Training
LGBT provides the following training programs:
- Safe Space
- Trans* Ally Training
- Social Justice Ally Training
- Straight But Not Narrow
- Getting Bi - A workshop on Bisexuality and Nonmonosexuality
Register for Training
Reserve your space for trainings by using our user-friendly Registration Form.
SafeSpace
About the Program
The three hour Safe Space program is the LGBT Resource Center's initiative to educate people who support LGBTQ individuals in our campus community.
Purpose
Unlike more visible under-represented groups, lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender, and queer identified (LGBTQ) persons cannot be readily identified. Likewise, there is no easy method of identifying persons supportive of LGBTQ people. As one component of the LGBTQA Campus Advisory Network, the Safe Space program strives to provide a way for allies within the Northwestern University community to prominently identify themselves. The program advances NU's goal of creating a campus community in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Please consider this your invitation to participate.
Download the Safe Space Program word document for further information
Trans* Ally Training
About the ProgramOur primary purpose in presenting this three hour training is to educate the NU community about trans* people who are often over looked when grouped with lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
The LGBTQ - We'll talk about what the"T" in LGBTQ means, including terminology and identity. We will also discuss similarities and differences between the challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people and challenges faced by trans* people.
Intersex – We will discuss the unique status of intersex people, whose grouping under the umbrella definition of trans* often over looks their distinct experiences. We'll also review the limitations of a medical perspective of treating intersex conditions.
Personal Stories – Because we are not simply discussing theories and ideas, but about real people with real lives, we have guests who will share personal stories to help bring to life stories from Trans* people.
Social Justice Ally Training
About the Program
"Injustice any where is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an in escapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men and women".
- Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Social justice is the pursuit of fairness and equity for populations, who are, currently and historically, marginalized, exploited, disempowered, or violated based on their social group membership. These manifestations of oppression are the pervasive existence of social inequality woven through social institutions as well as embedded within individual consciousness.
Rooted in social change movements of the past century this includes the rights of the following: people of color; people with diverse religions; women; people with disabilities; lesbian, gay,bisexual, queer, and trans* people; the poor and working class; and younger and older adults. The pursuit of social justice inevitably involves working to dissolve the many "isms" of injustice and oppression.
The goals of this three hour training are to equip participants with the tools to be able to discuss concepts including:
- Power
- Oppression
- Privilege
Attendees will also learn about social justice ally development and will participate in reflection activities, group discussion and will listen to a panel of individuals discuss how they negotiate membership in diverse communities.
Straight But Not Narrow
About the Program
Straight But Not Narrow (SBNN) is an educational program designed for residence halls, fraternities and sororities, athletic teams, student organizations and/or university departments that want to begin a dialogue regarding the LGBTQ community at Northwestern University. Founded in 2004 by the LGBT Support Network, the program runs 60 minutes and is a very basic introduction to LGBTQ definitions, offensive terminology, how to be supportive, NU resources, and participatory activities. SBNN facilitators can also tailor programs to meet the needs of the specific population participating in the workshop.
Getting Bi - A Workshop on Bisexuality and Nonmonosexuality
About the Program
People who identify as bisexual (or nonmonosexual) face unique challenges within the LGBTQA community and society at large. Getting Bi is a 90 minute workshop designed for Northwestern University students, staff and faculty who wish to gain a greater understanding of bisexuality and nonmonosexuality. The workshop includes:
- An introduction to relevant definitions and terms
- A discussion of the myths and stereo types that exist about bisexuality and how biphobia can perpetuate myths
- An overview of Fritz Klein’s understanding of sexual orientation
- Information related to the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid Participatory
- Interactive exercises and resources at NU and beyond