Workshop Descriptions: Gender & Transgender Issues

Transgender issues are complex, and new to many people. These issues can be approached from a variety of different angles depending on the goal of the training and the background of the participants. Below are examples of some frameworks we have used to teach about transgender issues in different contexts.


Exploring Gender

It’s not only trans people who have interesting gender. Actually, all people have experiences with gender socialization, identity and performance that arise in a context of sexism, heterosexism and transgender oppression.
In this workshop, participants explore their understandings of gender through games, introspection, expressive arts and structured sharing. Participants come to understand gender roles as taught , learned, and enforced rather than natural or inevitable, and have an opportunity to observe the gender diversity even among people who we usually think of as having the “same” gender.


“Trans 101″

For groups with little previous exposure to transgender issues, this workshop provides a foundation to start the conversation. The facilitator will debunk myths and provide information about transgender identities and experiences. Participants will gain comfort talking about transgender issues, and have a chance to explore how these issues are relevant to them in their communities.


Working with Transgender Students / Clients / Participants

Many schools and service-providing agencies pride themselves on being “GLBT-friendly.” Yet too often the “T” is an afterthought. Even providers who are very “friendly” to transgender participants may not have the skills and knowledge to serve them effectively. This workshop is for student affairs professionals and human service providers who want to become more comfortable and competent working with clients who may identify as transgender.

In this workshop providers will learn to describe their own understandings and assumptions about gender and identify how those understandings may affect their work. Facilitator will provide some general information about transgender communities, including terminology & common strengths and challenges. Using role-playing and feedback from peers, participants will practice using culturally competent behaviors to communicate respect and understanding to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.


Transgender Oppression as a Social Justice Issue

Transgender people face systemic exclusion and are often targets of misunderstanding and violence from individuals as well as institutions. Similar to racism, sexism, and many other systems of oppression, transgender oppression may be difficult to recognize because it is woven so deeply into society – and interwoven with these other systems.

In this workshop the facilitator provides a framework for understanding and identifying transgender oppression on the interpersonal, cultural and institutional levels. Participants explore examples of how transgender oppression can affect individuals and communities, and identify similarities and differences between transgender oppression and other systems of oppression. Participants will leave the workshop with plans to confront transgender oppression in at least one area of their lives where they have influence.


Trans 101 Training of Trainers

An advanced training for people who already have significant familiarity with transgender issues, and want to learn how to present effective trans awareness trainings within their organizations. Participants will review facilitation techniques, practice leading the group in relevant learning activities, and receive coaching and feedback from the facilitator and each other.