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This training aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the intersectional challenges and experiences faced by LGBTQ2S+ youth, with a focus on girls of color. The content will delve into how race, ethnicity, and gender intersect with LGBTQ2S+ identities, creating unique barriers and disparities for this population. Here’s an outline of the key components of this training program:

1. Introduction to Intersectionality in LGBTQ2S+ Youth Experiences

• Overview of Intersectionality: Explanation of how race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation intersect to shape the experiences of LGBTQ2S+ youth.
• Understanding the Diversity within LGBTQ2S+ Communities: Emphasis on the diversity of identities within the LGBTQ2S+ spectrum and the distinct challenges faced by various groups, with a focus on youth of color.

2. The Unique Challenges Faced by LGBTQ2S+ Girls of Color

• Double Discrimination: Exploration of how LGBTQ2S+ girls of color experience discrimination based on both their race/ethnicity and their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Cultural and Family Expectations: Discussion on cultural expectations and familial dynamics that may conflict with LGBTQ2S+ identities, contributing to feelings of isolation or rejection.
• Impact on Mental Health and Well-being: Understanding how the compounded discrimination impacts mental health, self-esteem, and the overall well-being of LGBTQ2S+ girls of color.

3. Barriers and Disparities in Systems

• Juvenile Justice System: Insight into the unique experiences of LGBTQ2S+ girls of color within the juvenile justice system, such as overrepresentation, mistreatment, and lack of appropriate support.
• Access to Healthcare: Examination of barriers to accessing gender-affirming care, mental health services, and culturally competent healthcare for LGBTQ2S+ youth, especially those from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Educational System: Discussion of the barriers faced in schools, including bullying, lack of inclusive curricula, and inadequate support for LGBTQ2S+ students of color.

4. Root Causes of Disparities

• Structural Inequities: Understanding how historical and systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia create and perpetuate disparities.
• Cultural Stereotypes and Stigma: Analyzing the role of societal stereotypes and stigma in the marginalization of LGBTQ2S+ youth of color, and how these stereotypes are reinforced in various systems (e.g., schools, healthcare, criminal justice).

5. Strategies to Address and Mitigate Disparities

• Building Cultural Competency and Sensitivity: Training on how to be culturally competent and responsive to the unique needs of LGBTQ2S+ youth of color.
• Advocacy and Allyship: Exploring how participants can advocate for systemic changes, challenge discrimination, and support LGBTQ2S+ girls of color both in institutional settings (e.g., juvenile justice, schools) and in the community.
• Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments: Practical strategies for creating safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ2S+ youth, particularly girls of color, in schools, communities, and juvenile justice systems.
• Community Engagement and Support Systems: Understanding the importance of mentorship, peer support, and community-based organizations that can provide tailored support to LGBTQ2S+ girls of color.

6. Case Studies and Interactive Discussions

• Real-World Examples: Case studies exploring the experiences of LGBTQ2S+ girls of color in different contexts, such as the juvenile justice system, schools, and healthcare settings.
• Interactive Scenarios: Role-playing exercises or group discussions that help participants practice applying the strategies learned to real-life situations, enhancing their ability to navigate complex issues.
• Collaborative Solutions: Working together to brainstorm solutions and action plans for addressing disparities in local communities and institutions.

7. Closing Reflections and Action Plans

• Personal Reflection: Participants will reflect on their own learnings and experiences and how they can apply this knowledge to their work or advocacy efforts.
• Commitment to Change: Participants will develop individual or group action plans to create more inclusive environments for LGBTQ2S+ girls of color in their respective spheres of influence.

This training will equip participants with the knowledge, empathy, and practical skills needed to support and advocate for LGBTQ2S+ girls of color, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and just society.

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In the 1970s, Harvard University Professor Chester Pierce coined the term microaggressions to describe the subtle, everyday ways people of color experienced discrimination from their white counterparts. He coined the term in response to his observations of the interactions between the white and black students on campus where he heard indignities and insults members of marginalized groups endured in their routine interactions with people in all walks of life. Everyone makes comments that they wish they could retrieve the moment they pass their lips. Insults, slights and derogatory behaviors are evidence of implicit biases we hold that we sometimes don’t recognize exist.

This two-part training session explores microaggressions from their origin, intent, and impact on others. The trainers chronical their evolution, their connection to racism in America and how they are embedded in code language, whiteness, and racelighting. The trainers discuss how microaggressions can be mitigated through cultural humility. Participants will identify and practice strategies for addressing the hurt and trauma caused by microaggressions as well as for correcting microaggressions emitted due to an individual’s cultural history and group membership.

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Join the Youth Well-Being Team for the December edition of their monthly Project THRIVE webinar series, “Othermothered: The Importance of Chosen Family During the Holidays.”

The holidays can be hard for everyone, especially for LGBTQ+ youth who often have to navigate being around their family while masking their identities. Attendees will hear from a panel of “gay parents” aka othermothers who will provide tips on how to support youth during the holidays and beyond and ways to connect them with mentors who may become “gay” parents. Attendees will leave this webinar with an understanding of why these mentors are so important to LGBTQ+ youth and a new understanding of how to support the young people in their lives.

