Do you wish you were better equipped to support your children around LGBTQIA+ issues?

Do you find yourself not knowing what to say when conversations about sexuality and/or gender come up?

Do you believe young people should have safe and affirming adults to talk to about gender and sexuality?

Navigating the shifting landscape of gender and sexuality can feel daunting if it's not something you're familiar with. At the same time, young people are more aware of these issues than ever. In fact, a study conducted by YouGov found that only 36% of people in aged 18-24 considered themselves "completely heterosexual".

As queer parents and activists, we (Alex and Gem) are passionate about creating affirming spaces for young LGBTQ+ people, as well as educating and supporting the adults in their lives.

During this 2-hour online workshop, we will guide you through an introduction to LGBTQ+ issues. With plenty of space for questions and reflection, you will leave with a deeper understanding of gender and sexuality, including terminology, key issues, ways to support young people and resource recommendations for further learning. We'll also provide you with a glossary beforehand so you can start familiarising yourself with some helpful terminology.

We encourage and welcome curiosity and feel non-judgment and compassion are essential elements in this work.

Who is it suitable for?

The workshop is aimed at parents and carers, but those working with young people are also very welcome. Essentially, if you're someone who would like to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues to better support the young people in your life, then this is for you!

Location: Online, you'll be sent a Zoom link ahead of the event

Time: Tuesday 8th March, 7-9pm

Tickets: Limited to 12 spaces. Available only in advance from Eventbrite. It's important to us that our work is accessible to everyone so we offer tiered pricing. Tickets are £10 but if that isn't affordable to you, you're welcome to pay £5. If £10 is easily accessible, you might like to pay £15 to go towards supporting others in financial need who wouldn't otherwise be able to access the workshop.

If you would like to attend but aren't able to afford a ticket, please drop an email to gem@gemkennedy.com and we'll reserve you a free spot, no questions asked.

What should you bring?

Feel free to bring a notebook and pen for any thoughts / reflections that come up.

How much participation is there?

In line with our beliefs around consent, we invite everyone to manage their own participation in the workshop. You are welcome to have your camera on or off. There will be times where each person is invited to speak, including a check in and check out. You are welcome to speak or pass if you prefer.

In order to create a supportive discussion space, this workshop will not be recorded.

There are also two 5-minute reflection breaks scheduled to allow people to pause, move, grab a drink etc.

Who are we?

Alex Smiles (they/them) is a consent-driven, unschooling parent of three, who identifies as a queer intersectional feminist. They have a passionate content creator, Educator and freelance facilitator who supports families around consent boundaries and values. Their experience is drawn from their work around children's rights, consent, PSH and combatting rape culture. Their experience includes working with charities to support survivors of sexual violence - as well as ensuring materials were representative, safe and inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Alex co-facilitates workshops supporting parents to help them feel confident in creating LGTBQIA+ affirming spaces and on menstruation for everyone. Alex is a queer parent and is passionate about creating safe community spaces.

Gem Kennedy (they/them) is a transformational practitioner, facilitator, activist and podcaster. Gem is passionate about supporting people to discover and live a life they love and runs a 1:1 coaching practice supporting LGBTQIA+ and/or neurodivergent folks working to bring about social change.

Gem also works as a Co-Lead Facilitator at a self-directed and consent-based learning community for home-ed children, and as an Associate Presenter for Uptree, supporting young people to develop their employability skills and connect with opportunities that excite them.

As a queer parent, Gem is excited to support parents, carers and teachers to feel confident supporting young people as they navigate LGBTQIA+ issues.