Presented By
Sheila Confer, MA
Gayle Pamerleau, MSW, LCSW
August 24, 2015

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
Welcome and Introductions
What is an Allies Network?
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Training Ground-Rules
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Student Panel Discussion-1
Being an Ally
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Student Panel Discussion-2
Campus and Community Resources
Contracts and Closure

The Allies Network at Pitt-Greensburg provides a visible source of support and information for gender and sexual minorities. While other minority individuals usually can identify role models and mentors, the relative invisibility of sexual and gender diversity makes it more difficult for GLBTQA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and asexual) members of a university community to figure out where they can safely turn for similar support. The Allies Network identifies individuals who can provide those resources.
Upon completion of the training, staff and faculty can choose to take an Allies Network sign for their office wall or door.

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Use “I” statements and personally own any comments
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Do not interrupt others when they are speaking.
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pressured to become an Allies Network member. I am attending this workshop fully aware of the fact that I may have prejudices (ideas) about lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans-gendered persons. I do hereby give myself permission to set aside my pre-conceived ideas about non-heterosexuals in order to potentially expand my give myself permission to freely ask questions about things
Network Training ground rules listed below.
My purpose for attending this workshop is to learn more about the Allies Network. I understand that at the conclusion of the workshop, I can make a decision about whether or not I wish to participate in the Allies Network.

G
Q
A
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L
H
B
P
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LGBT, LGBTQ, LGBTQA, TBLG: These common acronyms refer to Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Asexual
(sometimes Ally). Although all of the different identities within “LGBTQA” are often lumped together there are specific needs and concerns related to each individual identity.

What did you learn when you were growing up about sexual and gender minorities from:
• Parents
• Friends and family who are gay
• Religion
• Media (TV, Movies, Print Ads)
• School

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Always respect people’s desired selfidentifications. Never assume another person’s identity based on that person’s appearance. It is always best to ask people how they identify, including what pronouns they prefer, and to respect their wishes.

A person’s emotional, physical and sexual attraction and the expression of that attraction with other individuals. Some of the better-known labels or categories include “bisexual” (or
“multisexual”, “pansexual”, “omnisexual”),
“lesbian”, “gay” (“homosexual” is more clinical), or “heterosexual”.

A person who is primarily and/or exclusively attracted to members of what they identify as their own sex or gender. A clinical term that originated in the late 1800s. Some avoid the word because it contains the base word “sex.” The terms “lesbian, bi and gay” are preferred by many in the LGBT community.

A person who is emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted and committed to the members or a gender or sex that is seen to be the “opposite” or other than the one with which they identify or are identified. Also called “straight”.

A person who is emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to more than one gender. Also called “bi”.

The fear or hatred of bisexual people. This term addresses the ways that prejudice against bisexuals differs from prejudice against other queer people. This fear or hatred exists in lesbian, gay and transgender communities, as well as in straight communities.

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King: "Are you a non-practicing bisexual?"
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Paquin: "Well, I am married to my husband and we are happily monogamously married."
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King: "But you were bisexual?"
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Paquin: "Well, I don’t think it’s a past-tense thing."
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Larry King: "No?"
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Paquin: "No. Are you still straight if you are with somebody -- if you were to break up with them or if they were to die, it doesn’t prevent your sexuality from existing. It doesn’t really work like that."

A homosexual person. Usually used to describe men but may be used to describe women as well.
A homosexual woman

Used as an umbrella identity term encompassing lesbians, questioning people, gay men, bisexuals, nonlabeling people, transgender folks, and anyone else who does not strictly identify as heterosexual. Still considered derogatory by many, it is being reclaimed and used as a statement of empowerment. Some people identify this way to distance themselves from the rigid categorization of “straight” and “gay”. Some transgender, lesbian, gay, questioning, non-labeling, and bisexual people, however, reject the use of this term due to its connotations of deviance and its tendency to gloss over and sometimes deny the differences between groups.

