Creating Safety for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (Day 1)
Training Details
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, questioning, and queer-identified (LGBTQ+) young people make up a significant and disproportionately high percentage of the runaway and homeless youth population, and often can face additional challenges in accessing services. LGBTQ+ youth and young adults report high rates of bullying, including verbal harassment and physical assault due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Youth workers are in an excellent position to become safe, supportive resources for these young people! Schools and youth-serving agencies that are welcoming, supportive, and safe can play a unique role in the lives of these young people, and in turn help to better support LGBTQ+ youth in their overall mental health, as well as their emotional and physical well-being, including reducing their risk for new HIV infections, interpersonal violence, and other health disparities.
Participants are welcome to register for one or both days, however content covered during Day 1 will not be repeated on Day 2, so a current, working knowledge of LGBTQ+ related terms and concepts is recommended for those only registering for Day 2. Please note that an advanced knowledge of LGBTQ+ experiences is not required- this is an introductory training series. October 27th Training Objectives include:
- Understanding new and changing terminology
- Gain an understanding of the relationship between orientation, identity, and behavior
- Increase knowledge of local and national Q+ resources
- Gaining empathy for Queer and Trans* experiences
October 28th Training Objectives Include:
- Identify active allyship vs. passive tolerance
- Learning about health disparities (including risk for HIV infection and interpersonal violence) and community resilience
- Creating a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ young people
- Gaining empathy for Queer and Trans* experiences
This training series is virtual; participation requires access to a device compatible with Go To software, a stable internet connection, and working speakers, webcam, and microphone. Participants should also be able to successfully navigate the “chat” feature (i.e. working mouse and keyboard). Certificates of Attendance will be provided and CEU’s will be available for purchase. ***Please do not apply unless you can attend the entire training day (or days) you have selected.***
NEW: Do you work with or otherwise mentor a young person who may be interested in learning the skills associated with participating in this training alongside you? Email kris@newbeginmaine.org for more info!
This training opportunity is sponsored by New Beginnings, Inc., with support from the Maine Department of Education. Staff of youth-serving agencies and alternative schools are welcome to apply!
Training Application
Applications are closed for this event.
PLEASE NOTE: Application priority will be given to youth workers and staff from youth/social service agencies, residential programs, and alternative schools who work with teens and young adults at high risk for negative health outcomes or homelessness/out of home placements. Adults/educators who do not currently work directly with these youth (e.g. primarily work with younger adolescents, children, lower-risk populations, or in program administration) may submit an application request but will likely be placed on the waiting list until after the application deadline, and contacted as space allows.