CCSF 9-15-18

LGBTQ Medical Case Scenarios: An Experiential Learning Perspective

The presentation consisted of reviewing LGBTQ medical case scenarios through the lens of City College of San Francisco medical interpreter students. The class divided into small breakout groups, which allowed an experiential learning perspective. After discussing a particular case as a smaller group, the group would present the case to the whole audience with Dr. Holt as the facilitator.

The audience consisted of medical interpretor students. Afterwards we had a book signing for both of the books PRIDE, which were donated to the students compliments of Dr. Holt.

Audience feedback/impact of this presentation:

Very good choice of vignettes covering diverse issues. As a gay man a lot of the topics were familiar to be, but the presentation helped me expand my knowledge. Very good ideas on how to be more welcoming to LGBTQ patients through visual tags/badges. – M

Your speech is very helpful for us as interpreters. We learned a lot about LGBTQIA. This will help me to serve our patients better. – M

I learned how to open the door with someone who is struggling, because it is applicable to not only gender issues but any issues to ensure that others feel like they can depend on someone. I will try not to assume people’s gender but if I do, I will try to be open, apologize if I offended them, and ask open ended questions. – M

Great scenarios and I learned a lot. Some of the cases Dr. Holt mentioned are impressive and will help me in my future career. I learned the definitions of gender identity, gender nonconforming, gender dysphoria, etc. Also how to respond in an open-ended and gender-neutral language when talking to LGBTQ people. – F

I learned to always ask open eded questions to avoid offending anyone; don’t out someone when they are not ready; don’t assume things; and be sensitive about offending unintentionally. The talk is going to make me more aware of my behaviors and actions towards a patient. This is also a life lesson that can be used towards building relationships with anyone. It helped me think more deeply. – F

Great vignettes! They were a good eye opener and also good info for everyday life and to practice as HCI. I already considered myself very open to understanding the LGBTQIA community. But for sure I didn’t know many things I learned today. Very important info to keep on mind when interacting with people from this community and other ones, too. – F

Thanks for this presentation. It was very helpful, informative, and enjoyable. We can’t label anyone. We have to go with how they identify themselves. The talk is going to make a big difference with how to open the door to others and make them feel accepted. – F

Good material to learn from. I learned pansexual and other LGBTQIA vocabulary. Learned how to approach and deal with LGBTQIA community. – M

Very informative. I learned acceptance for everyone. I have more knowledge. – M

Everything was explained clearly and I learned a lot about how difficult trans people’s lives can be. I will be more open and sensitive when the patient is trans. – F

Very educational. I learned concepts and words I’ve never heard before or that I have known, but I couldn’t understand their full concept. I learned the difference among sexual orientation and gender identity, and gender nonconformity vs gender dysphoria. This talk will help me to communicate much better with the LGBTQIA community. – F

Before this class, vague knowledge about LGBTQ. After class, I have a clearer picture. I leaned the definitions and differences of LGBTQ; and how to handle and treat the community of LGBTQ in a comfortable and reasonable way. Don’t make any assumptions for any patients you meet. Also, ask and clarify before any actions and decisions. – F

Discussions are thought provoking. I learned the term genderqueer, putting up a sign, and wearing a LGBTQ affirmative pin. – F

CCSF 3-17-18

LGBT Medical Case Scenarios: An Experiential Learning Perspective

The presentation consisted of reviewing LGBT medical case scenarios through the lens of medical interpreter students. The class divided into small breakout groups, which allowed an experiential learning perspective. After discussing a particular case as a smaller group, the group would present the case to the whole audience with Dr. Holt as the facilitator.

