Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate
Do you have questions about how to get LGBTQ+ allyship right? Parents may often wonder when they should start introducing their children to LGBTQ+ life. There is no time that is too early, because LGBTQ+ life should be introduced in families as it is: a wonderful part of wonderful normal life. Find and read stories with LGBTQ+ characters. Watch movies with LGBTQ+ characters and talk about them- or wonder out loud why certain relationships are not shown in the movies being watched. Have open conversations about how you feel, and about how your family values include the idea that we all get to be who we are, and love whom we love. Ask if they are talking about it in school, get their ideas, and allow them to share. Make a relaxed environment in which there are no assumptions. Ask questions about your children’s lives and the lives of their friends without assuming that everyone is heterosexual and cisgender. Let your child know there is nothing wrong with figuring out who you are.
The latest podcast episode for you if you have wondered how to show up for a child who has come out as LGBTQ+, or if you'd like to parent kids who are allies to the LGBTQ+ community.
Social justice starts on a small scale. Language is important, and Dr. Laura Anderson invites Jeannie Gainsburg on for conversation and laughs that also provide tips and strategies for how to navigate allyship and advocacy.The most protective thing we can do is practice careful curiosity.
Jeannie Gainsburg is an educational trainer and consultant in the field of LGBTQ+ inclusion and effective allyship. Formerly the Education Director at the Out Alliance of Rochester, N.Y., she is the founder of Savvy Ally Action and author of the book, The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate. In 2019, Jeannie received a citation from the New York State Assembly for Distinguished Educational & Human Rights Services for her work in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
What You Will Learn:
You can redo, rebuild and repair any 'mistakes'
How to celebrate the invitation to expand limited boxes in our minds
How to use the "switch it" technique to help you frame whether or not your language or question is respectful
Using they as a singular pronoun
How to practice pronouns
Listen to the full podcast here.
Thank you for connecting,
Dr. Laura Anderson
Dr. Laura S. Anderson specializes in educating and supporting families, as well as clinicians who support transracial adoptive families, across the globe to overcome barriers, derive strength from their differences, and thrive. She is a dynamic advocate for multiracial families and a strong advocate for supporting "third culture" children and families who may need support with the stressors associated with living out of their countries of origin and kids navigating gender and diversity.
Contact Dr. Anderson here.
