March 31 is International Day of Transgender Visibility. Want to take steps as an ally? Register for U of G’s Positive Space Training!
Developed with input from members of the University’s LGBTQ2SIA+ community, the Positive Space Project online training helps develop important skills and resources needed to foster an inclusive living, learning and working environment for members of LGBTQ2SIA+ communities at U of G.
The training module is designed to increase faculty and staff’s awareness of LGBTQ2SIA+ issues on campus and in the community. It also helps develop skills and confidence in working with LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals.
The two-part training addresses key concepts, including LGBTQ2SIA+ identities, allyship, coming out, terms and use of inclusive language. It also provides guidance on how best to support LGBTQ2SIA+ faculty, staff and students at U of G.
“This training is important and will provide our students, faculty and staff with the valuable tools and resources they need to create safer and respectful environments for everyone at U of G,” says Indira Naidoo-Harris, associate vice-president, diversity and human rights. “The University’s deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion begins with a solid foundation of understanding, and this training is the first step towards long-lasting, systemic change.”
In a 2019 Ontario-wide study of the experiences, well-being and academic development of LGBTQ2SIA+ university students, the University of Guelph fared better than many other campuses. But there is room for improvement, said Naidoo-Harris, as members of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community are uniquely affected by various issues.
“We know full equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ2SIA+ community is directly connected to addressing racism, colonial violence, ableism, misogyny and other systems of oppression,” she said. “This training brings an intersectional and anti-oppressive lens to equity and inclusion practices at U of G and lays the foundation for a strong culture of belonging for everyone in our community.”
Part one of the training consists of an online module accessible through CourseLink. The second part is an in-person workshop led by an experienced facilitator to turn that information into practice and action.
Individuals who complete both components will receive a Positive Space Project decal for display in their workspace.
All faculty and staff are encouraged to complete the training module. Help make our University a safer and more positive space for all those who work and learn here.