The purpose of the workshop is to increase awareness for professionals working and interacting with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-binary, and Questioning students, and their families. Hear personal narratives from high school and college students on their experiences of gender and orientation, and their thoughts on what inclusive and welcoming schools looks like. Though awareness about gender and orientation has dramatically increased, many youths still face violence, mental health challenges, and life-threatening consequences when they don’t fit society’s traditional expectations. In this interactive session, participants will engage in conversations with youth leaders in partnership with a licensed clinician on how to powerfully create affirming school environments and practices that support the healthy development of all youth and decrease anti-gay and gender-related bullying behaviors. Learn new skills on how to navigate conversations about the topics of gender and orientation when speaking with students or parents.
