Plexus Education Foundation Presents
LGBTQ+ 101
Description
The LGBTQ+ 101 training is designed to create a more inclusive and understanding workplace environment by providing participants with foundational knowledge and skills related to the LGBTQ+ community. This training aims to foster empathy, respect, and inclusivity towards individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Throughout this training, participants will gain insights into the terminology, identities, and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. They will explore the challenges and barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in both personal and professional settings, as well as learn strategies to create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
Objectives
- Gain a fundamental understanding of the historical and current issues facing LGBTQ individuals.
- Understand the role that politics play as it relates to LGBTQ rights in the United States.
- Explore language, how to include pronouns, and general overview of what the letters within the LGBTQ+ acronym stand for.
- Explore concepts of gender and sexuality identity and terms.
Components
- Understanding LGBTQ+ Terminology: Participants will familiarize themselves with key terms and concepts related to sexual orientation and gender identity, including but not limited to LGBTQ+, transgender, non-binary, and cisgender.
- Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities within the LGBTQ+ community, and learn to respect and affirm individual identities.
- Addressing Bias and Stereotypes: Participants will examine common stereotypes and biases associated with LGBTQ+ individuals, and explore strategies to challenge and combat these stereotypes in the workplace.
- Creating Inclusive Spaces: Participants will learn practical ways to create inclusive and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ colleagues, clients, and customers, including language usage, policies, and organizational culture.
- Allyship and Support: Participants will explore the role of allies in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, and learn how to be effective allies by advocating for inclusivity, understanding privilege, and fostering a sense of belonging for all.
- Enhancing Communication and Engagement Across Generations: Explore generational differences in attitudes, beliefs, and communication styles related to LGBTQ+ issues. Participants will learn strategies for bridging these differences and fostering constructive dialogue across generations. By promoting understanding and empathy, we aim to create a more cohesive and supportive workplace culture that values diversity in all its forms.
- Handling Challenging Situations: Participants will learn how to respond to incidents of discrimination, harassment, or microaggressions targeting LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace, and explore ways to promote accountability and support. This component is included in 2+ hour trainings.
Recommended Reading
Bach, M. (2022). Alphabet soup: The essential guide to LGBTQ2+ inclusion at work. Page Two.
Barker, M.-J. & Scheele, J. (2016). Queer: A graphic history. Icon Books.
Bauman, J. (2019). The Stonewall reader. Penguin Classics.
Brown, J. D. (2023). The souls of Queer folk: How understanding LGBTQ+ culture can transform your leadership practice. Publish Your Purpose Press.
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.
Fowlkes, A. C. (2024). Transgender inclusion: All the things you want to ask your transgender coworker but shouldn't. Wiley.
Gibson, S. (2018). Gender diversity and non-binary inclusion in the workplace. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Givisser, M. (2020). The pink line: Journeys across the world's queer frontiers. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Grace, J. T. (2017). Beyond the rainbow: Personal stories and practical strategies to help your business & workplace connect with the LGBTQ market. Publish Your Purpose Press.
Habib, S. (2019). We have always been here: A queer Muslim memoir. Viking.
Human Rights Campaign. (Annual). Corporate equality index. https://www.hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index
Kobabe, M. (2019). Gender queer: A memoir. Oni Press.
McCay, L. (2024). Breaking the rainbow ceiling: How LGBTQ+ people can thrive and succeed at work. Bloomsbury Business.
Parker, A. (2024). Pride everyday: Empowering LGBTQ+ pride in the workplace and beyond. Notion Press.
Shane, K. (2021). Creating an LGBT+ inclusive workplace. Routledge.
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