With students of various identities, backgrounds and experiences, all University of Delaware staff, faculty and students will undoubtedly have opportunities to interact with someone whose lived experiences are different from their own. As the ability to navigate these interactions knowledgeably and respectfully is integral to UD’s pursuit of inclusive excellence, all members of the community are encouraged to participate in related educational opportunities.

Rebekah Harless-Balmer, LGBT program coordinator in the Office of the Dean of Students within the Division of Student Life, will offer trainings throughout the spring semester to help staff, faculty and students learn about the experiences of individuals who identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning communities.

LGBTQ+ 101, Trans 101 and Ally trainings will present participants with the opportunity to learn rudimentary and advanced knowledge necessary to understanding concepts and language associated with the queer community.

LGBTQ+ 101 introduces the concepts of coming out, homophobia and discrimination, and provides trainees with language to better understand and speak about the queer community. Similarly, Trans 101 tackles the topics of gender identity and expression. Participants will learn ways to be open and knowledgeable about being respectful to LGBTQ+ identified individuals.

The trainings are designed to provide education to participants in an open and non-judgmental manner, and trainees of any background or identity are welcome and encouraged to attend. Any amount of prior knowledge is appreciated as this creates for more interactive and dimensional training sessions. All LGBTQ+ trainings will take place on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus. The spring schedule is as follows:

• LGBTQ+ 101: Feb. 28, from 2-3 p.m., and March 13, from 9-10 a.m.

• Faculty and staff Ally Training: March 17, from 9-11 a.m.

• Student Ally Training: April 6, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Trans 101 Training: April 26, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Participants can sign up for all trainings online and must register at least three business days prior to the event. Those who would like to schedule a training at another time or inquire about creating a training session tailored to a specific topic for their faculty, staff or student group can fill out the training request form or contact Harless-Balmer at lgbt-allies@udel.edu.