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CWLA has partnered with Welcome2Reality, LLC to present the engaging four-part training series, Dear Black Male. We invite you to join us for a training that will provide an overview of the history and culture of African Americans with a focus on recognizing cultural mistrust, issues faced, and perceptions of Black males. Through lecture and discussion, participants will identity how efforts to adequately provide for Back males can be linked to the fight for larger social justice goals for themselves and their communities. Participants in this training will:

• Develop an understanding of the importance of the role of the historian in interpreting African American history;
• Expand their knowledge and awareness of the disproportionality of Black males who are institutionalized and the impact it has on communities;
• Learn the most common mistakes professionals make when working with Black males and how to avoid them; and
• Engage in dialogue to identify strengths-based practices and interventions that foster family health and resilience.

This training is open and welcome to everyone. The training format will incorporate lecture, discussion, video, and group activities. The following topics will be covered during the four (4) two-hour training sessions:

• Session 1: Dear Black Male…Historical View
• Session 2: Dear Black Male…Incarceration
• Session 3: Dear Black Male…Mental Health
• Session 4: Dear Black Male…Family

Trainers:

Anthony Gay, BA is the Director of Curricula Development at Welcome2Reality, LLC. Anthony is passionate about teaching and conducts research, develops training modules /curricula, and facilitates training. Anthony spent several years as a full-time trainer, developing or co-authoring training modules on fatherhood, professionalism, cultural competency, trauma, working with adolescents, family-centered assessment, and human trafficking. For over ten years, Anthony has been focused on improving communities by advocating for equality for fathers. Anthony is a member of a national fatherhood network that shares resources and ideas to improve fathers’ and families’ outcomes. Anthony is a leader in the realm of fatherhood in Connecticut and hosts numerous fatherhood themed events throughout the year, promoting positive fatherhood. As a result of his dedication, Anthony has received numerous awards recognizing his work with fathers and families.

Qur-an Webb, MSW is the Director of Operations at Welcome2Reality, LLC. Qur-an has been in the social work field for over 20 years and is the Connecticut Chapter Lead for Media Literacy Now, which focuses on education around media literacy. In this role, Qur-an was instrumental in getting Public Act No. 15-94 and Public Act No. 17-67 passed in Connecticut, which now mandates school systems to educate the safe use of social media and computer programming instruction, and in creating an advisory council related to digital citizenship, internet safety, and media literacy. He also works as an independent contractor and is an adjunct instructor. Qur-an is the vice president of the Association of Black Sports Officials. In this role, Qur-an advocates for the rights of and opportunities for Black sports officials and pushes for equality among officials. He also provides training and professional development opportunities domestically and internationally for the company.

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Foster caregivers (foster parents, relatives, fictive kin, and pre-adoptive parents) play a critical role in the life of the child in Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases. Having the foster caregiver voice heard helps ensure the child’s needs are fully represented in the case. There are resources available in Louisiana which help to support our foster caregivers.

Pursuant to the Louisiana Children’s Code, foster caregivers have a legal right to receive notice from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) of any CINC hearing involving a child in their care and to attend and be heard at CINC hearings. The Revised Statutes also contain a foster parent bill of rights.

At this CIP Café, you will hear lived experience from a former foster parent who is now the state Foster Care Ambassador. She will explain the resources and the importance of the role of the foster caregiver. In addition, our speakers will explain the right to be heard at hearings and Foster Caregiver Progress Form, which is a way for foster caregivers to provide information to the court.

SPEAKERS:

• Margie Nielsen, Foster Parent Ambassador, Louisiana Foster Care Support Organization, Director, Louisiana Foster Caregiver Mentor Program
• LaTrese LeCour, M.S., State Foster Care Program Manager, Department of Children and Family Services
• Michelle Gros, Chief Operating Officer, Pelican Center for Children and Families

OBJECTIVES:

• Learn about resources available to foster caregivers.
• Understand the role of foster caregivers and their right to be heard at Child in Need of Care hearings.
• Become familiar with the Foster Caregiver Progress Form and process.

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Join Families Helping Families for GenRX Safe Medication Practices for Life, a national educational initiative focused on promoting sage medication use. This workshop aims to prevent prescription drug misuse by sharing essential guidelines for responsible medication practices. Learn how to safety manage medications for yourself and your loved ones to support a healthier community.

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National concern for the mental health of children and youth, as well as that of their parents and caregivers, is growing at a time when our traditional system of clinically trained providers continues to shrink. We need solutions that directly equip parents and non-traditional community partners with mental wellness tools that are flexible and adaptable to community-specific needs. Join us for a conversation with staff at Children’s Wisconsin, a children’s hospital system in Milwaukee with clinics statewide, who are collaborating with community support and behavioral health teams to build local mental wellness capacity.

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People-first language is the best place to start when talking to a person with a disability. This training will emphasize the person first, not the disability. Join us for effective ways to properly address and engage individuals with a disability.

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Join Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series for this 3-part webinar series, where we will hear directly from mentees and young people as they discuss their experiences, insights, and visions related to mentoring alongside pressing contemporary issues.

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Learn about Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and strategies to manage children with these diagnoses.

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