LGBTQ+ 101 Trainings

LGBTQ+ 101: An Introduction to Identities & Allyship (1.5-2hrs)

All groups seeking training for the first time are encouraged to participate in “LGBTQ+ 101: An Introduction to Identities & Allyship”. This is a foundational training, intending to engage participants in a thorough overview of the LGBTQ+ community, and space for learning, reflection, and team-building for allies and LGBTQ+ folks alike. From terminology and definitions to rethinking historical and traditional assumptions about gender and sexuality, this training is a must for all those who wish to build ever-more inclusive and affirming practices.

Learning goals for the LGBTQ+ 101 include:

• An understanding of what is meant by sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, and sex assigned at birth; the differences between them and how they impact one another.
• Language and definition of terms associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
• Defining and understanding notions of hetero-normativity, the gender/sex binary, and cis-normativity. 
• Rethinking social norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and gender in our society, and how every one of us is impacted by these kinds of assumptions.
• The importance of allyship in real life situations: Understanding how LGBTQ+ individuals are impacted by bias, and an overview of best practices that protect the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

All trainings are accompanied by additional handouts and resource materials that participants can leave with, including the trainer’s contact information so that they may be an ongoing resource. The trainer can also put together a Google form for additional question submissions and to provide additional resources and information.

We aim to provide information that is as applicable and impactful as possible to every group at hand. Versions of the 101 are available for schools, educators and those working with youth, medical professionals, parents, families and caregivers, corporate professionals and the workplace, support service providers and social service agencies, and more. Please contact the Community Educator if you are looking for a 101 training with a specific focus.

Training for Medical Professionals

LGBTQ+ 101: An Introduction to Identities & Inclusive Care Practices for Medical Professionals

Access to affirming, inclusive, and comprehensive healthcare is one of the biggest needs in our queer community, making cultural competency training opportunities essential and incredibly beneficial for medical professionals and patients alike! As of 2022, we are so pleased to offer curriculum specific to healthcare providers.

Learning goals include:

• Language associated with the LGBTQ+ community, including lesser known terminology, information on gender pronouns, and more.
• Defining and understanding intersectionality, and how an intersectional lens is essential to providing holistic and successful care.
• Rethinking social norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and gender in our society, and how they impact each of us.
• Understanding the issues and barriers that LGBTQ+ individuals often face when attempting to access medical services, as well as the barriers often faced by healthcare professionals themselves.
• The "Do's" and "Don't's"; Best practices and next steps for creating inclusive care environments and building improved and ongoing models for support.

LGBTQ+ 201 Trainings

TCC’s LGBTQ+ 201 trainings are intended to be "Part 2” trainings, held after a 101 training, where the trainer collaborates with the requesting group to dive deeper into a topic or topics around building inclusive practices for the LGBTQ+ community. “Part 2” trainings are an incredible option for those looking to dive deeper and to expand on the real-world impacts of education.

Sample 201 trainings include:

LGBTQ+ 201: Allyship in Practice (1.5-2hrs)

This interactive and discussion-based training will apply learning from the LGBTQ+ 101 to real world examples. Now that participants have a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, we can brainstorm practical ways in which we can be affirming to LGBTQ+ folks on individual and community-wide levels, examining current areas of strength, as well as areas for improvement. Participants will leave this training with a “Toolkit” of best practices and ideas with which they can begin to build a safer, more supportive world for LGBTQ+ individuals.

LGBTQ+ 201: Implicit Bias & Microaggressions (1.5-2hrs)

Though often unintentional, implicit bias and microaggressions can create challenges in diverse spaces. This workshop will explore the definition, formation, and impact of implicit bias, and impart concrete strategies and suggestions of how to intervene when encountering prejudice and bias in real life.

LGBTQ+ 201: Sexual & Gender-Based Violence and the LGBTQ+ Community (1.5-2hrs)

Using language and understanding from the LGBTQ+ 101, this training will engage trainees in discussion surrounding sexual and gender-based violence and the LGBTQ+ community. The session will cover statistics surrounding prevalence and explore the reasoning behind the numbers. We will discuss unique forms of violence that may be experienced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, the specific barriers they face when seeking or receiving support, and what we can all do to create more inclusive and supportive practices.

