Bill Text: VA HJR913 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Safe Space NOVA.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-21 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ913ER) [HJR913 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-HJR913-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Safe Space NOVA is dedicated to providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youths; and
WHEREAS, Safe Space NOVA was established in 2016 when founder and executive director Jordan Costen developed the idea to create programming where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and questioning youths could have fun in a safe and accepting environment; and
WHEREAS, Safe Space NOVA addresses issues raised in studies by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that show that LGBTQ+ youths are at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, suicide attempts, and suicide; other motivating concerns were that LGBTQ+ youths were more likely to report high levels of bullying and substance abuse; and
WHEREAS, the goal of Safe Space NOVA is to protect young people from these perils by providing a positive environment and welcoming staff that embrace, uplift, and encourage them, as well as to ensure that 14- to 18-year-olds in the Northern Virginia area have access to an organization and activities that promote equality; and
WHEREAS, to that end, Safe Space NOVA oversees a mentorship program and organizes holiday events, fun teen-friendly excursions, gay pride parade gatherings, and discussion groups; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Safe Space NOVA for providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youths; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Safe Space NOVA as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's important work toward inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ youths.