The audience consisted of medical interpretor students. Afterwards we had a book signing for both of the books PRIDE, which were donated to the students using prize money received from Dr. Holt for being an invited  audience member for the 60th birthday show taping of the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Audience feedback/impact of this presentation:

Extremely well put together scenarios relevant to real life situations that occur. I learned don’t assume, use the same terminology used by the person, and show sensitivity to all genders. – M

This class with Dr. Holt is really helpful and useful to understand what is going on in the LGBTQ community. I’m so glad to learn how to interact with LGBTQ people, how I can be closer to them, and how I can help them. – F

Good open-minded discussion for me. I would never know how to deal with this issue without this class. I learned how to ask questions appropriately that related to sexual orientation. – F

I learned the differences between sex and gender, use their terms in clinical settings, and use open-ended language. Respect their gender choice and never assume. – F

I learned how to properly address trans people. Suicide attempt rate is scary. I’ve always considered myself open-minded, but I learned more. – M

Very informative. Learned the best approach to refer to someone from the LGBTQ community. – M

Vert informative. Some scenarios complex and challenging to unpack in a short session. However; provided a crash-course on important issues. – F

Discussing all different case studies lend me to learn more specific ideas and notions about LGBTQ. I learned how to react or respond and be “opened up” in coming out situations. – F

Good info. Very educational. Be sensitive to patient needs. – F

Very informative. I learned very much. This topic is very complex. I learned that I know nothing or very little about gender. – M

Love the case studies as a learning modality. Also case studies are relevant to interpreters. Thank you for making your time available to us. Please continue what you do. I learned to be inclusive, maintain a safer zone, and create a safe personal space. – M

I’m so happy to have had the experience to learn more about the LGBTQ community. Thank you so much! Don’t identify someone’s sexual orientation by their physical appearance. Learned to open the door to help others in need and make them feel welcome. – F

I learned a lot from this lecture. Learned how to communicate with trans. I learned how to assist trans in medical setting. – M

They were eye-opening and educational cases. I feel empowered to work with LGBTQIA community in a helpful and understanding way in the future. Never ever assume! I will consciously and actively do my best to respect people that I  encounter. I will apologize if I make any mistakes and be affirmative, supportive and thankful when someone discloses their stories. – F

I learned to treat others with respect. This section is not just for LGBT patients, but applies to all other patients who are struggling with something difficult to deal with. – F

It is a good lecture. I learned how to address people who are trans. I am OK with someone who is trans and will treat them equally. – F

 

Coming Out Safely

Coming Out Safely  

With recent releases of LGBTQ+ themed movies and other social media, there seems to be a renewed interest around issues of coming out.  In addition to my “How to Come Out Safely” video series, I am writing a synopsis of my thoughts on the subject.

First: Coming out is a personal decision that can only be made by you. Do NOT come come out until you personally feel ready and have the support to do so.

Stages of Coming Out

Stage 1: You may have periods of uncertainty about your sexuality or gender identity. That is totally OK. Each person must take their time to discover who they are. You can take as much time as you need. The important thing is to not feel pressured to “decide” or to let others decide for you. Once you feel pretty certain about who you are, you can move on to stage 2.

Stage 2: Acknowledging to yourself who you are. At this stage two things may occur almost simultaneously. First thing: A sense of relief to acknowledge to yourself how you identify. Second thing: OMG. Now what? Am I going to be accepted? How do I come out? How will my parents react? Etc. This is a stage you should not hang out in by yourself. It’s time to move on to the next stage to get support.

Stage 3: Reach out to others who you are pretty sure will be accepting. This is an important time to build a supportive team of people who will love and support you for who you are. This may include your best friends, your school counselor, your school’s GSA or QSA club, etc. There are also online resources where you can find additional support. Once you have a great support team in place, you may choose to proceed to stage 4.

Stage 4: Coming out to others outside your supportive inner circle. This may be the time you begin to come out to people who may not be as supportive. Please remember you do NOT have to come out to anyone you don’t want to. Only come out to people if you feel it will make you feel better doing so. The most important thing above all others is to be safe. HAVE A SAFETY PLAN in case coming out to someone doesn’t go well. That may mean have a safe place to go to if the person you come out to is not accepting.

Please remember that are many people across the world who support you in your journey. The trevor project has a 24/7 hotline 1-866-488-7386 that is there to support you along the way.

Time To THRIVE Conference

Presenting at the Time To THRIVE Conference was an amazing experience!

I loved attending the Time To THRIVE Conference in Orlando over President’s Day Weekend. The annual national conference promotes safety, inclusion and well-being for LGBTQ+ youth. It is always such an honor to meet people from across the country that share the common goal of helping LGBTQ+ youth in any way they can.

