LGBTQ+ Active Allyship
Inspiration: LGBTQ+ Active Ally Workshop Series is a student facilitated, staff supported workshop series that aims to provide peer-to-peer education around topics as they relate to LGBTQ+ experiences. The basic workshop is an introductory workshop aimed to provide students, regardless of their level of knowledge about LGBTQ+ identities, an opportunity to learn and ask questions about LGBTQ+ identity and experience and consider what they learned and how to apply it to experiences outside of the workshop space to help continue to make Bates an intentional and supportive space for LGBTQ+ and exploring students.
Have questions or want to learn more about this opportunity, connect with Anthony Del Real at adelreal@bates.edu
If you would like to request a workshop for your student group or sports team, please submit a request here.
FAQ
What is the reason for the LGBTQ+ Active Ally workshops?
There are many reasons to have a workshop like this. For us, it is to help create and maintain an impactful and supportive Bates community through active conversations that address bias and misconceptions around LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.
Completing this workshop shows your interest and continued to commitment to creating and maintaining supportive spaces for all. This workshop is voluntary.
What are the goals of the workshop?
The goals for an active ally workshop will ask participants to explore:
- language and identities that impact LGBTQ+ experiences that promotes awareness and inclusion across intersections of identities
- (un)conscious bias and how active displays of intervention and active learning can cultivate a supportive and non-discriminatory environment for all
- what it means to be an active ally and how to use knowledge beyond the workshop
What does it mean to be an Active Ally?
We consider a Bates LGBTQ+ Active Ally as someone who is striving to directly address acts of prejudice, discrimination and bias against the LGBTQ+ community by expanding their understanding and knowledge about LGBTQ+ identities and experiences beyond the initial workshop.
Who can participate in the Active Ally Workshop?
Any Bates students are able to participate in any of the offered sessions; regardless of one’s prior knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ identity and experiences.
We encourage participants to come to the workshop with an intentional and active curiosity and willingness to lean into areas of understanding they might not know and willingness to learn and grow.
How often are the Active Ally Workshops offered?
Workshops will be provided upon request or during certain awareness months/weeks. If you are seeking basics around language and general support, you are encouraged to check out the resources we have available.