- October 11, 2021
- Posted by: kpacha
- Categories: LGBTQ, Virtual Training, Workplace
Today, October 11th, marks the 33rd annual National Coming Out Day! First celebrated in 1988, this LGBTQ observance calls attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, & queer people social & political causes, as well as celebrates LGBTQ coming out. National Coming Out Day celebrations happen in workplaces, on school campuses, and in municipalities across the world.
“Coming out” as LGBTQ is a process we often assume people under queer & trans umbrellas participate in as we discern our authentic sexuality and/or gender identities. It’s important to know that coming out is a social construct, often emphasized in Western, individualistic societies. It’s dependent on the assumption of “compulsory heterosexuality,” meaning that we assume all people are heterosexual (and to extend to gender identity–cisgender), unless stated otherwise.
In my trainings, I invite participants to reflect on their own sexuality and gender journeys, reminding them that most people do not fit into strict, stereotypical boxes of “gay” versus “straight,” or “gender conforming” versus “gender nonconforming.” I work for a world in which each of us welcomes & affirms a wide variety of sexuality & gender expressions, without making assumptions based on one’s body or appearance.
There are myriad ways for people to “come out”–or choose not to, based on their intersectional identities. Our race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, and generation all affect how we embody and share our sexuality and gender.
I offer several trainings that explore coming out across different identities, and offer best practices for providers & employers to be as inclusive as possible, including:
- Understanding LGBTQ Communities Across Generations (half- or full-day)
- Exploring Identity Development for Youth with Multiple Marginalized Identities
- Supporting Trans Youth 11 & Under
- Supporting Neurodivergent LGBTQ Youth
- Increasing Family Acceptance Among Religious Caregivers of LGBTQ Youth
Please contact me if you are interested in booking a training or other consultation. I look forward to supporting your institution!