Before each workshop, we encourage schools to ask which workshop trans and non-binary students wish to attend and give them the option to not attend at all if that is the best option for the student. We understand that workshops on gender can be a lot, especially when you're affirming yourself, so there's no pressure to fit into one or the other.
Our facilitators will check in with wellbeing staff to make sure everyone's pronouns are known ahead of time, and we will shift our language to be inclusive of these changes, too.
As part of our agreements set at the start of every workshop with students, facilitators openly acknowledge that gender is not binary and that some of the language used throughout the workshop sounds like it is excluding some people. Unfortunately, not everything we have access to is beyond a binary but we are updating our content as we go to be champions of inclusion. As part of this we welcome people of all genders and experiences into the room.
We often learn most from those who have challenged the mainstream and societal norms, whether you are trans, cis, or beyond the binary.
To ensure everyone feels safe in the room, our facilitators will check to see if anyone wants to be known by different pronouns than the ones they came in with. This can also be done privately before the workshop. We don't want to out anyone, intentionally or otherwise, so we find it's always good to check.
Our team is happy to chat to any students in the lead up to the workshop via an organised time on zoom (supervised by the school) to address any concerns the student might have. We're here to listen and not lecture, so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have a question.
We always welcome any feedback, challenges or conversations about how we can be more inclusive, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns.
