LGBTQI Foundations:Providing Competent & Affirming Care

Participants will learn the essentials to work confidently in therapeutic encounters with LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex) and GNC (Gender Nonconforming) clients. Through experiential and didactic methods, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of gender and sexuality affirmative language, best practices and care. The course instructor will use various drama therapy and experiential learning methods to illustrate the material, highlighting how using creative approaches, such as movement and drama therapy can facilitate connection and understanding when working with, witnessing and mirroring this population.

Course content includes:

• Sexuality and gender affirming language and definitions,
• Distinctions between biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation
• Differentiation between gender dysphoria, gender nonconformity, and non-binary identities
• Issues and needs unique to LGBTQI life experience and how these intersect with race, class and culture
• Sexual orientation and gender identity models, applied to clinical practice
• Strategies and best practices for providing affirmative care.

A description of the teaching methods to be used:

• Lecture and discussion of foundational theory and knowledge necessary for competent care of LGBTQI clients.
• Role-play, drama therapy and movement exercises to illustrate concepts and demonstrate the application of theory.
• Case examples from instructor’s own practice and from other sources.

The learning objectives of the course. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Define LGBTQI related terminology and identities that exist along gender and sexuality spectrums.
• Differentiate between sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
• Name and apply 3 existing models of gender identity and sexual orientation to their work.
• Describe three strategies for providing gender and sexuality affirmative care.

Participants are welcome to bring and share case material within their own work that perhaps inspires or challenges them. Practical resources such as journal articles, books, online pamphlets and resource listings will also be provided and available for participants to review.