Thoughts, feelings, or actions based on far, dislike, judgment, or hatred of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. It is rooted in sexism and can include prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and acts of violence.

Internalized Homophobia: Fear or hatred of homosexuality that exists inside one’s own mind. Examples include:
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Making a determined effort to dress or act in such a way as to not appear to be queer
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Having low self-esteem because of concerns around being queer
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A gay man discriminating against another gay man for acting ‘too feminine’ or ‘too gay’

Interpersonal Homophobia:
Homophobic speech and or actions of an individual towards others who are, or who are perceived to be lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender or queer. Examples include:
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Violence, physical harassment, name calling, anti-queer hate crimes
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Jokes that misrepresent or put down queers, the suggestion that we should
‘understand’ when we are treated differently

Institutional Homophobia: The ways in which government, business, churches and other organizations discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer people. Examples include:
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Policy or legislation that actively prevents same-sex couples from being able to adopt or marry
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Ignoring sexuality as a category on data collection sheets
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Being prevented from career opportunities or being fired from a job for being queer or being perceived as queer
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Being prevented from taking a same-sex partner to a school dance or prom.
From www.acon.org

Our anatomy as female, male or intersex. Including internal and external sex organs, chromosomes and hormones.

A set of classes that together include all nouns, membership in a particular class being shown by the form of the noun itself or by the form or choice of words that modify, replace, or otherwise refer to the noun, as, in English, the choice of he to replace the man, of she to replace the woman, of it to replace the
table, of it or she to replace the ship. The number of these in different languages varies from 2 to more than 20; often the classification correlates in part with sex or animateness. The most familiar sets are of three classes (as masculine,feminine, and neuter in
Latin and German) or of two (as common and neuter in Dutch, or masculine and feminine in French and Spanish).

The sense of “being” male or “being” female. For some people, gender identity is in accord with physical anatomy. For transgender people, gender identity may differ from physical anatomy or expected social roles. It is important to note that gender identity, biological sex, and sexual orientation are not necessarily linked.

Refers to the ways in which people externally communicate their gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, voice and emphasizing, de-emphasizing or changing their body’s characteristics. Gender expression is not necessarily an indication of sexual orientation.

ASH BECKAM IS AN EQUALITY ADVOCATE WHO,
THROUGH HER WORK, SHARES HOW COMING OUT
AS A LESBIAN HELPED HER APPRECIATE OUR
COMMON HUMANITY AND BETTER UNDERSTAND THE
HARDSHIPS WE ALL FACE.

A term which refers to individuals or groups who
“queer” or problematize the dominant notions of sex, gender and desire in a given society. These people possess identities which fall outside of the widely accepted sexual binary. This term may also refer to people who identify as both transgender AND queer, i.e. individuals who challenge both gender and sexuality norms and see gender identity and sexual orientation as overlapping and interconnected.

This is frequently used as an umbrella term to refer to all people who deviate from their assigned gender at birth or the binary gender system. This includes transsexuals, crossdressers, genderqueers, drag kings, drag queens, two-spirit people, and others. Some people feel they exist not within one of the two standard gender categories, but rather somewhere between, beyond or outside of those two genders.

The fear or hatred of transgender people or gender non-conforming behavior. Like biphobia, this can also exist among lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as well as among heterosexual people.

Surgical procedures that change one’s body to conform to one’s gender identity. These procedures may include “top surgery”
(breast augmentation or removal) and “bottom surgery” (altering genitals). For female-to-male transsexual individuals, surgeries involve a bilateral mastectomy (chest reconstruction), panhysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and uterus), and sometimes a phalloplasty (construction of a penis) and scrotoplasty (formation of a scrotum) or a metoidioplasty
(restructuring the clitoris). For male-to-female transsexual individuals, surgeries consist of optional surgical breast implants and vaginoplasty (construction of a vagina). Additional surgeries might include a trachea shave (reducing the size of the Adam’s apple), bone restructuring to feminize facial features, and hair transplants. It is sometimes referred to as “gender reassignment surgery” or “gender confirming surgery.”
HINT: IT IS NOT A SEX CHANGE

