Gender and Sexual Identity in Youth (2 days)

Gender and sexuality are central features of identity development in adolescence. When a person's internal experience of gender and/or sexuality does not match with what would typically be expected based on their external appearance, it can cause great distress and difficulty. Caregivers can also struggle with knowing how best to respond and support youth in these situations. Participants of this workshop will develop an awareness and understanding of what this experience can be like, and how to create more accessible and welcoming environments for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, two-spirited, transsexual, queer and questioning individuals.

Workshop Outline

Day 1

Identity: “Who am I?”
Aspects of Gender and Sexual Identity
Language and Terms
Your Context
Origins: Where Does it all Begin?
Deconstructing the Binary View
Gender and Sexual Identity Spectrum
Minority Stress
Vulnerability of LGBTQ Youth
Vulnerability in Physical Health
Developmental Guideposts
Experiences of Being Different
What’s My Comfort Zone?

Day 2

Affirmative Approach
Strategies to Support What’s Needed
The Coming Out Process
The Transgender Journey
Family Factors
Family Developmental Phases
Keys for Supporting Families
Creating Safer Schools
Planning for Your Context

Target Audience

This is an intermediate workshop intended for counselors, teachers, social service and health care professionals, school administrators, youth care workers and anyone seeking a better understanding of ways to create more accessible and welcoming environments for LGBTTQ youth.

Method of Delivery

Lecture, video, personal reflection, demonstration and small group discussion