By Theresa Rothmiller-Hayes

Strength Alliance, affiliated with Resources for Human Development (RHD), hosted “LGBQ & T Cultural Competency 2.0,” Jan. 25 in the Lucretia & James Mott room.

Strength Alliance Coordinator Naiymah Sanchez, Recovery Specialist Aaminah Morrison, therapist Shadeen Francis, and other employees of RHD trained a diverse audience on understanding the transition from male to female and vice versa.

During part two of the workshop, trainers mentioned health resources for transitioning and explained how to address individuals by their preferred pronouns. Such as, he/him, she/her, he/she, her/him.

Sanchez, Morrison, and a volunteer trainee performed a scenario in which a receptionist was pleasant towards a transgender person, but refused to use the proper pronoun.

“I went to part one of the training,” attendee Mary Aussendorf said. “They explained what would be presented today, but I specifically enjoyed the speakers. They’re why I came back.”

Trainers also defined intersectionality, racial micro-aggressions, and the risks of black market while openly answering questions.

“Being bi-racial doesn’t make me a what,” Morrison said. “I’m still a who.”

Intersectionality is a way of understanding social inequalities. Racial micro-aggressions is either intentional or unintentional behavior communicating racial insults towards others. Black market is illegal trade or traffic.

Approximately 45 trainers and trainees wore tags with their names and pronouns as identification.

After attendees participated in a group activity regarding discrimination and oppression case studies, they received signed certificates of completion, acknowledging six credit hours.

Another participating organization, the Women of Color Sexual Health Network, believes “Nothing about us without us is for us,” Francis said, adding the quote is popular with various social justice communities.

Throughout the event, a RHD folder consisting of participation handouts was placed on the tables for each attendee.

During the training, held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch boxes and beverages were dispersed at noon. Breakfast was provided as well.

“Everyone who spoke today, did a great job,” trainee Zantheia Harrell said. “Thanks for letting me share that.”

Contact Theresa Rothmiller-Hayes at communitarian@mail.dccc.edu