“Off camera, I can talk to you, but I've chosen not to talk about any of the stuff I've gotten done, because I think so often when trans people's experiences are talked about, we far too often focus on surgery and transition, so I don't talk about that. But I'm very happy with the situation.” Laverne Cox responding to an interview question about her surgeries.
Full Video

Attitudes or behavior based on traditional stereotypes of gender roles.
Discrimination or devaluation based on a person’s sex or gender.

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Hiding one’s LGBT identity in order to avoid negative social repercussions, such as losing a job, housing, friends or family.
Many LGBT individuals are “out” in some situations and “closeted” in others, based on their perceived level of safety.
To declare and affirm both to oneself and to others one’s identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc. It is not a single event but instead a life-long process.

FROM ASH BECKHAM’S TEDX BOULDER TALK. THIS IS
THE SECOND HALF OF THE TALK AFTER THE
EXCHANGE WITH PANCAKE GIRL.

Stage One – The Identity Question
Stage Two - Internal Identity Acceptance and
Education
Stage Three – Support
Stage Four – Pride
Stage Five – Relationships
Stage Six - Telling the Family
Stage Seven – Balance

Everyone is unique and not everyone will follow the stages exactly. It is perfectly normal to go through the stages in a different order, skip stages entirely or even go through multiple stages at one time.


Sunday, October 11, 2015
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NCOD was founded in 1988 by Robert
Eichberg, a psychologist from New Mexico and founder of the personal growth workshop, The
Experience, and Jean O'Leary, an openly gay political leader from Los Angeles and then head of the National Gay Rights Advocates.
The date of October 11 was chosen because it was the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights

Sam Smith on Ellen

Heterosexism refers to the social and cultural
“norms” that support the idea that heterosexuality is inherently 'right' and anything else isn’t. This is also known as ’heteronormativity’, the assumption that heterosexuality is the norm and that everyone is heterosexual.

HETEROSEXISM/
STRAIGHT
PRIVILEGE

LGBTQ People have many more sexual partners than heterosexuals.
FALSE
People who are LGBTQ can usually be identified by certain mannerisms or physical characteristics.
FALSE
Transgender people face the similar types of discrimination as gays and lesbians.
WORSE, ACTUALLY
The majority of child molesters are heterosexual men.
TRUE
Transgender people identify as homosexuals.
SOMETIMES
TRUE, FALSE OR SOMETHING ELSE?

Christians are united in their opposition to homosexual people and homosexuality.
FALSE
All GLBTQ people are depressed and this proves that they are going against all that is natural.
FALSE
Homosexuality can be cured with psychotherapy.
FALSE
If gay people adopt or have children they will raise them to be gay.
FALSE
Bisexual people just “can’t make up their minds.”
FALSE
TRUE, FALSE OR SOMETHING ELSE?

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Who am I
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How do I define myself
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My Experience at Pitt - Greensburg

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Supreme Court Orders States to Recognize
Same-Sex Marriage – June 26, 2015
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Arlington School Board Expands Protections for
Transgender People – July 1, 2015
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OSHA Publishes Guide to Restroom Access for
Transgender Workers – June 1, 2015
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Target to Remove Gender Based Labeling –
August 9, 2015

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New York Man Arrested in Attack on Gay West Point
Couple – August 12, 2015
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Teen Lesbian Couple Attacked in Alleged Hate Crime At
Six Flags New England – August 2, 2015
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Authorities Investigating College Shooting As Possible
Anti-Gay Hate Crime – April 15, 2015
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Gay Couple Thrown Off Bus, Told They Are Not ‘Real
Men’ For Kissing – October 21, 2014
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Missouri Lawmakers Propose Ending Sexual Harassment
By Telling Interns To Dress Modestly – August 18, 2015

