WATERVILLE — Hardy Girls plans to host a virtual panel discussion of the recently released 2021 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey results. The discussion is set for 7. p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Across measures of mental health, experiences of violence and sexual violence, and feelings of support and safety, girls are struggling at disproportionate rates – LGBTQ+ and BIPOC girls and nonbinary youth even more so, according to a news release from Adrienne Carmack, executive director of Hardy Girls, who will moderate the event.

This intergenerational panel will discuss why these disparities exist and how to move forward toward gender equity and justice in a way that values youth voice and youth experiences.

Youth and field-expert panelists include: Sheila Nelson, program manager of Adolescent Health and Injury Prevention at Maine CDC; Quinn Gormley, executive director at Maine TransNet; Angie Dooley, school counselor with School Administrative District 49; Coltrane McRae, student at Arizona State University and former Hardy Girls feminist; Feminist Action Board co-president; and Sophie Mihm, student at Messalonskee High School and current FAB member.

This event is free and open to attendees of all ages, genders and backgrounds. The event’s content does include discussion of suicide, sexual violence, and other topics that may not be appropriate for younger attendees.

For more information and to register, visit hghw.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!