Through this workshop we will explore new understandings around gender and sexuality and the resulting implications for identity in society. We will explore contemporary experiences of LGBTQ+ people, through a consideration of past legal and societal gains and current activism in the face of the prevailing hostile political climate.

This session encourages us all to reflect on our own assumptions around gender and sexuality and consider how this may impact on the work we do. This session aims to develop practitioner’s skills, knowledge and confidence around gender and sexuality in order to support others effectively.

Young people are naming their experiences and identifying their their gender and sexuality in expansive ways.

In order to support young people’s well-being, and decrease potential distress, it is important that practitioners possess knowledge and awareness of the terms young people are using and what they mean to them. How can we best support trans binary and non-binary young people? How might we provide inclusive sex and relationship education to LGBTQ+ young people? This workshop explores this and other vital questions. This session aims to improve the practitioner’s ability and confidence in supporting young people who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity or are asserting a gender or sexual identity that is not heterosexual and/or cisgender.