Trainings
To book a training, please email us at info@qplusct.org and include what kind of training you are looking for, when you are looking to hold it, and if it would be online or in-person.
Trainings are available on a sliding scale basis.
LGBT(QIAP+) 101
Learn more about the experiences, challenges, language, culture, and history of the queer community. This training offers a more in-depth discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, including a discussion on the meaning, importance, and use of orientation labels and gender pronouns. We will discuss language and symbols and take a look at how queer identity intersects with other aspects of identity and culture. Common myths about queer art and the history of the queer rights movement will be addressed. This training includes a brief overview of risk factors, related statistics, and relevant anti discrimination laws.
Each of the following add-on topics would increase this training by 30 minutes:
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The Gender Spectrum. Gender is far more complicated than ‘man, woman, other’-- and for that matter, so is biological sex! Learn more about who falls into the ‘other’ category, and how cisgender allies can best support them.
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The (A)Sexuality Spectrum. Sexuality is far more complicated than ‘gay, straight, bi’-- there are plenty more labels for who people are attracted to, as well as words for how people experience that attraction. Learn more about sexuality, including the asexual spectrum and different models of attraction.
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“Alternative” Sexuality. Kink, leather, polyamory, and more are often lumped into the ‘queer’ umbrella, but they don’t inherently belong there (despite definite overlap). Learn more about what these words mean, and explore the truth behind some common misconceptions when it comes to these types of play and relationship styles.
(Reminder: Q Plus Adult Trainings are designed for people 18 or older. This add-on block is typically booked by college groups and requires audience age confirmation.)
LGBTQ+ Youth
(and How to Support Them)
Learn more about the experiences and challenges of queer youth today, and how you can best support them as an adult. This training covers the basics of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, including vocabulary and a tiny bit of history and culture, before delving into why these identities are so important to queer youth today. We will explore youth experiences of queerphobias, risk factors and related statistics, and the long term impacts of growing up queer and unsupported; then, we will discuss ways to reduce these risks, including protective factors and best practices for everything from policies to day-to-day interactions. This training includes a brief overview of relevant federal and Connecticut anti discrimination laws.
Each of the following add-on topics would increase this training by 30 minutes:
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In Schools. This block adds a more in-depth look at antidiscrimination laws that apply to students in schools, including an overview of some relevant court cases. Best practices related to schools, including those regarding bathrooms and locker rooms, academic records, first-day class introductions, and calls home, will be explored in more detail.
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In Congregate Care. This block adds a more in-depth look at the unique challenges and experiences of queer youth in congregate or other out-of-home care. Related case studies and best practices on things like name and pronoun use, hormone access, and sleeping arrangements will be explored in more detail.
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In Medical Care. This block adds a more in-depth look at barriers queer youth face when it comes to accessing appropriate medical care. Best practices related to medical care settings, including those regarding record keeping, waiting room etiquette, appointment and examination protocols, and stigmatizing language, will be explored in more detail.
Neurodiversity
(How to Better Understand & Support Neurodivergent Students)
Learn more about the experiences and challenges of neurodivergent youth, and how you can best support them as a neurotypical adult. This training goes over relevant vocabulary and concepts from the neurodivergent community, and compares and contrasts them with what is typically taught or promoted in mainstream media and education. We will compare the concepts of awareness vs. acceptance and disability vs difference, and will explore and discuss diagnostic criteria, functioning labels, stimming, accommodations, and autistic and neurodivergent culture. Lastly, we will explore some real examples of accidental ableism and discuss ways to combat it in our own schools, workplaces, and lives.