Workshops | Trainings
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This workshop was an amazing opportunity for queer and trans youth to put their
experience into words and share them with others. The resulting performance was
both intimate and powerful and moved the audience to a greater understanding and
compassion. I would strongly encourage anyone who works with youth who have
both struggled and triumphed to experience this remarkable opportunity. As one
youth so succinctly put it, "I learned that my experiences matter to people".
- Leighann Wichmann, Executive Director, The Youth Project: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity
Workshops
**New!**
Is It Okay To Ask My Question?
People who are out of the mainstream in some way - in terms of ethnicity, sexuality,
body, identity, and so on - are often put into the position of being cast as Native
Informants. Talk and learn about the delicate balancing act between wanting to be
more educated and putting someone on the spot; about locating the boundaries
between learning facts and interrogating truths, between curiosity and intrusion.
We'll explore the role of power and privilege in these communications, and try to
create greater understanding of how we move in and out of those places so we know
when (and where, and how) it is okay to get our questions answered (and what to
say when we don't have the energy to answer anymore today).
**New!**
Story Time For Little Queers
A milk-and-cookies pajama party where people of any age can enjoy children's books that
celebrate gender variance and LGBTQ identities, read aloud with flourish. Books to be read
(and discussed, if the audience prefers) include out-of-print classics, international titles,
and several of Bear's own trans-positive children's books. For families during the early evening,
or for youth groups or university students to snuggle up, unwind, and enjoy.
**New!**
Trans Sex for the Trans & Sexy
Come to talk about bodies, language, behaviors, and desires (and coming!) - all
presented with trans*, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming people in mind.
Our communities have particular concerns, as well as special opportunities for fun
and frolic, that are often left out of mainstream Sex Ed. We'll talk about what can be
adapted for our bodies (how /do/ you safely rubber up a transguy's dicklet?) and
how to do it (have you been looking for the secrets to making a double-dong work
with any combo of holes? We have them...) Here's a chance to learn about the care,
feeding, and delight of your tingly bits (and/or those of your partner) in a safe and
trans-positive environment.
The LGBT Edge
Find out how being queer relates to real-life professional skills. The coming out
process often involves creating a support network, undertaking a rigorous process
of education and training, cross-cultural communication, and renegotiating
unwritten contracts. A gender transition involves managing a budget, medical
research, and investigation of laws and statutes. These are more than just
transferrable skills -- they're a testament to our determination, resilience, and
other qualities that make stellar professionals. Excellent for corporate groups and
graduating university seniors.
Writing With and About Gender
Designed to get writers thinking about the language of gender, its vernacular
and lexicon and ways of making itself heard in writing, and then figuring out
personal, useful ways to turn that to their advantage. This workshop is appropriate
for any one who can form a sentence, regardless of hir experience as a writer:
from novelists writing transgendered characters to transfolk writing about their
experiences to academics tackling queer theory to people still exploring the nature
of their gender and sexuality in private writing to absolutely anyone else. Feedback
opportunities will be provided but not required.
Making Spaces/Taking Space
Making spaces inclusive, welcoming and usable to all requires a great deal more
thoughtfulness and planning than many people realize. Using a Social Ecology model
to frame the discussion, we’ll discuss and problem-solve ways to create inclusivity
and build your organizational capacity by making your literal space – rooms,
buildings, meetings and events – usable* to the constituencies you hope to take
space (and take their places) in your organization.
A Re-Introduction To The Only-Mostly-Dead Art Of Chivalry
(Now! With 200% More Feminism!)
Everyone's heard the stories: men who get kneed in the balls for holding
open a door, youngsters who sprawl on bus seats while elders stand, the
myth of the handkerchief-carrying gentleman, and all the rest. What, exactly,
do girls womenpeople want in the world of chivalry? How can a modern
gentleperson be courteous without being sexist or a suckup? And while we're at it
- who goes through the door first, again? Talk a little about the principles, and then
learn a lot about the mechanics of walking in public (v. walking in private, natch),
and a whole lot more.
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