In honor and celebration of Pride Month 2021, join WashU alumni Luka Cai, AB ’20, MSW ’22, and Riott Kochman, MSW ’20, for a conversation spotlighting the St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline (SQSH). Formally launched during Luka’s senior year and with support from the WUpan Leadership Development Fund, SQSH is a LGBTQIA+ peer support resource serving the St. Louis region. Luka and Riott will discuss the Helpline’s evolving role in strengthening the St. Louis LGBTQIA+ community and share how their time at WashU contributed to the important work they are doing now. Travis Tucker, Associate Director, WashU Center for Diversity and Inclusion, will facilitate the conversation and Q&A.
Sponsored by the WashU Pride Alumni Network.
About SQSH:
SQSH was founded on the belief that every LGBTQIA+ person deserves to be treated kindly. Its mission is to serve and strengthen the St. Louis LGBTQIA+ community—by providing an empathetic listening ear, by connecting callers safely and reliably to LGBTQIA-affirming resources, and by increasing the visibility of LGBTQIA+ concerns, needs, and resources in the St. Louis MO-IL Metro Area. SQSH is a community-based non-profit organization focused on creating opportunities and spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the St. Louis MO-IL Metro Area to lead fulfilling lives.
Luka (they/them), a trans-masculine, pansexual, Singaporean immigrant, co-founded SQSH to create a resource they wish they had. As SQSH’s Organizational Facilitator, Luka oversees various team activities and day-to-day operations. With 12+ years of background in organizing and 300+ hours of experience in learning and teaching peer counseling, they effectively lead and facilitate SQSH's programs. They are currently taking a break from their role and supporting Jet and Cleo in taking over as Interim Organizational Facilitators, while waiting for their new work authorization card.
About Riott Kochman:
Riott (they/them) is a genderqueer LMSW and therapist, with a special interest in eating disorders in LGBTQIA+ populations. As SQSH's co-founder, secretary, and curriculum developer, Riott uses their 10+ years of curriculum development and facilitation experience to develop SQSH's trauma-informed, LGBTQIA-affirming peer counseling curriculum.
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