join the conversation as our panel of experts discuss how movement, play, and sports can connect us with our bodies and improve mental health. We will cover topics including the impact of physical activity on mental health, barriers that prevent people engaging their bodies, and the community ties that come from being active. Whether you’re an ally, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or just someone committed to positive change, this event will connect you with relevant information and people doing the work to improve LGBTQ+ health.

Panelists:

Jimmy Morgan

Figure skating choreographer/movement coach, Co-VP, American Ice Theatre, learn more

Jimmy Morgan (he/they) is a movement coach, choreographer, and professional figure skater based in Providence, RI. He focuses on empowering skaters by placing value in long-term emotional and physical well-being and helping skaters access their creative voice. He is the co-vice president of American Ice Theatre, a non-profit contemporary figure skating company. Jimmy holds a Mass Communication degree from Boston University. In his spare time, Jimmy is a Pro Ambassador for Athlete Ally, an organization committed to the fair inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in sports. He loves reading, traveling, dancing, and playing D&D.

Eli Parrish

Founder & Physical Therapist, Ally-Wellness, learn more

Dr. Eli Parrish (they/them) is a physical therapist working to educate community members on healing injury and increasing functional independence in an inclusive environment. Guided by their belief that all othered bodies are worthy of quality care and are capable of joyful movement, they founded Ally Wellness as company to provide compassionate and competent care for Queer, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and their allies. They completed their Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Temple University in 2017.

Jennifer Pharr

Professor, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, learn more

Dr. Jennifer Pharr (she/her) is a Professor of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With a background in nutrition and exercise physiology, she transitioned from healthcare roles to public health, earning her PhD in 2012. Her research focuses on health disparities among vulnerable populations, particularly sexual and gender minorities and people with disabilities. She examines the impact of laws and policies on mental health, healthcare access, and disease disparities, including HIV and chronic diseases. Dr. Pharr also explores barriers and facilitators to healthy behaviors and uses social marketing to promote health. Since 2021, she has concentrated on the mental health impacts of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, such as bans on transgender athletes. As a sexual minority from the South, she aims to advocate for protective LGBTQIA+ laws, especially in states with poor records on LGBTQIA+ rights.

Jordan Toy

Community Outreach Director, Stonewall Sports, learn more

Jordan Toy (he/him) serves as the Community Outreach Director for Stonewall Sports – Philadelphia, a volunteer-run sports league for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. In this role, he builds connections between the league and the broader community, supporting initiatives that benefit local organizations. His efforts focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing philanthropic efforts, and creating opportunities for the league to have a meaningful impact on Philadelphia’s local community.

Virtual: November 13, 2024. 12:30pm. EST