I had the privilege of presenting two workshops at the conference this year with Sameer Jha. Our first workshop was entitled, “The Intersection of Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Mental Health: Creating an LGBTQ+ Safe Space Through an Experiential Learning Perspective.” Over 75 participants attended this workshop making it one of the best attended workshops of the entire conference.

The second workshop was entitled, “How To Help an LGBTQ Colleague Who Is Afraid to Come Out”. At both workshops, Sameer and I facilitated robust interactive discussions with the attendees.

Betty DeGeneres Receives Award

Betty DeGeneres received the Conference’s “Upstander Award” for her promotion of safety, inclusion,  & well-being for LGBTQ+ youth. She has written two books: “Love, Ellen – A Mother/Daughter Journey” and “Just a Mom”. It was a tremendous joy for me to exchange with Betty signed copies of our books. She is an inspiration to me and countless others across the globe. I first met Betty in 2012 in San Diego at the Center for Excellence in School Counseling and Leadership Conference. The world is better with people like Betty in it.

LGBTQ+ Youth Summit

On the last day of the conference LGBTQ+ youth from the Orlando area were invited to attend the youth summit. The summit supplied lunch for the youth followed by a panel presentation about being LGBTQ+ in corporate America. Before the panel started, I was given the opportunity to introduce myself, my book and my coloring book.

I was able to give away free copies of my coloring book to all attendees of both workshops as well as give away free copies of my book and coloring book at the youth summit. This act of kindness was a way of me paying it forward with the money I received for being an audience member in The Ellen DeGenerous Show’s birthday celebration.

I look forward to attending next year’s conference in Anaheim.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Being Invited as an Audience Member for Ellen’s 60th Birthday Show! 

It was an honor and a privilege to be invited by the Ellen DeGeneres Show to be an audience member for her special 60th Birthday Celebration!

I was among 300 amazing advocates for kindness who were hand picked from across North America for the birthday show’s audience. Everyone in the audience was from her “Million Acts of Kindness” campaign.

The episodes aired February 1-2, 2018.

The energy from the audience before and during the taping was lively, palpable, and extremely exciting.

At the end of every episode, Ellen motivates people to “be kind to one another”.  But her 60th Birthday episode was unique.

As part of Ellen’s Million Acts of Kindness campaign, Cheerios donated $1 million to be evenly distributed among the audience. In case you missed it, you can watch Ellen’s three minute video announcing the gift by clicking here.

Ellen has inspired me in so many ways. And I’m grateful to be able to pay it forward. I’m using my portion of the gift to continue giving away free copies of my books to LGBT youth.

I feel so honored to be following my life’s passion of helping LGBTQ youth.

 

CCSF 10-21-2017

LGBT Medical Case Scenarios: An Experiential Learning Perspective

The presentation consisted of reviewing LGBT medical case scenarios through the lens of medical interpreter students. The class divided into small breakout groups, which allowed an experiential learning perspective. After discussing a particular case as a smaller group, the group would present the case to the whole audience with Dr. Holt as the facilitator.

The audience consisted of medical interpretor students. Afterwards we had a book signing for both of the books PRIDE.

Audience feedback/impact of this presentation:

Fantastic presentation. Brought so much knowledge. Many thanks. I learned sex vs gender, pronouns, etc. Had a great impact. It has given me tools that I can use personally. -M

Educational. Useful. I learned term definitions and ideas on affirmations to help a patient feel more comfortable and safe. Presentation had big impact. Will use what I learned today to inform others (i.e. spouse). -F

Incredibly engaging and important workshop on how to be an ally to the LGBTQ community. I learned definition of “gender queer”, making clinical settings more welcoming to the trans community and that gay orientation is formed by genes, hormones, male birth order, and epigenetics (AKA it is multifactorial). I feel much more empowered to have these important types of conversations with others. I hope to be able to educate others on LGBTQ issues. -M

This is really interesting and amazing. I am so surprised that I now know the facts of LGBT. It is really helpful and I would like to know more about this absolutely. LGBT topics are a totally new field for me. It is amazing that I learned the basic concept and how to open the door for these people, which is really helpful. Be supportive with no assumption and judgment and ask open-ended questions and no pushing. This activity is really helpful. I learned a lot from my classmates. Discussion solved my confusion, too. -F

