About the LGBTQ+ Ally Training

The LGBTQ+ Ally Training is an optional educational workshop available to all members of the University of Illinois community. The LGBTQ+ Ally Training program empowers participants to support LGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty and create change on campus.

LGBTQ+ Ally Training 101: Introduction to the LGBTQ+ community

Join us for an Introduction to the LGBTQ+ community. In this training we will cover: LGBTQ+ identities, the gender spectrum and transgender identities, gender pronouns and intersectionality.

LGBTQ+ Ally Training 102: Becoming an Ally

Join us in becoming an ally. In this training we will cover: homophobia and transphobia, privilege, discrimination and other issues in the U.S., Common LGBTQ+ student challenges, University of Illinois policies and reporting, interrupting bias, a case studies activity and creating an action plan to create change in areas of your life to further inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community.

Ally Training Learning Outcomes:

• Basic Knowledge
  Participants will be able to state the meaning of the LGBTQ+ acronym.
• Gender
  Participants will be able to articulate the gender spectrum and explain trans identities.
• Intersectional Identities
  Participants will be able to discuss the relationship between multiple identities and LGBTQ+ identities.
• Campus Challenges and Resources
  Participants will be able to discuss common LGBTQ+ campus challenges and resources available to assist in these challenges.
• Inclusiveness
  Participants will have an increase in their acceptance, inclusiveness and comfort with the LGBTQ+ community.
• Action Steps
  • Participants will be able to articulate what it means to be an Ally and identify action steps to support the LGBTQ+ community on the University of Illinois campus.
  • Participants will be more likely to speak out against homophobic language, than prior to participating.

Upon completion of LGBTQ+ 101 & 102 Ally trainings, attendees can choose to become an Ally by completing an agreement expressing their commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community at University of Illinois. Allies may also choose to display an LGBTQ+ Ally placard on their office door or residence hall, that identifies them as Allies who have participated in the training and pledged to be positive, supportive, and affirming to gender, sexual, and romantic identities.

LGBTQ+ Allies

• Actively participate in developing a visible and supportive community
• Continue their own education around LGBTQ identities
• Share their knowledge, modeling language and behavior that is inclusive
• Providing support to LGBTQ+ people and guiding them to campus and community resources.
• Advocate for a campus community free from discrimination and bias

LGBTQ+ Allies are not expected to:

• Be experts on all topics related to LGBTQ+ identities
• Provide emotional support or act as therapists (unless they are a licensed therapist acting in their role as a therapist)

For more information, please email GSRC@illinois.edu.