As conversations around equality, inclusion and workplace culture continue to evolve, many local businesses and organisations are looking for practical ways to better support LGBTQ+ staff, customers and service users.
The LGBTQ+ awareness training programme has been developed and delivered by The Outhouse, an experienced local LGBTQ+ charity. The training offers clear, accessible guidance on LGBTQ+ identities, inclusive language, and the real barriers LGBTQ+ people continue to face at work, in education and in healthcare. Crucially, it also helps organisations understand their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and current EHRC guidance, supporting employers to stay informed as best practice continues to develop.
All profits from the training are reinvested directly into The OutHouse’s support services for the local LGBTQ+ community in Essex, meaning that businesses who take part are not only investing in their teams, but also contributing to vital services close to home.
The OutHouse is offering two distinct training modules:
Module 1: Basics & Barriers is aimed at groups with a mixed level of knowledge, ensuring that team members are working from the same shared foundation and the same understanding of up-to-date best practice, providing trainees with the practical confidence they need across the following topics:
- LGBTQ+ identities
- The right language to use
- Barriers in work, education, and healthcare
- LGBTQ+ rights under current UK law.
Module 2: Gender Diversity Explained is a focused, practical look at awareness around transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning people and the unique challenges they face in modern society. Trans and non-binary experiences are often misunderstood, even by those who mean well, and Module 2 aims to address this knowledge gap by improving understanding for staff; moving away from a general awareness and towards confident, informed support for trans and non-binary people.
Topics covered include:
- Language and terminology
- Gender identity vs expression
- Gender dysphoria and transitioning
- Dispelling common myths.
Each one-hour training session can accommodate up to 20 attendees and are held either online or on an organisation’s own premises. Every session is delivered by The OutHouse’s experienced trainers who have an extensive understanding of LGBTQ+ people and issues.
Attendees are supported to engage with the material by asking questions in an open and safe environment. The OutHouse understands that everyone comes with different levels of starting knowledge and confidence, so it’s crucial to facilitate a training environment where trainees feel empowered to ask questions and learn.
The OutHouse training programme supports the charity’s mission of building safe and inclusive spaces for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. By taking part, organisations are not only helping to support that mission by building their team’s confidence and understanding, but also by investing into The OutHouse’s ongoing support services for the local LGBTQ+ community.
To enquire about booking a session, please contact training@theouthouse.org.uk, and include in your enquiry whether you’re looking for online or in-person training.
