1. LGBTQ 201 A Product of the 3/40 Blueprint:
Creating the Blueprint to Reduce LGBTQ Youth Homelessness

2. Why are we here today?
To increase our cultural awareness of LGBTQ sub-cultures
Discuss why it’s important to be mindful of the spaces we create for youth.
Discuss our documentation and how to adjust it to better meet the needs of the youth we work with, but still allow us to track data in relevant ways to create opportunities for funding.
Learn how to share our knowledge with those we work with to better work towards accepting and affirming environments for our clients.
Discuss practical tips for working with LGBTQ youth

3. LGBTQ: The basics L – Lesbian G – Gay B – Bi-Sexual T – Transgendered
Q – Queer or Questioning

4. LGBTQ: Not so Basic 2S – Two-Spirited I – Intersex A- Asexual or Ally
P – Pansexual
C – Cisgendered
MSM – Men who have Sex with Men

5. How does it connect?
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)
Sexual Orientation: Male vs. Female vs. Androgynous
Gender Identity: Male vs. female vs. Ze/They (third Gendered)
Expression: Masculine vs. Feminine vs. Androgyny
What does that all mean?

6. Genderbread Person

7. That’s lovely Rob,
Why does it matter?

8. Cultural Competency
Like any other sub-culture, the LGBTQ culture can have an impact on how a youth sees themselves and how comfortable they are in their own skin.
When youth feel connected to a larger community that shares societal rules, norms, and stories, it makes room for connection and belongingness.
It’s important to keep in mind that like in any other sub-culture, not all youth will find the same level of connection and feel have the same sense of belonging.

9. Now that we know a bit more about components of LGBTQ specific culture, how do we connect the dots?

10. The space we take up
For those of us who have an office, or a work space we regularly meet with clients, ask yourself the following:
What Symbols are present in your space?
Can people outside this space hear what’s being said in this room?
Can the space be arraigned so that the youth doesn’t feel “locked in”, trapped” or “cornered”?
Do I have a “power/principal desk”?
Clinical vs Comfortable spaces
What about your bathroom usage?
Bathroom usage based on birth gender vs self-identified gender
Location of feminine hygiene products and receptacles
What about sleeping space if needed?

11. LGBTQ symbols 101

12. Pansexual flag Transgender flag

13. The words we use Being mindful of gender pronouns.
Being mindful of birth names and preferred names
Being mindful that not all trans-gendered people are allowed/comfortable with dressing as their self-identified gender.
Just because it’s the name on the letterman’s jacket, does not mean that’s their name…
When in doubt, ask,ask,ask…

14. How and Why?
How do we document SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression) matters.
Often, we try to force complex identities into narrow boxes. This doesn’t help anyone.
Need to know basis vs Want to know
Why do I need to know? Is this information relevant to my work?
Do I want to know to satisfy my curiosity?
How do we ask?
“How do you identify/describe your gender ?”
“What are your preferred Gender pro-nouns?”
“What is your preferred name?”
“What gender do you normally date/have sexual relations with?”

15. How to respond Why do you need to know? Who else will know?
Just because I had sex with a (fill in), doesn’t mean I’m gay.
Our agency uses demographic information when we apply for grants.
Myself and the person who writes the grants. (or whatever scenario is accurate for your agency)
It’s not my job to decide what you are, my job is to (fill in your role here)

16. Remember the old adage…
Kids don’t care what you know, until they know you care.

17. Sharing what we know
First of all, being aware of what we know, and being aware of what we may not know.
Having someone “come out” to you can be conflicting.
Did the client actually come out, or are am I projecting my perceptions?
Second, Examine what needs to be shared with your co-workers.
Does this increase the situational awareness for other workers?
Will this lead to better services?
Will this contribute to the client’s safety?
Sharing information in common spaces and viewable paperwork (can a client see other clients names on my desk?)

18. Staff Development & Learning
Does our staff know what to do if and when a client comes out?
Do we as an agency need to know a client’s sexual health and practices to serve?
Are we as an agency aware of our own biases and perceptions when it comes to topics surrounding LGBTQ issues?
Am I comfortable asking about sex?
Am I comfortable talking to LGBTQ people?
Do we know other local resources who can assist?
Other staff?
Other Agencies?
Websites that are safe for kids with relevant and accurate help?
Can you think of any other questions your agency needs to ask?

19. Online Resources National Resources: Regional Resources:
Regional Resources:
And there is always Evergreen YFS