Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities: Building Bridges… Creating Community

By Fran Hildebrandt, WLCJ Mishpachah Chair

Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities
Building Bridges . . . Creating Community

We live in a world in which our family members may be exploring new identities. Words like “cisgender, nonbinary, transgender and queer” (to name a few) may feel new to us. Issues that our loved ones may be grappling with, the words and terms and pronouns they’re using, and the lives they’re living, may be new to many of us. 

How can/do we celebrate them and show that we love them for who they are?

To support our LGBTQ+ family members, we can learn about identity terms we may not yet have encountered. Some of us may also struggle with what appropriate pronouns to use. Now WLCJ members will have the opportunity to learn affirming language and correct pronoun usage. Join Keshet and WLCJ for a two-part series which will provide us with foundational knowledge and shared language, so that we can better understand and affirm the important people in our lives. Please be aware that the second session is predicated on the knowledge presented at the first one.

February 9^th, 7:30–9:00 PM ET: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Concepts

This training is designed to familiarize participants with the basics of building LGBTQ+ equality and belonging. 

April 23^rd, 7:30-9:00 PM ET: Going Deeper: LGBTQ+ Language & Pronouns

This training will focus on equipping participants to be active allies to the LGBTQ+ community, specifically through language and pronoun-use.

You can find the registration information on the WLCJ website, in the WL Week newsletter, or click on the button below. You may also email me and I will help you to register. (fshildebrandt@gmail.com)

REGISTER NOW

I hope that I will see you on February 9^th and April 23^rd. As Benjamin Franklin (and a few others) said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.”  What better way can we demonstrate our love and support for our families by putting forth the effort to learn and participate with them on their journey?

Shabbat Shalom,
Fran Hildebrandt (pronouns: she/her/hers)
WLCJ Mishpachah Chair
fshildebrandt@gmail.com