LGBTQ 101 Creating inclusive environments for all genders and sexual orientations

What is Response? We support teens & their families through outreach, counseling and sexual health services in a teen-friendly environment. Counseling Clinic Outreach

Where is Response? 9304 Skokie Blvd Skokie, IL Located on the corner of Skokie Blvd & Gross Point Rd Right in between Emma’s Cafe & Edwardo’s Pizza! YUM!

1)Be Fully Present : No food or phones 2)2 B4 Me: 2 people share before I speak again 3)Watch My Air Time: 2 minutes 4)Use our Tools: Index cards, folders, etc. 5)Snaps: Acknowledging the good I witness - CPS Arts Department, 2014 Agreements

1.) Hands raised for questions 2.) Peace sign fingers = Our quiet sign 3.) Talk time = 2 minutes 4.) No food or phones during session 5.) Index cards Housekeeping Reminders

Today’s Agenda: REFLECT How do LGBTQ issues fit into the work you do? REFRESH New skills related to: – Learning the Language – Improving Curriculum – Responding to offensive language and comments RENEW How to apply what we’ve learned

Goals – Write on your index card-Share with the person next to you REFLECT: What are you hoping to get out of this workshop?

Gender Identity/Expression How someone feels inside, and how they portray that to the world Sexual orientation Who someone is attracted to emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc. REFRESH: Learning the Language man womanboy girl feminine masculine gender fluid androgynous gender neutral queer transgender third gender gay lesbian bisexual pansexual asexual queer gender variant trannytransgendered A transgender homosexual straight A gay Sexual preference transvestite gay lifestyle

– Share with the person next to you REFLECT: How might gender and sexual orientation come up in the work you do?

6 in 10 LGBT students reported feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation; 4 in 10 because of how they expressed their gender Less than a fifth of students reported that school personnel frequently intervened when hearing homophobic remarks or negative remarks about gender expression. More than half of students heard homophobic remarks from school personnel. Nearly one third of students missed classes or entire days of school in the past month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable. Students of any sexual orientation who learn about LGBTQ people/issues in class feel safer and more included in school. (2008 Preventing School Harassment) From GLSEN 2011 School Climate Survey:

-Look at the material you’ve been given -Circle any parts that you feel are not inclusive -How would you change it? REFRESH: Improving Curriculum

Boyfriend/girlfriend  Partner Mom & Dad  Parent or Guardian Split into boys and girls  count off by 2s Male or Female  Gender _________ Heteronormative images Gender policing & body shaming Look out for…

– Share with the person next to you RENEW: Think about the programs you run. Do you have any resources or materials that you use and would like to edit to make more inclusive? How?

“This is gay” “Girls are so bossy” “No homo, bro” “Don’t be a pussy” “Maria you’re dressed like a dude today!” What are some possible responses? What are some challenges you may face? REFRESH: Responding to comments from students

“This is gay” – “What do you mean by that?” – “Gay is actually a word for sexual orientation, please choose a different one.” “Girls are so bossy” – “Why do you say bossy, not confident or assertive? Do you call boys bossy?” – “That’s a big generalization! Let’s not make such sweeping statements about groups of people.” “No homo, bro” – “Why do you think some people feel so worried about their actions being seen like that?” – “Comments like that make it sound like it’s bad to be gay, I don’t want to hear it again.” “Don’t be a pussy” – “Did you ever stop to think about that phrase and what it implies? Why do you think people say it so often?” – “I’m sure you don’t mean to be, but that comment is sexist. Not to mention inappropriate. Use a different word please.” “Maria you’re dressed like a dude today!” – “What does ‘dressing like a dude’ mean? Maybe she’s just wearing what she feels comfortable in?” – “Maria can dress however she likes, let’s not police each other’s clothing choices.” REFRESH: Responding to comments from students: 1.Questions that open discussion 2.Statements that address and redirect

Goal Setting – Write on back of index card RENEW: -What is one concept/idea that you will take away from this session? -What are two concrete steps or actions that you will do in the next two weeks based on this session?