Awareness,
Action, and
Transformation

LGBTQ Training Courses in the Workplace

Today's imperative for companies lies in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for underestimated groups. Despite strides, LGBTQ+ discussions have lagged, hindered by ignorance and stigma. Recent legal changes highlight the urgency for awareness and action in transforming workplaces into inclusive environments.

While sensitive, conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation are crucial. Breath Beings' learning programs aim to address common questions, fostering understanding and paving the way for truly inclusive workplaces.

Understanding LGBTQ+
Exploring Identity and Diversity

LGBTQ+ encompasses a diverse community integral to our society, consisting of friends, family, colleagues, and more. Evolving from the 1990s, it represents Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals. Lesbians are attracted to women, gays to men, and bisexuals to both genders, delineating sexual orientations.

Transgender, an umbrella term, includes those whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex. It encompasses diverse identities like Intersex, Queer, Genderfluid, and more. The "+" signifies inclusivity, representing identities beyond the core.

In LGBTQ, 'Q' stands for Queer or Questioning, embracing non-cisgender and non-heteronormative individuals. Understanding these identities fosters inclusivity, challenging societal norms and stereotypes.

LGBTQ+ Program Key Takeaways

Designing and implementing an LGBTQ program involves a thoughtful approach that recognizes the diverse needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. Here are some key takeaways for creating effective LGBTQ workplace training programs:

The Role of LGBTQ Training
in Organizational Culture

To create work environments that are truly inclusive of all employees, it is crucial for leadership to implement LGBTQ+ diversity awareness training programs in the workplace and other initiatives that address unconscious bias. These efforts foster understanding, mitigate bias impact, and improve the well-being and productivity of LGBTQ people. It's crucial to be intentional in addressing unconscious bias's effect on those with intersecting marginalized identities.

Thus, training aimed at LGBTQ+ issues should also encompass discussions on how unconscious bias impacts individuals dealing with ableism, sexism, and more. By broadening the scope, organizations create a comprehensive intersectional approach to ensuring LGBTQ+ inclusion is part of a larger, interconnected effort promoting equality and respect.

Unique Formats of Learning

Spectrum Beings

Spectrum Beings A participatory workshop where allies understand LGBTQ+ identities, acknowledge privilege, and embrace allyship through the Breath Beings’ Actions for Allyship © Framework.

Nukkad Natak

Nukkad NatakA street theatre performance which evokes reflections around the importance of an inclusive environment, touching various moments which employees experience in their everyday work life.

Amplifying DEIB

Amplifying DEIBWe help amplify conversations around Inclusion through various thought leadership forums nudging audiences towards progression in the space of DEIB. We enable this in the form of panel discussions, expert talks and knowledge partnering at DEIB conferences.

Benefits of LGBTQ Training
Programs in the Workplace

Design for Inclusion Design for Inclusion

Many question the necessity of discussing such personal aspects as sexual orientation within professional settings. However, the reality is that our sexual orientation is a fundamental part of our identity, naturally woven into everyday conversations. Acknowledging and accepting diverse sexual orientations is crucial for authenticity, relationship-building, and, consequently, optimal productivity in the workplace.

The consequences of social exclusion at work are twofold, impacting both emotional well-being and productivity. Constantly navigating conversations without referencing family or partners to maintain gender-neutral discussions is a challenge. Concealing one's true identity requires significant effort and may detrimentally affect workplace effectiveness.

Recognizing the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals can openly discuss their identities, not only enriches workplace relationships but also directly correlates with enhanced well-being and performance. Embracing diversity becomes not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage for organizations committed to cultivating a vibrant and productive workforce.

Identifying Existing Gaps
in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion

Cultivating a secure psychological space for LGBTQ+ employees requires addressing challenges like limited awareness, unconscious bias, policy gaps, and representation issues. Closing these gaps demands proactive education, enhanced policies, and a culture fostering openness and respect. The McKinsey study underscores LGBTQ+ underrepresentation and frequent coming out experiences, emphasizing the need for continuous support beyond token gestures during Pride Month.

LGBTQ+ career advancement gaps encompass limited mentorship, biases in promotions, insufficient Allyship, and awareness training. These barriers force LGBTQ+ individuals to outperform peers for recognition. McKinsey found disparities, including 40% of LGBTQ+ women feeling the need to prove competence. Trans and nonbinary respondents often face entry-level positions. The complexity of choosing a career for LGBTQ+ individuals involves weighing the integration of their identity with job interests, skills, and location, emphasizing the need for more inclusive workplaces and professions.

LGBTQ+ employees encounter challenges in wellness benefits, facing limited access to culturally competent healthcare and mental health resources, and lacking inclusive policies. Addressing these gaps is essential for promoting equitable well-being. Employers must prioritize comprehensive healthcare coverage, inclusive benefits, and mental health support to create a safe and positive work environment. Additionally, steps like expanding coverage for LGBTQ+ healthcare needs, promoting family inclusivity, and offering LGBTQ-friendly counseling services can contribute to a healthier, more supportive workplace for all employees.

Studies on LGBTQ rights in India reveal progress and persistent challenges. Despite decriminalization, the LGBTQ workplace training community faces prejudice and gaps in adoption, healthcare, and anti-discrimination laws. Ongoing efforts are crucial for legal safeguards and societal acceptance, ensuring their dignity and rights.

Education and awareness gaps for LGBTQ+ employees involve limited curricular inclusion, inadequate workplace training, and a lack of comprehensive resources. Addressing these is vital for understanding, reducing biases, and creating inclusive environments. In workplaces, unconscious bias hinders LGBTQ+ inclusion, emphasizing the need for training and awareness initiatives.

Steps to Implement
LGBTQ Training in The Workplace

Implementing LGBTQ initiatives in the workplace necessitates a strategic approach. Commence by assessing organizational readiness, followed by the development of training objectives gathered from the lived experiences of LGBTQ employees. Ensure feel safe space for participants to share is paramount while selecting training formats and identifying training providers. Customizing content is crucial, particularly in addressing key aspects such as understanding privilege and intersectionality.

Establish a consistent year-round implementation timeline. Communication is vital and should be channeled through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Facilitate sessions at all organizational levels, and implement an anonymous feedback mechanism for honest evaluation. Ensuring continuing support and follow-up is integral for sustaining a comprehensive and impactful LGBTQ awareness training within the workplace.

Why Choose Us?

Frequently asked questions

LGBTQ+ training covers a range of topics, including gender as a spectrum, terminology, allyship, intersectionality, and real-life stories to build awareness and understanding.

Absolutely! LGBTQ+ training can be tailored to your organization's unique needs, ensuring relevance and addressing specific challenges faced by your workforce.

The frequency of LGBTQ+ training must be regular to help reinforce awareness and foster an inclusive workplace culture.

Yes, LGBTQ+ training can be customized for different sectors like healthcare or education, addressing sector-specific challenges and fostering tailored inclusion strategies.

Certainly! LGBTQ+ training can seamlessly be integrated into existing diversity and inclusion programs, enhancing their effectiveness and providing a comprehensive approach to workplace inclusivity.

LGBTQ+ training is beneficial for everyone in the organization, including employees, managers, and leaders. It helps create a more informed, supportive, and inclusive work environment for all.

Meet the team

Amruta Choudhury

Co-founder

Amruta Choudhury

She/Her
Aruna Ganesh Ram

Co-founder

Aruna Ganesh Ram

She/Her
Manasi Chaudhari

Board of Advisor

Manasi Chaudhari

She/Her
Ruchira Gokhale

Board of Advisor

Ruchira Gokhale

She/Her
Zainab Patel

Board of Advisor

Zainab Patel

She/Her
Kafeel Jafri

DEI Facilitator

Kafeel Jafri

He/Him
Aruna Ganesh Ram

Growth Manager

Priya S D Sharma

She/Her
Anushka Meher_DEI Associate

DEI Associate

Anushka Meher

She/Her
Sagrika

Graphic Designer

Sagrika Padha

She/They

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