Building Bridges Towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Diversity in the Workplace is LGBT Cultural Competency training 101. The course is designed to meet the needs of senior executives, managers, human resources and diversity professionals, customer service representatives, and the general employee population.  The material is developed from a corporate perspective but in coordination with our training partners, the material is also adapted to the unique perspectives of mid-size or small businesses, social services, faith communities, governmental and educational settings.

The course is taught by certified Out & Equal trainers who represent LGBT and ally points of view. The course is designed to help employers get the most from all employees, LGBT and non-LGBT.  This training fosters increased awareness on the LGBT community and business case for LGBT employee equality to develop a healthier and safer workplace.  With the ultimate goal to get all employees engaged in the mission of the organization, this course improves communication between LGBT and straight employees and the customers they serve.

Building Bridges objectives include materials that will allow participants to be able to:

• State the significance of LGBT identity in the context of broader diversity issues
• Evaluate myths and stereotypes about people who identify LGBT
• Discuss the impact of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism on workplace and customer relationships
• Identify inequities in current policies and benefits and how they impact LGBT employees
• Be familiar with the steps to becoming an ally to the LGBT community and workplace equality

These are the major modules for Building Bridges (click here for the course outline):

1. Introduction - why this training is needed; a quick look at the history of discrimination in the workplace and outcomes
2. History of the LGBT community
3. Terminology and concepts around LGBT concepts of birth/assigned sex, gender identity, sexual orientation and gender expression
4. Myths & stereotypes of the LGBT community and in the hospitality industry
5. Business case covering national and state laws, company policies/benefits, recruiting, retention, promotion and customer service when employees are fully engaged.
6. Being an ally to promote workplace equality
7. Action planning for the workplace using internal resources and Out & Equal best practices to identify the next steps for LGBT workplace inclusion

Building Bridges can be tailored to your training needs and requirements.  You can take the course by:

 1.  Contracting with Out & Equal to bring the course into your workplace
   a. 4 hour presentation includes expanded exercises and action planning
   b. 90 minute executive overview for senior managers, HR Professionals or general         employee population orientation
 2.  Attend training sessions open to the public sponsored by our Regional Affiliates         and at our Annual Summit
 3.  Taking Out & Equal University webinars
   a. Three 75 minutes webinars live or archived

The course has been approved in the past for HR Certification Institute continuing education credit. Email Pat Baillie, Associate Director of Training & Professional Development, or call (415) 694-6521 for more information.

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