LGBTQ Mental Health

• Discuss the developmental experiences of each sexual and gender minority group

• Explore subcultural norms, social pressures, & sources of resilience with LGBTQ communities

• Examine what unique mental health concerns are experienced by LGBTQ people

• Consider what it means for people to identify with LGBTQ communities and additional marginalized groups

Exploring the Gender Spectrum

• Examine terminology used to describe a variety of gender identities and experiences.

• Discuss the value and importance of being gender-affirming in our work

• Deepen our understanding of trans/non-binary identities and experiences in the context of gender-based violence

• Identify systemic barriers experienced by trans and non-binary people

• Analyze our intervention strategies to disrupt transphobia and enbyphobia in our services 

How Did This Happen? Supporting Dialogue Around Coming Out

• Discuss the challenges and burdens placed on LGBTQ people when they come out

• Identify common questions LGBTQ people face when they come out to loved ones

• Explore scientific, sociological and historical factors that can facilitate responses

• Consider the value of being the "ally scholar" and "ally confidant" to support your clients and family members

LGBTQ Muslims and Mental Health

• Examine the religious, cultural and political diversity among Muslims across the globe  

• Articulate various meanings of what it means to be a queer or trans Muslim

• Consider the unique needs of this minority that exist within a minority

• Explore the intersection of homophobia, transphobia and Islamophobia

Sexuality and the Imprint of Shame

• Conceptualize shame as a social emotion that is connected to interpersonal experiences and systemic oppression.

• Explore how shame develops and common activators of shame

• Examine how people protect themselves when shame is overwhelming

• Discuss how shame interacts with our sexuality: the physical body, motivation for partner-seeking, and sexual health management

Determinants of Mental Health for Queer Guys

• Discuss the social determinants of health (SDOH) model

• Consider how SDOH can be adapted for specific communities when combined with a subcultural analysis

• Examine 13 determinants that queer men come up against that impact their wellbeing, such as sexual health anxiety, coming out milestones, internalized shame, body image concerns, complex substance use, ageing, and the landscape of connection seeking

• Consider what moving through each determinant might look like and what the impact might be

The Landscape of Connection-Seeking for Queer Guys

• Examine the context and norms of connection-seeking: online apps, hookup culture, emphasis on body consciousness, sexualized substance use, and gendered expectations

• Explore the impact of conflicting messages from the dominant culture and queer subculture around connection-seeking

• Discuss a framework for understanding gay men's mental health concerns by positioning them as responses to conflicting cultural scripts and representations around casual sex and long-term relationships

Understanding the Context of Body Image Concerns for Queer Guys

• Reflect on cultural messages around 'good' bodies, food, fatphobia and thin privilege.

• Consider the multiple origins, sources and systems that fuel body-consciousness for queer guys.

• Explore the connections between substance use, connection-seeking, and body-consciousness

• Discuss what it means to be supportive and politicized as service providers.

Supporting GBTQ Men Living With HIV

• Review the trajectory of HIV prevention and treatment campaigns and technologies.

• Discuss the role of systemic barriers to treatment and adequate services

• Explore the interpersonal, social, and systemic layers of what it has and what it continues to mean to be a gay, bisexual, trans, or queer guy living with HIV

• Investigate what queer men's relationship to the state and public health bodies has been historically and how this relationship continues to evolve

• Examine the (often minimized) realities of HIV stigma, criminalization of non-disclosure, and reliance on the carceral system

Party N' Psychosis – The Other PnP

• Develop an understanding of why we need to be talking more about psychosis

• Define psychosis and locate it within the context of Schizophrenia Spectrum (and Other Psychotic) Disorders

• Review all DSM disorders and conditions that can include psychotic features and then identify key cross-cultural and anti-oppressive considerations (and tensions) when supporting people who experience non-shared realities

• Examine existing research and literature on the experience of methamphetamine-induced psychosis

• Create intentional space for discussion around suitable approaches and intervention methods when working with queer guys and other individuals who experience meth-induced psychosis 

Trans People in Women's Shelters: Inclusion and Policy Roadmaps

• Explore basic concepts around gender socialization, gender identity, and cis-centrism

• Discuss specific challenges trans and nonbinary clients experience while navigating cis-centric (and women-specific) social services

• Reflect on personal biases and assumptions that may result in barriers to care for non-cis people

• Consider what criteria should be used to determine if a client is appropriate for shelter services

• Discuss questions the organization must ask while creating policies around inclusion for trans and nonbinary service users