LGBTQ+ 201: LGBTQ+ Mental Health (1.5-2hrs)

In this follow-up to LGBTQ+ 101, participants will apply their in-depth understanding of the LGBTQ+ community to allyship practices they can implement as mental health care providers and supporters. What are the barriers to accessing support, and why do we see such overlap between queer folks and those dealing with mental health issues in the first place? We will discuss allyship tips and best practices, and brainstorm practical next steps to creating a safer, more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ staff and clients.

LGBTQ+ 201: Customized Training

We are always happy to build customized curriculum and workshops with content and topics particular to your organization’s needs. Our Community Educator can design and facilitate a tailored curriculum to meet your learning goals for an additional fee. 

Youth Trainings

TCC is excited to provide trainings for children and teens! Trainings are available and leveled for all different ages. All youth trainings are free-of-cost.

LGBTQ+ 101 for Young Children or Elementary School-Age Students (30-45mins)

This training is intended to get young participants thinking about and beginning to understand concepts such as identity, allyship, gender, and what it means to be a person who cares for all members of their community. This training is largely structured like a story-book, and has accompanying activities that children can complete either during or after.

LGBTQ+ 101 for Middle/High School-Age Students (1hr)

This training is intended to introduce young people to what it means to be LGBTQ+, with the primary goal of affirming their experiences, and leaving them feeling empowered and equipped to advocate for themselves and others. Special emphasis in this training will be given to answering the questions of participants, including providing avenues for them to ask questions anonymously. 

Fees & Structures

For most effective and impactful training, it is recommended that training classes are kept to groups of 25 or fewer individuals. Organizations requiring training for audiences larger than 25 are encouraged to schedule multiple sessions. Discounts are available for multiple sessions (over 4 trainings) as well as for larger groups (over 100+ individuals).

Additional per-person fees may apply for groups larger than 25.

For more information, fee consultations, or to schedule a training, please contact cadence@ctpridecenter.org.

Standard Pricing Structures:

For-Profit Organizations

• $750 per training session
• Additional Participant Fee (over standard 25 group size): $30 per person
• 201 Training Customization Fee: $30/hour of work put in by trainer to create custom curriculum
• Available discounts:
  • 100 trainees and/or 4 training sessions: 5% discount  
  • 200 trainees and/or 8 training sessions: 10% discount 
  • 300 trainees and/or 12 training sessions: 15% discount 
  • 400+ trainees and/or 16+ training sessions: 20% discount

Non-Profit & Tax-Exempt Organizations

• $525 per training session
• Additional Participant Fee (over standard 25 group size): $21 per person
• 201 Training Customization Fee: $30/hour of work put in by trainer to create custom curriculum
• Available discounts:
  • 100 trainees and/or 4 training sessions: 5% discount  
  • 200 trainees and/or 8 training sessions: 10% discount 
  • 300 trainees and/or 12 training sessions: 15% discount 
  • 400+ trainees and/or 16+ training sessions: 20% discount

PreK-12 Schools

• $600 per training session
• Additional Participant Fee (over standard 50 group size): $15 per person
• 201 Training Customization Fee: $30/hour of work put in by trainer to create custom curriculum
• Available discounts
  • 100 trainees and/or 2 training sessions: 5% discount 
  • 200 trainees and/or 4 training sessions: 10% discount
  • 300 trainees and/or 6 training sessions: 15% discount
  • 400+ trainees and/or 8+ training sessions: 20% discount

TCC is committed to making our trainings accessible to our wider community, and are pleased to be able to offer grant-funded trainings at reduced or fully-covered rates. All those interested in this option are encouraged to contact TCC’s Community Educator, Cadence Pentheny (they/them), at cadence@ctpridecenter.org. 

Community Education

Triangle Community Center’s (TCC) LGBTQ+ Training Institute offers workshops, educational activities, facilitated conversations, speakers, and more for organizations and institutions across Connecticut and beyond.

Typical Workshops and Activities Include:

Training: Typical training engagements include facilitated and engaging discussion surrounding LGBTQ+ identities, language, allyship and building inclusive practices, and more. See the “Training” tabs for more information!

Panels and Speaking Engagements: The TCC staff and board are happy to sit on panel discussions and to speak at events and functions around a wide range of topics as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, and our LGBTQ+ community. Please contact us at tcc@ctpridecenter.org.

Health, Wellness, and Resource Fairs: Include Triangle Community Center as a staple in your events to connect LGBTQ+ individuals with information, resources, and support. (Free)

GSA/Pride and Diversity Club Presentations: Facilitators provide these groups and clubs with a brief overview of Triangle Community Center’s programs and services. (Free)