I’m a trainer, writer, and speaker who specifically provides training for individuals, organizations, schools, institutions, groups, and businesses who want to collaborate on building a more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable world for their LGBTQIA+ peers, colleagues, clients, co-workers, students, customers, patients, friends, congregation, and family.
I believe there has never been a more relevant time to help individuals and organizations build relationships and solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. As such, I offer a broad range of training opportunities for my clients. I aim to help individuals and organizations discover where they are, and together, chart a path to where they would like to go.
I believe it’s important to note that my equity-centered approach begins with an understanding of the following tenets:
- Be willing to sit in discomfort with curiosity. The status quo continues when we shy away from the discomfort which comes with learning new information.
- I am not a monolith. While I am a Queer person, I do not speak for the entire community, nor do I purport to understand the experiences of all LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- The collective “we” knows more than “me.” I invite other LGBTQIA+ individuals to join me as co-consultant in our collaboration.
- I aim to inspire, not convert. Learning to become more understanding and accepting of LGBTQIA+ folks is a process occurring on a spectrum. At one end of this spectrum are those who hold hatred, bigotry, and malice toward my community. My services are not intended for these individuals. I want to work with folks who want to do the work.
- Transparency is an essential equity ingredient. A lack of transparency sows the seeds of distrust. I will be as forthright with information as legally allowed and encourage organizations to do the same.
- Patience is key. We cannot expect quick solutions to problems that have existed for centuries.
- Maintain hope in the face of brutal truth. It makes sense to be angry when learning of injustices we were previously unaware of. In order to do necessary change work, we must maintain hope that a way forward is possible.
I ask that all who choose to collaborate with me embrace these philosophies in our work together.
Want to work with me? Please fill out my contact form on the “Contact” page.