Love the talk. Learned a lot. Learned defining terms, the spectrum of the word “queer”, to ask open ended language, and the importance of affirmations. Learned to be a more sensitive ally. -F

Great lecture related to a new field for us. I learned gender identity, sexual orientation and other terms on trans. And the ways how to deal with these challenges in a clinic as an interpreter. Also how to arrange a comfortable place at a clinic for a trans patient. Treat trans patients with care.-F

Great training. Great way of learning! I learned the differences between gender, sex and sexual orientation. Good ways to open the door to a friend or relative who may be confused about his/her sexual orientation or identity. The term “queer” impacted me in how many teenagers identify themselves or present themselves as “queer”. -F

Great learning scenarios. I learned not to make assumptions, to treat people with respect in general regardless of sexual orientation. I will show more compassion, sensitivity, and understanding. -F

Very interesting and helpful to know in our interpreting field. This will impact the way I phrase questions towards the LGBTQ community and how I can correct myself if I made a mistake. -M

Very good class. It helps me understand more about the LGBTQ community. I will be more careful and sensitive when interacting with the LGBTQ community. -F

I would like this presentation be accessible to Latino/Asian/African American communities outside the healthcare setting in order to build a more tolerant and educated society. I learned how to use proper vocabulary, specifically the words queer, gender dysphoria, and gender nonconformity. Sex is the body and gender is the mind. This presentation will allow me to make people feel welcome and accepted. Education/knowledge will allow me to help them appropriately and make them feel safe. -F

I learned the difference between sex and gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, and gender nonconformity vs. dysphoria. This presentation made me think of one of my friends who turned gay after he broke up with his girlfriend. At that time I thought that he was still in the mental trauma from separation from his girlfriend. Now I realize that maybe in his heart, he already considered himself gay, but had just not realized it yet. -F

I learned sex is the body and gender is the mind. I am open to help others now and I will apologize if I offended somebody calling them something they don’t want to be called. -F

Always respect their feelings. Whole society should have more education about this. I learned sex is the body and gender is the mind. If you don’t let then come out, this could make them distressed. Be tolerant. Be supportive. I didn’t understand people could be so distressed. I realize it from today’s class. Should be supportive! -F

Great. Very outspoken to the general public. I learned the difference between sex, gender, sexual orientation, and other terms. Doctor himself is a “surgeon of LGBTQ related terms”. He helped me dissect and clarify my confusions in these terms I am usually not exposed to. -M

WSC Student Safe Space 10-05-2017

Creating Safe Spaces for the LGBTQ College Community: An Experiential Learning Perspective for Students.

This presentation was part of a diversity lecture series sponsored by PRIDE, WSC Counseling Center, President’s Council for Diversity, and the Multicultural Center.

The presentation consisted of reviewing LGBT student case scenarios through small breakout groups, which allowed an experiential learning perspective. After discussing a particular case as a smaller group, the group would present the case to the whole audience with Dr. Holt as the facilitator.

The audience consisted of students, resident assistants/housing staff, and the public.

Audience feedback/ impact/ things learned from presentation:

I highly recommend people hear Dr. Holt speak. It made are feel more open minded that I was before. I learned good strategies to make the LGBT community feel more accepted.- 20 y/o F

This talk was very good! The work you are doing is changing lives. I learned how to let my residents know I am a LGBT ally!- 19 y/o M

I took away a lot of good ideas for my RA job and later in life when I am teaching in a school.- 2o y/o F

I will carry the examples and role playing with me and always try to use them in any similar real life situations I encounter. I want to be the best ally I can be. I love getting updated on the current research and stats. As an aspiring psychologist, the mental health stats are super important to me.- 22 y/o F

I learned a lot today and became more aware of LGBTQ. I learned what trans have to deal with who can suffer many mental health issues.- 18 y/o F

I liked the seminar. It will influence me by talking to students/people that are LGBT and listening to them when they are in need. All the information was important, but the most important thing is to be there and if they come out to you to thank them and don’t be negative.- 18 y/o F

