How to Build LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Libraries

Create a more equitable and affirming space for everyone by learning how to build LGBTQIA+ centered programs and practices. Exclusively developed and led by queer people, this course will help you learn how to ensure your library is LGBTQIA+ inclusive by giving you a chance to workshop and apply new skills in this interactive online course.

See what a past participant had to say about this course:

"I joined this course not quite knowing much about the LGBTQIA+ community beyond my own personal experiences. I can only applaud the knowledge shared and I know it will go a long way towards helping me create a safe, welcoming environment at my library."

COURSE PROGRAM

Week 1 Session 1 | 2:00-2:45 pm ET

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Inclusive and Affirming: How to Create LGBTQIA+ Centered Programs and Instruction

Take the next step in making your library or classroom more LGBTQIA+ friendly by learning how to create programs and use facilitation techniques that center and affirm queer folks. You’ll hear from experts about successful programs they’ve run and leave with tangible ideas for bringing a queer perspective to your programs and instructional practices.

Week 1 Session 2 | 3:00-3:45 pm ET

Thursday, November 30, 2023

How to Build and Maintain LGBTQIA+ Community Partnerships and Outreach Practice

The best LGBTQIA+ programs and services are created, influenced, and impacted by LGBTQIA+ people. This session will take a deep dive into community outreach and relationship building with your local queer community. Hear from experts about practical ways to get plugged into the community and build lasting relationships.

Week 2 Session 1 | 2:00-2:45 pm ET

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Trans and Gender Nonconforming Affirming Library and Classroom Space

Trans and gender diverse people are part of every aspect of libraries and classrooms, from patrons to employees to students to volunteers. However, ignorance and bigotry around gender diversity remains prevalent, which means that library workers and educators need to take intentional steps to create welcoming spaces for people of all genders. In this session, you will start by learning about why gender inclusion is an essential component of all library and education work, followed by specific examples of gender inclusion from many different aspects of libraries/classrooms. Finally, you will be guided through tools and resources that will enable you to continue your education and meaningfully incorporate gender inclusion into your own position.

Week 2 Session 2 | 3:00-3:45 pm ET

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Including Queer Youth: How to Build an LGBTQIA+ Youth Advisory Board

Libraries can provide support and a welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ young people who are being attacked by many local and state policies. The best way to support queer youth is to invite their perspective into what they need from library spaces and programs. This session will teach you how to create, run, and maintain an LGBTQIA+ youth advisory board. You will learn strategies for building infrastructure for the group, recruiting young people to join, and creating a scope and sequence to enact the group’s purpose.

Week 3 Session 1 | 2:00-2:45 pm ET

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Creating Systemic Support: Tools and Strategies for LGBTQIA+ Advocacy

This session will teach you tangible ways to advocate for yourself and others in the face of LGBTQIA+ specific censorship and other discriminatory challenges. You will learn why it’s crucial to maintain alliance with LGBTQIA+ people and content, as well as ways to deescalate conflict and counter common arguments. You’ll learn how to make yourself visible as an ally and/or how to promote and protect yourself as a queer person at work. You’ll also learn how to audit and revise your current policies and procedures to create systems of support within your library or classroom. Finally, you’ll leave this session equipped with resources for LGBTQIA+ centered legal and healthcare services so that you’re prepared to support your queer community members in a range of needs.

Week 3 Session 2 | 3:00-4:00 pm ET

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Queer as Verb: Reading Queerly as Advocacy and Inclusion

This session will take a deep dive into specific examples of how a queer perspective can influence your library or classroom. You will learn what it is to “read queerly,” and how this practice can be especially tenable in communities with strong censorship challenges. You will also learn methods for “teaching queerly”: simple instructional shifts that can have a large impact on all learners. You will leave with even more tools to add to your toolkit for advocating LGBTQIA+ inclusion in your classroom and library.