Papi Edwards
Lamia Beard
Ty Underwood
Yazmin Vash Payne
Taja DeJesus
Penny Proud
Bri Golec
Kristina Gomez
Reinwald
Tamara Dominguez
Keyshia Blige
Vanessa Santillan
Mya Hall
London Chanel
Mercedes Williamson
India Clarke
K.C. Haggard
Amber Monroe
Shade Schuler
Kandis Capri
Elisha Walker
TRANSGENDER WOMEN MURDERED
IN 2015 SO FAR
IN THE US ALONE

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73% of Pennsylvanians are not covered by a non-discrimination ordinance which covers discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing and public accommodations.

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Ally: Someone joined with another for a common purpose.
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Ally: A person who is a member of the
“dominant” or “majority” group who works to end oppression in his or her personal and professional life by supporting the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.

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Awareness is the first level. Knowing who you are and how you are different from and similar to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people is important. You need to be able to think about who you are and how you live your life.

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Knowledge/Education is the second step. Learning about sexual orientation and what the experience is like for gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender people is necessary.
Understanding the effects of laws, policies, and practices as well as educating oneself about the culture and norms of the gay community enables a strong alliance.

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Skills are the third level. Being comfortable with and able to share this new knowledge is an important step in being an ALLY.
Being able to let others know your status as an ALLY means communicating this new knowledge. Confronting someone’s homophobic joke is an example of using the newly acquired skill.

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Action is the final stage. This stage involves actually initiating action to end the oppression against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people. If this new found information is kept to oneself, then others are deprived of what has been learned as well as how to develop new insights and understandings about the gay community. Developing or participating in programs or events on campus, joining the GSA or an activist organization, marching in a gay rights parade or wearing a pink triangle are actions one can take at this stage.

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Uses gender neutral terms, such as partner or significant other, instead of gender specific terms like boyfriend or girlfriend.
Treats partners of LGBT friends the same as they would a straight friend’s partner.
Doesn’t preface a statement on LGBT issues with “I’m straight, but…”
Doesn’t expect an LGBT person to speak for the entire LGBT community.
Doesn't assume everyone is heterosexual…or wants to be.
Does not ever out anyone. EVER.
Avoids anti-gay jokes and conversations and speaks out against them.
Creates an atmosphere of acceptance and respect.

o o o o o o o
Doesn’t think of people as “my gay student” or “my lesbian friend.”
Understands the basics of LGBT issues but is not afraid to ask questions.
Avoids stereotypes and makes clear that stereotypes don’t represent the entire LGBT community.
Creates an atmosphere of acceptance and respect.
Actively pursues a process of self-education. Read and ask questions. Educates others: one-on-one, group programming, teachable moments.
Is an ally in the fight against sexism and racism as well, as these issues all intersect.
Acknowledges and takes responsibility for one’s own socialization, prejudice and privilege.

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THE PERFECT ALLY

Four Tips to Being A Better Friend To Trans
People
Liberty Hill and Emotions the Poet - 4 quick tips
Example of a media outlet being trans supportive and respectful
Caitlyn Jenner - Nightline Story

“I will not call myself an ally. Instead,
I will try to live my life in such a way that others will call me one.” – Some guy on Twitter

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
Pitt-Greensburg Allies Network
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Pitt-Greensburg Gay Straight
Alliance
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Pitt-Greensburg Website –
Diversity Resources
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Straight for Equality
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Wipeout Homophobia on
Facebook

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The Human Rights Campaign www.hrc.org
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Equality Pennsylvania www.equalitypa.org
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Transgender Law Center – www.transgenderlawcenter.org
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The New Civil Rights Movement http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com
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NOH8 Campaign http://www.noh8campaign.com/

Definitions have been modified from the following websites:
 http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/trans/g/GenderExpressio
.htm
 http://www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay/advise/pers pective.html
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophobia