Let’s Learn: “Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth” (3 CEUs - Ohio CSWMFT Board)

Credit: 3 contact hours

Overview:

This virtual workshop provides an overview of the current climate and events impacting youth who are LGBTQI+; definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity terms; challenges faced by LGBTQI+ youth, their parents, and their allies; ODJFS and federal guidelines for supporting LGBTQI+ youth; gender affirming care and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care for social and physical transitioning; identifying and categorizing homophobia and transphobia at four levels of oppression.

We will also practice ways to counter homophobia and transphobia and share resources to foster an affirming environment. We will work in large and small groups to answer questions such as: how do language and communication contribute to or challenge interpersonal oppression; how does/could your school/home practices and policies perpetuate institutional/interpersonal oppression; how to handle bullying and harassment involving sexual orientation and/or gender identity; and how to affirm youth who are LGBTQI+.

Outcomes:
● Communicate in a manner that demonstrates your understanding of key terms and events that are significant to the LGBTQI+ community.
● Explain various gender affirming care options that have traditionally been available to youth with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits, risks, and considerations associated with different approaches
● Identify strategies to disrupt homophobia and transphobia at four different levels of oppression: individual, interpersonal, institutional, and ideological.
● Create affirming spaces using inclusive language and materials, incorporating LGBTQI+ perspectives and experiences whenever possible, and actively challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors.