James is currently accepting solicitations for virtual AND in-person engagements. Please fill out a request here if you are interested.
K-12 Professional Development Sessions:
Sessions vary in length and can be tailored to individual school needs.
Working with LGBTQIA+ Youth in Schools – 1.5 hour – 1/2 day training
Youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ are often at a higher risk for experiencing trauma. Navigating environments that could be hostile, whether these be school, a community agency, the justice system, and/or with families, LGBTQIA+ youth learn how to survive and thrive. This workshop will equip participants with basic terminology, actions you can take to be a better ally, and tools to educate others.
Supporting Trans & Nonbinary Students in Schools – 1.5 hour – 1/2 day training
This interactive workshop will provide staff and faculty tools to best support trans and nonbinary students. By exploring a variety of resources including the state specific guidance and policy review (if applicable) supporting trans and nonbinary students, other identity based legislation, and tried and true best practices; counselors can feel more confident with their advocacy strategies, have a updated toolbox of common language/terms, and a refreshed perspective on the unique experiences of trans and nonbinary students across the state.
101: Understanding Gender & Sexuality in Schools – Full day training
This interactive workshop will provide counselors with tools to best support trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) students. By exploring a variety of resources including the state specific guidance / policy (if applicable), other identity based legislation, and tried and true best practices; counselors can feel more confident with their advocacy strategies, have a updated toolbox of common language/terms, and a refreshed perspective on the unique experiences of trans and nonbinary students across the state.
201: Continuing to Support Trans & Nonbinary Students – Full day training
This is a follow-up to the 101: Understanding Gender & Sexuality in Schools training. Participants will utilize a school and personal assessment tool to reflect on the work their districts has done (or is looking to do) to support trans and nonbinary students. Individual consultation and support will be provided to participants, as well as follow-up to support the implementation of certain identified supports.
Next Steps: Continuing to Support Trans and Nonbinary Students
– 1.5 – 3 hour workshop
This is a shortened/mini version of the 201 training above.
K-12 Multi-Part Series Offerings:
Each session is 1 hour in length. Schools should select from 2 or more sessions.
Building a Foundation
Participants will discuss concepts of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, as well as language and terms used by LGBTQ+ communities; explore personal bias; and learn about the importance of making space to support LGBTQ+ students and families.
What’s the T?
After building a foundation with common language and terms, participants will learn better practices in supporting trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive students; primer on using pronouns, incorporating gender inclusive language; as well as a deeper dive into gender affirming supports students may seek related to their transition.
Looking at School Climate
Review of national and statewide school climate data related to the experiences of LGBTQ+ students; exploring intersectionality as it relates to marginalized identities; protective factors to aid in a student’s resiliency; and implementing a local school climate survey in your school.
Policies & Guidance
An overview on state specific guidance and policies for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students, considerations for athletics, and a student’s rights; review other legislation related to for gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation; and space to ask questions related to guidance implementation.
Inclusive Curriculum
Take a closer look at your curriculum and how you can shift to be inclusive towards LGBTQ+ students; we will explore the teaching strategy of “windows, mirrors, and sliding doors” coined by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop to support our work as educators.
Better Practices & Next Steps
Session focusing on better practices to adopt to continue your work at building equity learning spaces for all students; participants will also have a chance to make commitments to their continued education and growth as it relates to supporting LGBTQ+ students and families.
Youth / Student Sessions:
Sessions can be tailored by length and content area to support student needs.
Understanding Gender – 45 minute student workshop
Utilizing storytelling, video, and a Q&A section, students will explore the concepts of pronouns, gender identity, and expression. Workshop will be grounded in practicing kindness and respect, while working to embrace differences in their school community.
Allyship in Action – 45 minute student workshop
An interactive student workshop supporting the exploration of LGBTQIA+ identities and how to be an ally to their peers at school and in the community. This workshop will provide a space for students to practice empathy building and respect, explore relevant social justice issues, and participate in a brief Q&A.
Mobilizing YOUth for Social & Political Change – 1-1.5 hour workshop
You are the expert on you. Your voice and experiences are important. Let’s talk about how the power and tools you have can help you organize around issues you are passionate about and make lasting change. Centering our conversation on racial equity, anti-trans bills, access to healthcare, and inclusive education – youth will have the opportunity to explore different strategies and tools in order to build power, take action, and learn tips for taking better care of ourselves while doing this important work.
Parent / Family Offerings:
Families Supporting an Inclusive School Community – 1.5 – 3 hour workshop
Join our community for an interactive workshop to bolster our support for youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Learn about gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and the resources available to ensure youth and families are well supported AND connected in their identities and experiences. We will also explore how inclusive curriculum and open dialogue of these topics allow for our students to thrive.
Organization / Agency Professional Development Sessions:
Sessions vary in length and can be tailored to organization/agency needs.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Organizations – 1.5 – 3 hour workshops to ½ – full day trainings
Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ are often at a higher risk for experiencing trauma. Navigating environments that could be hostile, whether these be school or workplace, a community agency, the justice system, and/or with families; LGBTQIA+ individuals learn how to survive and thrive. This workshop will equip participants with basic terminology, actions you can take to be a better ally, and tools to educate others.
Language Matters: Inclusivity for Trans Individuals – 1.5 – 3 hour workshops
Join us for an interactive workshop to equip yourself with better ways to support trans, gender nonconforming, and non-binary individuals in our community. By exploring a variety of resources as well as tried and true best practices; you’ll be able to update your toolbox with some common language/ terms, some advocacy items, and a refreshed perspective on the experiences of trans people.
Creating Brave Spaces – LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Communities – 1 – 3 hour workshops
What do we mean when we say “safe spaces”? Are these spaces actually safe for LGBTQIA+ people? For others? Join us in this session to learn more about “brave spaces”, better solidarity practices, helpful resources to add to your toolkit, and how shifting our language can benefit those we’re trying to support within our classrooms, communities, and families. Complete with immersive activities, this workshop will support your team to unpack implicit bias, learn more about the climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals in your local area, and provide action steps to put these conversations into practice.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals in Clinical Settings – Full day training
Our LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) communities exist everywhere, from rural hill towns to big cities. We’ve made strides in the political realm as well, from gaining marriage equality to having a number of states offer anti-discrimination legislation, to the removal of a “disorder” status in the DSM (Diagnostics & Statistical Manual), to transgender and gender nonconforming identities being recognized.
While there is much to celebrate, there continues to be disproportionate rates of behavioral and physical health issues for LGBTQ+ individuals. Researchers and community members link these health disparities to a variety of factors including stigma, discrimination due to gender identity and/or sexuality, internalized homophobia/transphobia, trauma, and more.
This interactive training will equip participants with tools to better relate to their LGBTQ+ clients. By exploring concepts including sexuality and gender identity and expression, understanding health disparities and other barriers, participants can leave with a toolbox of strategies and resources to create affirming clinical environments.
James Shultis 