Morning Program
Creating Inclusive Environments for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
Rebecca Reilly, Bridge 13, New Avenues for Youth
Session Overview
In Bridge 13’s affirming and equitable spaces training we will start with terminology and basic gender and sexuality concepts with
a focus on the gender binary, gender identity, and gender expression to create a shared base of knowledge. We will then dive
into the systems of oppression that impact the lived experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ and especially multimarginalized LGBTQIA2S+
folks. We will discuss and practice methods of interrupting oppression before exploring ways to create affirming spaces for
LGBTQIA2S+ folks through identity navigation, pronoun/name best practices, bathroom justice, and creating plans for more
equitable spaces.
Handouts/Links:
Learning Objectives
- Increase feelings of inclusion and belonging by recognizing the expansiveness of LGBTQIA2S+ communities/experiences including
historic and contemporary peoples with culturally specific identities. - Understand the gender binary as it relates to our current cultural norms, expectations, and workplace cultures.
- Reduce misunderstandings and harm by understanding the differences and relationships between gender, sexuality, and expression.
- Identify barriers to equitable systems access that trans/gender expansive folks face.
- Identify personally effective methods of interrupting harmful comments.
- Navigate pronoun conversations and corrections with confidence.
- Critically examine how affirming or alienating spaces/programming might be for LGBTQIA2S+ folks.
Presenter Bio
Rebeca has spent 20 years working in education and youth development, with 6 years as a middle and high school teacher, 10
years in museums, and 4 years in nonprofits. She currently oversees LGBTQIA2S+ Programs at New Avenues for Youth, running two
community centers and the Bridge 13 training program. In her free time she enjoys riding her bike, reading fantasy novels, and
watching anime.