My group is covering sexual orientation and I convinced my instructor to check out your talk. Thank you for speaking and informing people. I learned my orientation has one of the highest rates for suicidal thoughts (bi). It makes sense. – 34 y/o F

I feel more comfortable and I feel like I will be able to handle situations much better. I learned to just be supportive and show them that you care and they have an ally and even more important a friend.- 20 y/o M

Good process. I learned research on positive effects of gay parents, utilization of research results needed, and trans 9x times more likely to have suicide attempts compared to general population. – 83 y/o M

It made me realize that other people have the same problems as myself. I learned how to make LGBT people feel safe.- 18 y/o M

It was cool that it was interactive and we could talk with other people about the topic of LGBTQ. I learned to be open to anyone and allow other people someone they can trust to talk to about coming out or to just talk about something that is bothering them about their sexual orientation.- 18 y/o F

It was very helpful. I’ll support anyone that comes out because that is a big step for them. Be open to anyone that wants to talk about it.- 18 y/o F

Very informational. Thank you for doing this. I learned how to handle issues discussed as an RA. – 23 y/o F

My best friends are both bi and sometimes I don’t understand what they’re talking about. I realize it’s just better for me to ask questions. I learned to be accepting and be openly supportive.-18 y/o F

I will start trying to let people know that I’m a safe person. The smallest actions can make the biggest differences.- 20 y/o F

Dr. Holt’s genuine in his presentation. I learned being open and accepting to all sexualities.- 70 y/o F

I am already an ally but this presentation asserted how important LGBTQ+ issues are to fight for and support. I learned having a GSA on campus lowers suicide ideations. Need to support campus GSA.- 21 y/o F

Great talk. Enjoyed your presentation. I have heard different stats on suicide. I learned about trans pronouns.- 19 y/o M

Very good talk. Very educational. I learned how to be there for someone who is coming out.- 18 y/o F

I thought this was a good learning activity. I will be more accepting of this community.- 18 y/o F

Good talk- learned new things. I will be there for people who are just coming out.- 18 y/o F

I will be more open about people in the LGBT group. I will provide support. I learned ways to help friends/peers that are coming out and need support.- 20 y/o F

I have a better understanding of things. I learned when you say something that can be offensive or is offensive, the best thing you can say is ‘sorry’.- 19 y/o F

This talk influenced me to stand up and be there for the LGBTQ community. – 22 y/o M

I found this talk was very interesting. I got a different understanding of the same genders using the same restroom. I’ll be more understanding. I learned that trans, gays, and lesbians are just people and we need to give them a chance.- 18 y/o F

This talk makes me even more aware of my surroundings. I learned to apologize if I call someone the wrong pronoun.- 20 y/o F

I thought the overall process was very unique. I really learned a lot about the LGBTQ community and how to be an ally for others. I learned how to respond to someone coming out to you and how to be ally.- 21 y/o F

I learned how to make sure people know I’m a safe source and a reliable person for anybody to approach me.- 20 y/o F

I learned that RA’s have had training – this was a good reinforcement of acceptance and support of LGBT students. Need to train staff at WSC, create safe areas and have bathroom signage.- F

This presentation made me want to be a bigger advocate for the PRIDE community. I learned to be accepting and supportive of others.- 18 y/o F

I learned more about the stress for the LGBTQ community. They need to know they can be safe. I learned how to make the environment more safe.- 22 y/o F

This talk made me feel very comfortable. I learned how to confront situations.- 21 y/o F

I enjoyed the discussion style. I learned how others feel.- 19 y/o F

I learned to be accepting and open to other people’s decisions.- 18 y/o F

This helped me learn about some of the struggles that trans and others go through. I got to see a situation through different eyes. I learned how to promote safe places and about pronouns.- 19 y/o M

This educated me on topics I still don’t know a lot about. I learned to never force a coming out conversation.- 19 y/o F

I can’t agree with the scenarios because I don’t believe in this. I learned nothing.- 18 y/o F

WSC Student Bio 10-04-2017

Gay Sexuality: Biology as a Destiny

The audience consisted of students, faculty, and community members.

