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Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action


June 15, 2023

PESA’S PRIDE MONTH FEATURE: ELLA CAVLAN

PESA case manager shares their journey to self-discovery

Ella Cavlan, a dedicated Case Manager at PESA, has fearlessly intersected the complex paths of sexuality and gender identity to embrace her true self. Through her resilience and determination, Cavlan has become an inspiration to the staff and youth at PESA.


During her middle school years, she found the courage to come out as bisexual, embracing their attraction to both men and women. However, as she entered high school, the weight of societal expectations and the fear of being victimized by bullying led her to conceal her true identity, once again identifying as heterosexual. 


As the years unfolded, Cavlan sought comfort in the embrace of queer friends and inclusive environments during undergrad and graduate school. Surrounded by love, acceptance, and understanding, she discovered a sense of comfort in her gender and sexual fluidity. It was through this newfound self-acceptance that they embraced a freedom to explore different parts of themself without feeling constrained.


Reflecting on her journey, Cavlan shares, "So now I really just say I'm gender fluid and sexually fluid because that is a label that allows me to explore different areas of myself and try to think about things and doesn't make me feel like stuck in something." This fluidity became the key that unlocked the doors of self-exploration, inviting Cavlan to embrace her ever-evolving identity.


In 2020, Cavlan embarked on a mission to foster inclusivity at PESA. By conducting psychoeducational presentations delivered at various schools, she aimed to bridge the gap in information, emphasizing the significance of embracing gender nonconformity. These efforts created safe spaces where individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms could be seen and heard.


"One thing I love about PESA and how we run is that we're primarily interns when it comes to direct practice with the youth," Cavlan shares. "We're so lucky in the way that we have access to so many unique experiences that can inform these people's work." This spirit of continuous learning and growth has allowed her and fellow PESA colleagues to bridge the gap in educational queerness, ensuring that the youth in our programs receive the support and understanding they deserve.


Cavlan highlights the supportive environment at PESA, where continuous learning and growth are valued. She acknowledges the unique experiences of PESA interns, emphasizing their ability to inform their work with youth. Calvan has collaborated in the past with an intern to develop a comprehensive LGBTQ+ training program for our staff. This initiative not only served as an educational tool but also ensured that PESA would remain inclusive, valuing and respecting the diversity of its members.


Within the inclusive community at PESA, Cavlan has found a sense of belonging and acceptance. She proudly shares, "I feel extremely comfortable here because everybody is just very open and accepting and willing to correct any mistakes that may be happening or open up projects like this, you know, where it's like, everyone's just willing to learn. And that is all I can really ask for as long as I'm not feeling like I'm being treated a type of way or questioned, and PESA makes an opportunity to make queer people more comfortable here so I'm happy."


As we celebrate Cavlan's courage and resilience, let us recognize the importance of fostering inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding within PESA’s organization and the wider community.


If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.

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