Foster Care Training

Violence against youth with marginalized sexual orientations is common. Studies have found that youth with marginalized sexual orientations are also over-represented in child welfare systems, despite the fact that they are likely to be under-reported because they risk harassment and abuse if they disclose. Learning to be an ally to youth and colleagues with marginalized sexual orientations is learning to question, interrupt, and challenge our personal biases as well as the larger systems of heterosexism to create truly inclusive, affirming, and healthy environments for people with marginalized sexual orientations. This requires intentionality and commitment from an entire community. In this interactive workshop, we will introduce fundamental concepts and vocabulary necessary to engage in discourse and provide inclusive support to youth with marginalized sexual orientations. Participants will also be introduced to the cycle of oppression and begin to examine the ways in which we have been socialized into systems of oppression with a focus on heterosexism. Attendees will also consider actions that we can take on personal, cultural, and institutional levels to create a more equitable organizations, institutions, and communities.