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Plexus Education Foundation Presents

Allyship & Activism

Description

The Plexus LGBTQ+ Allyship & Activism Training is designed to educate and empower individuals within the workplace to become effective allies and advocates for LGBTQ+ individuals. This training will provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Objectives

  1. Increase understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, terminology, and experiences.
  2. Explore the importance of allyship and activism in creating inclusive workplaces.
  3. Identify and challenge biases and stereotypes related to LGBTQ+ individuals.
  4. Learn effective strategies for supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
  5. Develop practical skills for creating safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ colleagues.
  6. Foster empathy, respect, and understanding towards LGBTQ+ individuals and their experiences.

Components

  1. Education on LGBTQ+ Identities: Participants will receive an overview of LGBTQ+ identities, including terminology and key concepts. This will include discussions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
  2. Understanding Privilege and Intersectionality: The training will address the intersectionality of identities and how privilege impacts the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Participants will reflect on their own privileges and biases. 
  3. Allyship and Advocacy: Participants will learn the principles of allyship and advocacy and how to apply them in their workplace. This includes ways to support LGBTQ+ colleagues, intervene in instances of discrimination or harassment, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices. 
  4. Creating Inclusive Spaces: Strategies for creating inclusive environments will be discussed, including inclusive language, policies, and practices. Participants will explore ways to make their workplace and their everyday environment more welcoming for LGBTQ+ individuals. 
  5. Resources and Support: Participants will be provided with resources, tools, and support networks to continue their journey as LGBTQ+ allies and activists beyond the training. 
  6. Role-playing and Scenarios: Interactive activities, role-plays, and real-life scenarios will be used to practice allyship skills and strategies in a safe and supportive environment. This component is for 2+ hour sessions. 
Plexus workplace inclusion trainings

Recommended Reading

Barker, M.-J. & Scheele, J. (2016). Queer: A graphic history. Icon Books.​

Bauman, J. (2019). The Stonewall reader. Penguin Classics.​

Chen, A. (2020). Ace: What asexuality reveals about desire, society, and the meaning of sex. Beacon Press.​

Dawson, J. (2015). This book is gay. Sourcebooks Fire.​

Gainsburg, J. (2020). The savvy ally: A guide for becoming a skilled LGBTQ+ advocate. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.​

Givisser, M. (2020). The pink line: Journeys across the world's queer frontiers. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.​

Habib, S. (2019). We have always been here: A queer Muslim memoir. Viking.​

Hall, D. M. (2009). Allies at work: Creating a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusive work environment. Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.​

Kobabe, M. (2019). Gender queer: A memoir. Oni Press.​

Thompkins, C. (2021). Raising LGBTQ allies: A parent's guide to changing the messages from the playground. Rowman & Littlefield.​