By Dr. Charmain Jackman
As we close out June and Pride Month, I want to take this opportunity to share some highlights
from conversations that I have had with our amazing Queer therapists and mental health
advocates on Thriving Thursdays this month.
Here are 5 learning opportunities that I will be taking on:
1. Language matters - Using inclusive language is a powerful way to let people know that
they are welcomed, affirmed, and accepted. However, as Dr. Sarah Moon suggests,
language is constantly changing, and as a result you will likely make mistakes. When you
receive feedback about a mistake you made, listen, apologize and do better next time.
2. Create affirming and accepting spaces - Research from The Trevor Project highlights
that there is a 40% decline in suicide rates when an adolescent has an accepting adult!
Queer youth have higher levels of anxiety, depression, suicide attempts, and
homeslessness that is usually caused by rejection from family, peers, teachers, clergy.
They may also choose to suffer in silence because of the fear of being the target of
violence. Creating spaces like Gender & Sexuality Alliance groups, affinity
groups/employee resource groups (ERGs) provide spaces for people to gather in
supportive ways.
3. Normalize pronoun use - It is essential to help the individuals around you feel respected
and acknowledged in a way that works best for that individual. It is important to
normalize asking people about the pronouns they use (not the pronouns they prefer).
Some people also do not use pronouns, and just want to use their names. While some may
fret about grammar, centering the experiences of our Trans and Gender Queer friends and
colleagues is the most important thing here. No one likes being misgendered!
4. Avoid the gender binary - Our gender vocabulary is extremely binary, which can leave
people feeling excluded in the different spaces at work, schools, and even at home.
Gender guessing games and gender reveal parties reinforce the gender binary. Also,
asking caregivers about the gender of their child (e.g., Do you have a boy or girl?) is
another way that the gender binary gets reinforced. If you want to know more about a co-
workers child/ren, try asking about their grades or their child’s hobbies.
5. Celebrate Queer History and Culture - Dr. Sarah Moon highlighted that there is so
much joy, connection, and community within the Queer identity and expressed the
importance of celebrating Pride month. Also, learning Queer history and including in
curriculum and other programming is essential to highlighting the contributions of Queer
individuals.
There are several ways to support and advocate for the Queer community. We invite you to use
the resources below to create your personal action plan:
Innopsych’s latest Thriving Thursday Pride month episodes:
Additional Resources:
Sources:
Throughout Pride Month and beyond, it is crucial that you prioritise mental health and community. slope game
Thank you, Dr. Jackman, for these vital insights into supporting queer youth and adults. Your emphasis on mental health and community is incredibly important, especially during Pride Month and beyond. that's not my neighbor
Dr. Sarah Moon suggests,
language is constantly changing, and as a result you will likely make mistakes. backrooms game
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
제이나인 카지노사이트 https://j9korea.com/
제이나인 온라인 카지노 https://j9korea.com/
제이나인 에볼루션카지노 https://j9korea.com/
제이나인 카지노사이트 추천 https://j9korea.com/
제이나인 카지노사이트 주소 https://j9korea.com/