Out & Equal Workplace Advocates licenses the Building Bridges: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Diversity in the Workplace training program to in-house trainers who become certified by completing a Train-the-Trainer Workshop. This license includes use of Building Bridges: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Diversity in the Workplace training materials for one year, with an option to renew for an additional year.

Our unique Train-the-Trainer Workshop offers a cost-saving alternative that allows companies to conduct an unlimited number of LGBT diversity trainings onsite at the company over the course of one to two years. This program also provides a professional training tool for LGBT employees and allies to facilitate change within their companies.

Train-the-Trainer participants receive a comprehensive training workbook, presentation slides and training handouts. Training materials are customized to reflect the specific needs of the company, such as the addition of corporate non-discrimination policies and value statements.

Participants should have a basic level of comfort to present in a group setting and to interact with groups. A detailed script is also provided. The Train-the-Trainer Workshop is a full-day program that includes:

• An overview of the training materials, presentation slides and handouts
  
• A demonstration of the training program by the facilitator
  
• Overview of group facilitation issues
  
• Practice sessions by participants as they conduct segments of the training
  
• Feedback, questions and ideas for next steps

Upon successfully completing the certification process, participants receive authorization to present Out & Equal's Building Bridges: LGBT Diversity in the Workplace training program, which breaks down the barriers between LGBT employees and their co-workers by increasing communication and fostering alliances. This program achieves three goals:

1. Awareness: Through a series of interactive exercises and educational materials, participants examine the ways common myths and stereotypes influence their views of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, learn definitions and information about LGBT terminology and reflect on personal stories about affirmative and negative experiences that result from being a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person. All components are conducted within the context of workplace issues.
   
2. Assessment: Trainers lead participants through an assessment of the current environment for LGBT employees (or employees who have LGBT family members or friends), how this environment affects productivity and employee retention, and how it can alter a company's goals.
   
3. Action Plan: Participants who successfully complete the program receive an action plan to effect changes (or affirm useful existing steps) to create a more comfortable, productive and profitable environment for all employees.

By the end of the workshop, program participants will learn to:

• State the significance of LGBT issues in the context of broader diversity issues
  
• Evaluate myths and stereotypes about LGBT people
  
• Discuss the effects of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and heterosexism on workplace relationships
  
• Assess the workplace environment from the perspective of LGBT employees, clients, and customers
  
• Generate a personal or organizational action plan to address problem areas

Contact Us
For additional information or if you would like to schedule a Building Bridges training program, contact us at info@outandequal.org or (415) 694-6500.