The Biology as a Destiny presentation helped audience members compare and contrast the definitions of sexual orientation and sexual behavior; describe the spectrum of sexuality in the general population; identify that sexual orientation is not a choice; describe how genetics plays a role in male homosexuality; list the current biological theories on causation of male homosexuality; and identify neuroanatomical differences between homosexual and heterosexual men.

Audience feedback/impact of presentation:

This was a great presentation. I learned a lot how sexual orientation comes from a biological standpoint. People don’t choose their sexual orientation. – 18 y/o F

As someone who is pursuing a doctoral degree in counseling psychology – wanting to focus my research on relationships, sexuality, the LGBTQ+ community and gender – Ron Holt’s talks are always beneficial to me. I am forever impressed by him. I loved learning about all the various research studies. I am constantly searching for more research to immerse myself in. – 22 y/o F

Love all the new areas of comparison that epigenetics opens up for study! My gender nonconforming 2 and 3 year olds will know their gender identity.Their sexual orientation is yet to be determined! – 37 y/o F

Loved this! I will think about nature vs nurture a little deeper, but I’ve always leaned towards nature. I didn’t know a lot about twin studies. Very cool. I learned proper terminology and I really appreciate that. – 18 y/o F

Very interesting topic and I am definitely influenced by the research provided. It will influence me to be more educated about homosexuality and bisexuality.- 18 y/o M

I am so glad someone has brought a spotlight on how it is NOT a choice! Thank you so much for supporting LGBTQs! – 18 y/o F

It was very eye opening and nice to learn more about a hot topic. I learned the older brother theory.- 19 y/o F

I liked this talk. This is a topic that I think is interesting and more people need to know about this. Thank you for coming in to speak with us today. – 18 y/o F

Distinction between orientation vs. behavior is something the public needs to be aware of. Appreciated the reinforcement in presentation that orientation is NOT a choice. Twin studies lean towards nature. Orientation multifactorial. – 21 y/o M

Learned sexual orientation can be different than sexual behavior. Also having multiple boys will increase the chance of being gay. – 19 y/o F

This was a very influential talk and I learned a lot of new ideas to why someone is homosexual or bisexual. Epigenetics was also a very new talk for me. Thank you for coming today! – 18 y/o F

Just realizing there are a lot more factors determining sexuality. It isn’t a choice. It also isn’t based on how they were raised. – 18 y/o M

Updated my knowledge. Learned variety of sexualities. – F

I know so much more now about the factors/causes that go into being homosexual. Sexual orientation can never be changed. – 18 y/o M

Triggered some interest in doing research about the idea of gay being genetic — many questions. I learned what the mother’s body does after having multiple boys. I didn’t know there could be a difference between sexual orientation vs. behavior. – 19 y/o F

Sexual orientation is not a choice. Behavior is what you can choose. You cannot help what you feel. – 21 y/o F

It was a really good and informative talk, which I’m pretty sure will influence many people to have an open mind and more understanding of this concept. Science evolves and there is always new things to learn and concepts to change. – 20 y/o F

I knew it was biological, but now I want to look into the theories behind the biological component of sexuality. I learned sexuality can be determined very early in development. – 20 y/o F

The talk helped me see both sides of the argument. I learned the cases of both nature and nurture. – 21 y/o M

It’s not a choice. Asking someone to change their thoughts will only change their behavior and not their orientation. Kids can come out at a very young age as trans. Kids can come out with their sexual orientation when they reach puberty at 11-13 y/o. – 19 y/o F

We still don’t know why we are who we are. Orientation and identity comes from within not environment. – 58 y/o F

Being gay isn’t a choice as you’re born that way. Genes play a role in whether or not you’re homosexual. No one should tell you whether or not you can be homosexual. Not acting on your sexual orientation can cause great distress on you and your life. Don’t change your behavior because of other people. – 19 y/o F

This talk will help me not judge these people as much even though I tried not to do so before. I learned the difference between sexual orientation and sexual behavior. – 18 y/o F

You cannot change what is natural. – 18 y/o F

Assist to promote SO through language and understanding. Epigenome – very interesting. Enjoyed the discourse at the end. We need this on our campus more. – 37 y/o F

