This insightful course breaks down key terminology, covers practical strategies to address discrimination in the workplace, highlights the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people in Australia and provides useful referrals and resources to further support inclusive practice.
Overview
Working with Pride: Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces for LGBTIQA+ Staff, Clients, and Communities is an interactive, evidence-based workshop that aims to equip attendees with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to work more inclusively with LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual) clients, co-workers, and community. Led by knowledgeable and welcoming facilitators, the workshop provides a safe and inclusive environment to learn and ask questions to better understand the experiences and needs of LGBTIQA+ community in Australia.
Despite the great leaps Australia has made in the last 50 years around inclusion and diversity, LGBTIQA+ people still report high levels of discrimination, exclusion, and poorer mental health outcomes compared to the general population. With direct links between rising misinformation and disinformation and these negative impacts on LGBTIQA+ people, the need to access evidence-based information around LGBTIQA+ diversity has never been more important.
Research shows that workplaces aspire to be inclusive of LGBTIQA+ diversity but have not had an opportunity to learn about diversity in a respectful and educational way. In line with the Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy for WA Public Sector Employment 2020-2025, this training aims to upskill public sector staff to work inclusively with LGBTIQA+ people.
The training is activity-based, with small group discussions, questions, and videos of LGBTIQA+ people and their experiences, allowing participants to learn in an interactive and relaxed manner. Physical resources will be provided on the day, such as a glossary of terminology, support for using pronouns, key strategies for inclusive practices and relevant research. Attendees will also receive a digital folder of further resources and the ability to contact facilitators with any questions beyond the training.
Course Content
What does LGBTIQA+ diversity mean? Breaking down key terminology (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual) and understanding the differences between sex, gender, and sexual orientation
- Human rights and legal requirements around diversity and inclusion
- Understanding and practicing using pronouns
- Learning about gender affirmation/transitioning and the supports available for trans and gender diverse people
- Research-based experiences of LGBTIQA+ people in Australia today, with a specific focus on services and the workplace
- What you can do as an individuals, team or workplace to be more inclusive, including the use of inclusive language
- Practical strategies to address discrimination in the workplace and beyond
- Useful referrals and resources for workplaces and individuals
- Opportunity for questions throughout
Outcomes
- Define key terminology related to LGBTIQA+ diversity
- Understand the ethical and legal obligations around LGBTIQA+ inclusion in the workplace
- Increase confidence to learn and use correct pronouns
- Improve knowledge around the experiences of LGBTIQA+ Australians today, regarding experiences in the workplace and services
- Practice strategies to work inclusively with LGBTIQA+ staff, clients, and communities
- Have a list of resources to support LGBTIQA+ inclusion
Benefits to your organisation
- Improve the knowledge and confidence of staff to work with LGBTIQA+ community
- Help ensure your organisation’s services are welcoming and accessible to LGBTIQA+ community
- Have ongoing access to resources to support your organisation’s continuous improvement in LGBTIQA+ inclusivity
- Promote staff satisfaction and retainment by providing a safer, more inclusive workplace for LGBTIQA+ staff members, potential employers and clients
Benefits to you
- Gain a greater understanding and empathy for LGBTIQA+ people and community
- Build confidence to use correct pronouns and inclusive language
- Learn to work inclusively with LGBTIQA+ staff and clients
- Access strategies for addressing discrimination
- Understand the supports and services available to LGBTIQA+ community
