1. 1 Orientation and Gender True Colors, Inc. 945 Main Street, Suite 211 Manchester, CT 06040 860-649-7386 www.ourTrueColors.org

2. 2 Reminders The Human Experience rarely fits neatly into boxes Language evolves over time Race, ethnicity, culture, class, and other elements of diversity impact an individual’s experiences of sexual orientation, gender, coming out, etc.

3. 3 Ground Rules R (Respectful Risk-Taking) O (Ouch-Oops) P (Participation/Pass) E(Escuchar: to listen) S(Sharing/Safety)

4. 4 DCF Policy 30-9 Non-Discrimination of LGBTQI Individuals The Department has an obligation to ensure fair, equal, and non-discriminatory treatment of all individuals who identify themselves as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQI), in accordance with state laws governing non-discrimination. The purpose of this policy is to –ensure that LGBTQI children, youth and adolescents under the guardianship of DCF receive non- discriminatory, safe, affirming and non-detrimental services, which shall include but not be limited to mental health, substance abuse, foster care and adoption, and mentoring services. LGBTQI youth are at higher risks of several health disorders and often do not disclose or discuss sexual orientation and life issues with providers that are not openly supportive –facilitate recruitment and retention of affirming foster or adoptive parent(s) or mentors, and to ensure that all persons, including LGBTQI individuals, are given consideration equal to all other individuals. The Department shall not delay or deny mentoring services, or the placement of a child for adoption or into foster care, or discriminate against any person, including –children, youth and adolescents under its care –biological, foster or adoptive parent(s) –mentor(s) –applicant(s) wishing to become a foster or adoptive parent(s) or mentor(s), who can meet all children’s needs –on the basis of –gender identity/expression –marital/partner or cohabitation status –actual or perceived sexual orientation. Legal References: CT General Statutes 4a-60a, §45a-726a, §46a-60, §46a-6), §46a-64c, §46a-66, §46a-70 to 73 and §46a-81a to 81p.

5. 5 Sexual Orientation Crosses all dimensions of diversity (race, ethnicity, religion, class, ability, etc.) Exists on a Continuum Is defined as emotional, romantic and erotic attractions, for the most part & over a period of time –Feelings rather than behavior May Be Fluid Over Time

6. 6 Biological Sex (Body) Biological SEX refers to the body Chromosomes, internal and external reproductive organs Much diversity exists –Chromosomal –Reproductive

7. 7 Gender Identity (Mind) One’s Inner Psychological Sense of Being a Man or a Woman May (or May Not) Be in Concert with One’s Sexed Body Continuum of Thoughts, Feelings, and (Socially Constructed) Behavior, Clothing, Mannerisms Non-traditional Gender Expression Is Often (Mistakenly) Assumed to Be a Result of Same Sex Orientation

8. 8 Transgender A global term that encompasses a wide range of people who do not fit neatly in traditional gender boxes Includes: –Transsexuality –Cross-dressing –Androgynous Gender Expression –GenderQueer

9. 9 Cultural Competence Begins with understanding, empathy and knowledge Doesn’t require that you know everything Creates an environment in which we question assumptions Creates an environment in which we can ask and answer questions respectfully

10. 10 Creating an Affirming Environment Recognize that Agency culture includes everyone Train all staff Have a Gender Neutral Bathroom option Use respectful language and pronouns (if you don’t know, ask)