I’ve learned more about the different sexualities and what attracts them. Nobody chooses their sexual orientation. – 19 y/o M

I now know that pansexuality is. This does not personally effect my life much, but now I know. Sexuality is not a choice. – 18 y/o F

Very good as always. Thanks for all your love to WSC. – M

Good information and nothing is wrong with question #3. If a child wants to be female and if they prefer to be addressed as female, then that’s fine. I learned about sexual orientation vs behavior. – 22 y/o F

It really helped me understand the differences in the different sexual orientations and behaviors. I learned what trans means. – 18 y/o F

It made me disagree more. Children need to be raised right.- 18 y/o

I personally do not believe in a gay gene or inheriting gayness. I believe it comes from thoughts because of your surroundings.- 19 y/o M

I do not agree with your beliefs. I learned nothing. – 19 y/o M

I was forced to be here. Gay gene doesn’t exist. If it did then it would have died out or be very limited. There are only 2 genders – male or female. – 18 y/o M

This talk showed that there is no real science behind the gender theory….After this talk, seeing differences from the normality or majority in sexuality seems more like a disorder. As with all disorders, we should be accepting of the person for all people have dignity. – 19 y/o M

Dr. Holt’s comments: The information presented in this talk points to a multifactorial causation of male homosexuality: A combination of genes, hormones, male birth order and epigenetics. We all fall on a gender spectrum with most of us identifying as either male or female. Anatomy does not define our gender identity.

WSC Faculty

Creating Safe Spaces for the LGBTQ College Community: An Experiential Learning Perspective for WSC Faculty and Staff.

This presentation was part of a diversity lecture series sponsored by PRIDE and the Assistant Dean and VP of Student Services.

The presentation consisted of reviewing LGBT student case scenarios through small breakout groups, which allowed an experiential learning perspective. After discussing a particular case as a smaller group, the group would present the case to the whole audience with Dr. Holt as the facilitator.

The audience consisted of faculty and staff of the College.

Audience feedback/ impact/ things learned from presentation:

Excellent discussion and openness. Ask for the preferences on pronouns. I will be more obviously open.

Very helpful- great information and discussion. It is imperative to have these discussions and places to ask questions. I learned it is ok to ask about preferred pronouns, ideas about safe spaces, and clarification of terms.-50+ F

Awesome! I’m more aware. We have a long way to go at WSC.- 41 y/o F

Very good. I will continue to be an advocate. Trans people need extra support.- 35 y/o M

Wonderful presentation!! I learned how to be a better advocate for LGBTQ students on campus and find small ways to show empathy and advocacy!- 29 y/o F

Great! Excellent learning opportunity. Thank you for the insights! I learned the risk is so much higher for LGBT people in so many areas. This is sad because it’s not something that should be true.- 62 y/o M

Good examples. Helped to apply the information to a specific situation. WSC needs to communicate the availability of resources and services. I am better able to ‘open the door’ for others. – 58 y/o M

Great and insightful. Learned strategies for creating supportive environment.Will be more observant of forms, pronouns, and visuals.- 55 y/o F

Learned appreciation and understanding of diverse backgrounds and related issues.- 63 y/o F

Have better awareness and refresh on terms. Will look at it from a different point of view.- 60+ y/o F

I didn’t know all of the definitions. Will be open to all students in our area and around campus.

This presentation opens my eyes and helps me understand why the world needs to be more accepting to others.- 41 y/o M

Will keep me vigilant for more ways to create a comfortable environment on campus for LGBTQ+ students. I learned that every voice matters.- F

Great. Brought up topic we don’t think about. I learned ways to make LGBT students safe.- 24 y/o M

Learned helpful ideas to make all individuals more comfortable. Also explaining labels and open conversation.- 58 y/o F

Thank you! Learned the percentage of homeless LGBT youth. Great conversations and perspectives.- 29 y/o F

I learned students need to feel comfortable and to use correct pronouns. I will help work with trans students on campus.- 35 y/o F

Essential to keep trying – even when you make mistakes – apologize and try again. I have a little more insight into a couple of students I know who are transitioning.