Queer Literacy
Presentations that engage, enlighten, and effect change.
Interactive
Presentations can include an interactive “quiz show” that tests the groups knowledge while raising awareness about sexual orientations, gender identities, and queer terminology and symbols.
Informative
Participants will learn about the major milestones of the LGBTQAAI+ movement, current demographic and population trends, and state and federal laws impacting the LGBTQAAI+ community and much more.
Impactful
Evaluate common practices related to representation, inclusive marketing, and rethinking “Safe Spaces” to be more open, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the LGBTQAAI+ community.
Literacy.
"All are welcome" is no longer enough. Take your allyship to the next level.
About Queer Literacy
Queer Literacy presentations are a series of interactive and dynamic workshops and lectures for those seeking to better understand how to improve relationships with and better understand the unique concerns facing members of the LGBTQAAI+ community.
Topics can be tailored to the needs of your group and organization but generally cover the strengths and resiliency of the LGBTQAAI+ community, evolving terminology, demographic shifts, growing old as queer, and best practices for service providers.
In depth learning about the challenges facing the queer community and how you can create change.
Philosophy.
Philosophical Approach
It’s impossible to separate LGBTQAAI+ people from their environments. This is why, as a clinical social worker, I feel it is my duty to work one-on-one with my clients and to provide support and education to allies in the communities where we live.
The role of the ally is essential in breaking down remaining barriers and creating spaces that are more than safe. We all benefit when minds, hearts, and spaces are open, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of others.
Allyship is an earned role in the LGBTQAAI+ community, and one that should be active, informed, and visible. And, I understand that allies also need spaces to ask questions, gain awareness, and identify opportunities that can elevate them from passive to activated participants in the LGBTQAAI+ movement.
Rigor.
Content can be tailored to the unique needs of your organization or class.
Evidence-based.
Terminology and definitions used among members of the LGBTQ community to describe their experiences. This includes evolving terminology related to polyamory, asexuality, and gender transitioning.
Demographics of LGBTQ populations in the United States. This will address information about where the LGBTQ community resides, socioeconomic concerns, and trends in aging as a member of the community.
Current laws regarding equality and LGBTQ protections. Participants will learn about state and federal “equality” legislation regarding protections from discrimination, hate crimes, and other concerns facing the community.
Understanding the experiences of those who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming. Concepts of gender expression and identity are rapidly evolving in the LGBTQ community. Participants will gain knowledge of the Transgender experience and transitioning.
Considering the role of heteronormativity and privilege in working with the LGBTQ community. Participants will learn about the challenges facing members of the LGBTQ community living in environments that view heterosexuality as the norm. Participants will gain understanding and implications of terms such as heteronormativity, straight privilege, and microaggressions.
Best practices for intake processes and services provision. Finally, participants will review common practices related to intake process, inclusive marketing, and rethinking “Safe Spaces” to be more open, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the LGBTQ community.
What learning style works best for your group?
Structure.
Presentation structures.
Lectures
Lectures are well suited for college classes, social service agencies, non-profit board and staff meetings, and community and professional conferences. Typically lasting one hour, lecture topics will be uniquely tailored to the needs and knowledge of those in attendance.
Intensives
Intensive workshops are designed to help participants deepen their knowledge of the queer community, evaluate their roles as allies, and engage in dynamic and meaning discussions. Workshops typically range from three to eight hours depending on the level of culture change sought by the organization or agency.
Formats
Typically all learning would happen in a lecture hall, conference room, or class room. With greater access to remote technology and growing comfort with online learning, lectures can be adapted to Zoom. Intensive workshops can also be adapted, but are better suited for small groups or in person learning.
Commonly Requested Topics.
LGBTQ 101: An introduction to the LGTBQ community. An interactive “quiz show” that introduces terminology and raises awareness about sexual orientations, gender identities, and queer terminology and symbols. (60 minutes)
LGBTQ 101 can be expanded to include concerns about aging in the LGBTQ community, national demographic and population trends as well as the current socio-political concerns of the community. (90-120 minutes)
Generation Invisible: Growing older in the LGBTQ community. A presentation designed to educate participants on the unique history and current needs of LGBTQ older adults. Participants will also understand the struggles LGBTQ older adults face in remaining “out of the closet” when accessing mainstream services such as long-term care, senior programs, and community programs.
We Live Here: Being LGBTQ in America. An enlightening presentation on the state of the LGBTQ community in America. Participants will review recent major milestones of the LGBTQ movement as well as gain an understanding of current demographic and population trends, state and federal laws impacting the LGBTQ community and much more.
Love is Love: A look at non-conventional relationships. This presentation focuses on helping participants expand their understanding of LGBTQ relationships and the value non-conventional relationship models may have for rethinking traditional relationship norms. We explore emerging sexual identities, evolving terminology, consensual non-monogamy, and gender roles in relationships.
Gender Journeys: Rethinking gender roles and identities. This presentation helps participants reconsider conventional ideals of masculinity and femininity, and how expanding concepts of gender identity relate to those in the transgender and gender nonconforming communities.
For consultations and pricing please call 773-875-0928.
Presentations are custom and will be designed according to the needs of the participants or conference.
Pricing ranges depending on time, travel, and depth of research needed to complete each presentation.
Organizations dedicated to creating culture change and improving relationships with the LGBTQAAI+ community may request an agency evaluation and report.