This workshop focuses on effective strategies and tactics for identifying and engaging with male and LGBTQ youth victimized by commercial sexual exploitation. National research shows that boys can make up as much as half of all child sex trafficking victims, however, identification of these victims has lagged, with little focus on how to effectively engage and connect them with services. The workshop will cover misconceptions regarding the intersectionality of males, sexual orientation and gender expression. It will explore toxic masculinity, and how to better understand and treat male youth who have been victimized by violence, as well as divert future criminal involvement and other unhealthy behaviors. Hear about proven methodologies used by researchers to engage male and LGBTQ youth, as well as tactics and channels for solicitation used by traffickers that can be also be used by outreach staff and other service providers.

This session is presented by Nathan Earl, an anti-trafficking pioneer, advocate and visionary leader with a passion for building resilient communities immune to exploitation. He leads the organization, Ark of Freedom Alliance, dedicated to preventing child exploitation, and ending the marginalization of male and LGBTQ+ survivors of violent trauma, and those at risk.