IN·clued: LGBTQ-Centered Sex Education Facilitator Experience Training (Virtual, 2 Days)

JOIN US VIRTUALLY ON SEPTEMBER 14TH & SEPTEMBER 16TH FROM 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Applications Open August 18th-Sept 10th, 2021!

As of September 2020, more than 1.9 million young folks identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, questioning, and queer (LGBTQ+) yet in the National School Climate Survey, only 4% of students were taught positive information about LGBT relationships and sexuality education.  Six states still currently uphold state laws prohibiting the discussion of LGBTQ+ sexual education and we see the effects of these laws.   LGBTQ+ young people are disproportionately affected by unintended pregnancy and STDs, including HIV, with LGB adolescents being more likely to become involved in a pregnancy than their heterosexual counterparts. LGBTQ+ youth also engage in unprotected sexual behaviors at higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers and are less likely to access sexual healthcare due to past or perceived negative and/or discriminatory treatment at healthcare facilities.

IN·clued uplifts the voices of LGBTQ+ youth & takes a youth-focused approach to education by providing an informative, understanding framework to truly inclusive sex education. 

The IN·clued program is an evidence-based sexual health education program designed to reduce unintended pregnancies and/or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among LGBTQ+ young people, ages 14-19. Additionally, participants will receive in-depth training on how to incorporate effective HIV infection transmission prevention education more fully into their work.

In this two day training participants will explore activities in the IN·clued program that solidify the curricula’s likelihood to impact participant behavior, as well as learn about real-world implementation experiences had by this trainings’ facilitator, including adaptations that were helpful in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Learning objectives include:

• Why LGBTQ+ youth?
• Stewardship and education
• Allyship in healthcare
• How specific activities may work in your settings
• How to face challenges with facilitating these topics
• Resources and improving skills
• Relevance of increased HIV prevention education

We will be utilizing the virtual space to provide a safe AND brave space for participants to practice skills in various activities in the IN·clued Program.  Some activities will require active participation to create a meaningful training experience, so we invite you to bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to the space!

This training series is virtual; participation requires access to a device compatible with Zoom 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 upon completion of the entire training series.

***You only need to register once to gain access to both days of the training. Please do not register unless you can attend BOTH days of training!***

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!

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 ewabnitz@newbeginmaine.org for more info!