The SpeakOUT Training is an experiential, dynamic training that results in personal and professional growth.  Graduates of Gay Alliance SpeakOUT Training will have improved skills to effectively educate about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their allies.  When LGBT issues are discussed in today’s society often the discussion becomes heated, and people often feel discomfort, unease, anger, hostility, resentment, or other generally negative reactions.  To change systems of oppression, and the hearts and minds of individuals, it is critical that level-headed, productive and useful discussions occur.  This training helps to inspire individuals to put fear and negativity behind them and to confront oppression, harassment and discrimination in useful and productive ways whenever and wherever it is found.

Total time for the SpeakOUT Training: ~12 hours

Standard Program Outline SAMPLE
INTRODUCTIONS: Learner Expectations and Code of Ethics

WORKING ASSUMPTIONS
-Marginalization, discrimination, harassment and violence are on the same continuum
-They impact and hurt everyone.  Ending them will benefit everyone.
-Individuals are not to blame for oppression, BUT they can stop it.
-Those who commit acts of violence ARE responsible for their actions and MUST be held accountable.
-You are either for violence, intolerance, and bigotry or against them.

CONTENT: Introduction to Community Education Model
-Presentation Outline
-Goals of Education
-Examining diversity

ROLE PLAYS: Telling our own story
-Practice
-Feedback

CONTENT PRESENTATION: Components of Sexual Identity
-Learning the language
-The Numbers Game: Moving beyond Kinsey
-Homosexuality, pedophilia and the facts

CONTENT PRESENTATION: Understanding Oppression
-Homophobia, Heterosexism, Racism, Ableism and others
-Name-calling and violence
-Root components of homophobia
-Who is responsible for discrimination?

CONTENT PRESENTATION: Answering Questions
-Answering difficult questions
-Sex, Religion and Politics
-Dealing with hostile people
-Creating effective answers

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