As our understanding of gender and sexual spectrums evolves, fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees is more important than ever. Our specialized program equips organizations with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to build a culture of acceptance and allyship. Through 4 transformative sessions, we explore key topics such as understanding LGBTQ+ identities, addressing unconscious bias, creating inclusive policies, and empowering allies in the workplace. Take meaningful steps to ensure every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive!
The sessions include:
SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics): Expanding Allyship
Words That Welcome: A Guide to Inclusive Language
Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions: Cultivating a Respectful Environment for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Unmasking Biases: Dismantling Biases for Inclusion
SESSION DETAILS
SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics)-Expanding Allyship
The roots of the term LGBTQ+ can be found in efforts since the 1990s, largely in North America, to move beyond the use of the predominantly cis-male term gay as a false generic and is no longer acceptable to refer to all people. Gay has most commonly been expanded to LGBT. Still, the logic of this expansion has continued to add more letters to refer to queer (Q), intersex (I), and asexual (A) categories, with the plus sign (+) signalling an openness to still other identities.
New identities like pansexual, demisexual, agender, pangender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming are emerging, with more likely to follow as social freedoms grow. The alternative framework of SOGIESC offers a helpful way to understand and navigate these diverse sexual and gender identities.
Duration: Onsite – 2 hours, Online – 1.5 hours
Audience: All employees
Words That Welcome: A Guide to Inclusive Language
Language is more than just words; it's a powerful tool that shapes our interactions and perceptions. By using language that respects and affirms the diverse identities of individuals, we can create welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. Join us as we explore practical strategies and examples for using inclusive language in our everyday interactions. Let's begin our journey towards creating a more inclusive world through our chosen words.
Duration: Onsite – 2 hours, Online – 1.5 hours
Audience: All employees
Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions: Cultivating
a Respectful Environment for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Microaggressions are often unintentional, but they can have significant effects on individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities such as the LGBTQIA+ community. These subtle acts of discrimination can chip away at a person's sense of belonging, self-worth, and overall well-being. In our journey towards creating more inclusive and respectful environments, it's crucial to understand the impact of seemingly subtle yet harmful behaviours and statements known as microaggressions.
Duration: Onsite – 2 hours, Online – 1.5 hours
Audience: All employees
Unmasking Biases: Dismantling Biases for Inclusion
In our society, biases exist in various forms, often lurking beneath the surface of our awareness. These biases, whether implicit or explicit, can shape our perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours towards others, particularly those who identify as LGBTQIA+. By gaining an understanding of unconscious bias and its impact, we empower ourselves to challenge these hidden prejudices and create a more welcoming and equitable world for all.
Duration: Onsite – 2 hours, Online – 1.5 hours
Audience: All employees