Resources for Working in Solidarity With LGBTQ+ People
Overview
LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to encounter discrimination, barriers to services, and additional stressors related to their minority status. Review this collection to learn how to effectively communicate and support LGBTQ+ individuals with whom you work.
Courses
Meeting the Needs of LGBTQ+ People: Best Practices for Affirming Communication
Using respectful, open communication with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) people improves their mental wellbeing and is one of the most important ways to affirm LGBTQ+ people and support the mental wellbeing of those around you. This course is designed to help guide the principles of supportive, open communication. Natalia Ramos, MD (she/her), and Elizabeth Ollen, PhD (she/her), directors of the UCLA EMPWR Program for LGBTQ+ Mental Health, share expert commentary about providing affirming care to LGBTQ+ people. Practical applications of communication strategies are ...
Providing Quality Services to LGBTQ+ People: An Introduction for Staff
Increasing knowledge and comfort with concepts related to gender identity and sexual orientation helps staff provide respectful, effective services to LGBTQ+ people. In this course, the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center at the Fenway Institute and the DMH + UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence provide an overview of key terminology, concepts, and practices to better support LGBTQ+ people.
Printable Tools
General Tips on Using Supportive Language With LGBTQ+ People
Using supportive language is a key component of respecting LGBTQ+ people. This handout provides simple guidance and examples of what to say and what to avoid to be respectful of LGBTQ+ people. Use this handout to learn about supportive language to use when speaking with or about LGBTQ+ people.
Protecting Confidentiality of LGBTQ+ People
It is important to protect the privacy of LGBTQ+ people. This handout provides simple guidance about what to do and what to avoid to protect privacy and confidentiality of LGBTQ+ people, including LGBTQ+ students in schools. Use this handout to understand the requirements of LGBTQ+ confidentiality.
Quick Tips for Understanding Pronouns
Correctly using gender pronouns is an important way to support and respect others. This handout provides guidance about the appropriate use of pronouns and examples of what to say and what to avoid. Use this handout to learn the basics about gender pronouns.
Responses to Coming Out
It is important to be supportive when a LGBTQ+ person comes out. This handout provides simple guidance and examples of what to say and what to avoid when a LGBTQ+ person shares their identity with others. Use this handout to understand the most appropriate responses to express when someone comes out as LGBTQ+.
Videos
Intersectionality: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
This video helps define and explore what intersectionality is and why it should matter to all of us. This video helps identify how intersectionality shapes our advantages and disadvantages in life, and how this may also impact our interactions and relationships with others.
Why Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Matter for Everyone
This video helps define and explore what SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression) is and how it applies to all of us, regardless of our sexual orientation and gender identity. Community partner, Bryan Scheihing, reviews keys concepts and relevant terms that deepen our understanding of SOGIE.
Video Series
Supportive LGBTQ+ Communication Quick Tips
A series of short videos highlighting affirming communication when interacting with LGBTQ+ people. These videos explain the importance of language and privacy and its usage by providing examples of do's and don'ts.
Trainings
Health and Wellbeing of Transgender Individuals
This training reviews the appropriate pronouns and language to use when addressing transgender individuals, and discusses the role of the social determinants of health (social, economic, physical, environments, etc.) in leading to poorer mental and physical health outcomes for transgender individuals. Next, we will define systematic and structural violence, and identify how they affect the health outcomes of transgender individuals. Lastly, as a group, we will evaluate areas of need in the transgender population and the role of Full Service Partnership (FSP) teams. Anytime session ...
Working With the Transgender and Non-binary Population: An Overview of the Community, Mental Health Disparities and Treatment
While many mental health clinicians and social service workers would like to think they are able to work with the transgender and non-binary (TGNB) community, there is often a lack of knowledge around what is considered "best practice. Affirmative care goes beyond being "knowledge" about a client’s TGNB status. This training will give an overview of terminology used within the community, mental health disparities affecting the population and key affirmative treatment practices. You will also leave with action items to help identify areas in your ...
Writing Letters of Support for Transgender & Non-binary Individuals
This training is for individuals who are interested in learning how to write letters of support for surgical procedures for transgender individuals. To better understand the current requirements for letters, the training begins by looking at the past and how letters of recommendation from mental health providers began. The training defines what it means to be a "qualified mental health provider" in this context, what needs to be included in letters of recommendation, and what does not. There is discussion for how to advocate for ...
Articles
LGBTQ+ Glossary of Terms
This glossary contains many of the most relevant terms and concepts related to LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. Please remember, definitions may vary across different communities. Therefore, not all LGBTQ+ people will agree with all of these definitions.
Resources in Español
Cómo usar el Español con inclusión de género
El lenguaje con inclusión de género comunica respeto y apoyo. Este folleto proporciona una guía práctica sobre cómo cambiar el español, que históricamente ha sido un idioma binario (masculino/feminino), para ser inclusivo de género. Utilice este folleto para aprender los cambios importantes que puede hacer en su comunicación para usar el español con inclusión de género.
Como usar los pronombres
El uso de pronombres personales correctos es fundamental para apoyar a las personas transgénero y personas con género no binario. Utilice este folleto para obtener algunos consejos breves sobre cómo usar los pronombres y como evitar unos errores comunes.
Comprendiendo las transiciones de género
Para las personas transgénero y la personas con género diverso, hay muchas formas de realizar la transición. Utilice este folleto para aprender la información básica sobre las transiciones, incluidas las diferencias entre los procesos sociales, legales y médicas.
Consejos breves sobre los pronombres
Usar los pronombres de género correctamente expresa el apoyo y el respeto a los demás. Este folleto explica el uso apropiado de pronombres y unos ejemplos de qué decir y qué evitar. Utilice este folleto para aprender los conceptos básicos sobre los pronombres de género.
