Our Origin: Emerging Paths was founded in 2008 as a place for all people to come learn, share and grow in a safe place. It has evolved into LGBTQPRIDE, a 501C3 nonprofit, working to become a major resource for the LGBTQ demographic. President and founder Dr. Catherine Thayer’s journey began with the announcement that her daughter Anna was a transgender man. That day her son AJ was born and the path from that moment has unfolded in ways she never imagined. Her ignorance to everything queer has been an education to say the least and led to the creation of LGBTQPRIDE and the drive to bring resources LGBTQ resources the Poconos. Kids and parents alike need to be educated. Until you fear for your child’s life when they use the restroom, until you get a call from school that your child is suspended for defending themselves, until it’s your child or a child you know it’s easy to pretend that prejudice doesn’t exist. It’s hard to imagine what these kids go through. You can see statistics on this webpage about suicide rates, drug use, abuse etc. among this population.
Whether gay, trans, lesbian or any other gender identity or sexual preference on the spectrum services are needed including but not limited to hormone replacement therapy, sexual reassignment surgery, counseling, spiritual advice etc. Catherine’s son A.J. was able to go to Philadelphia for all of these services through the love and support of family and friends but sadly a high percentage of kids and young adults don’t have that luxury. Unfortunately families banish these children leaving them with no financial or logistical services. The world is still not a friendly place to these transitioning people. In the state of Pennsylvania LGBTQ people can be fired or evicted just because of their sexual preference or gender identity.
Come walk the path with us. Help us pass the fairness act in Pennsylvania to guarantee equality to those that just want to love the people they love and be who they truly are. Help us to bring those resources here. We need you, we need your energy, we need your financial resources and we need passionate advocates to help change the statistics that are so dire right now.
We are working to bring doctors who can do lab testing and prescribe hormones, counselors to help direct and support our kids along the way, funds to assist in their transitions physically, emotionally and spiritually and provide all of the services they need
It takes a village. We can be that village.
Whether gay, trans, lesbian or any other gender identity or sexual preference on the spectrum services are needed including but not limited to hormone replacement therapy, sexual reassignment surgery, counseling, spiritual advice etc. Catherine’s son A.J. was able to go to Philadelphia for all of these services through the love and support of family and friends but sadly a high percentage of kids and young adults don’t have that luxury. Unfortunately families banish these children leaving them with no financial or logistical services. The world is still not a friendly place to these transitioning people. In the state of Pennsylvania LGBTQ people can be fired or evicted just because of their sexual preference or gender identity.
Come walk the path with us. Help us pass the fairness act in Pennsylvania to guarantee equality to those that just want to love the people they love and be who they truly are. Help us to bring those resources here. We need you, we need your energy, we need your financial resources and we need passionate advocates to help change the statistics that are so dire right now.
We are working to bring doctors who can do lab testing and prescribe hormones, counselors to help direct and support our kids along the way, funds to assist in their transitions physically, emotionally and spiritually and provide all of the services they need
It takes a village. We can be that village.
Catherine and her son AJ
|
Dr. Catherine ThayerExecutive Director/PresidentDr. Thayer has been a holistic practitioner, spiritual counselor and advocate for over 40 years. Her skill and expertise are enhanced by her experience and the wisdom garnered over many years of challenges and overcoming thought processes that block the way to living in love, compassion and understanding. The journey that Catherine walked with her transgender son AJ has led to a deep understanding of the transgender physiology, psyche and spiritual journey. It is a challenging, fear filled, painful and rewarding path that is never chosen consciously however choosing to honor the choice to live in your truth is the only thing that matters.
As the parent of a transgender child Catherine brings counseling services to help and support parents who need a resource to deal with a whole new world that has opened up with the transitioning of their child. Most parents do not know where to go or what to do and do not find many resources out there to help as a parent of a transgender child. Unfortunately in Monroe County there are not a lot of resources. Your greatest resource will be your child. I offer a space for you to speak together as a family in safety with a third person to help mediate conversations in what can sometimes be a very misunderstood world. Dr. Thayer and her Associates also speak to and facilitate trainings for corporate America. Education is imperative if we are to move forward with diversity and inclusivity. As the author of the upcoming book, "Becoming AJ’s Mom", Dr. Thayer along with her son shares the story of their very personal journey. They have appeared together on TV, radio and multiple podcasts, "Changing Minds and Changing Hearts", as they educate listeners. As we work to bring resources to Monroe County we want you to know that we are here to help and support you on your journey. It takes a village. We invite you to walk along with us on our mission to improve life to bring inclusivity and diversity to the forefront of our community. |
Amanda Glynn Hecker
Vice President
