Diversity is essential but is equally important to ensure it does not become mere tokenism. To ensure an inclusive and diverse culture, training is crucial. We understand that good training provides a base level of knowledge. Keeping this in mind, Capacity Canada, in partnership with SPECTRUM, organized a Rainbow Diversity Training for all of its staff members in the last week of March.
A team from SPECTRUM, an organization that serves, affirms, and supports the well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ people in the Waterloo Region and the broader community, walked the Capacity Canada team through the training.
SPECTRUM’s Rainbow Diversity Training is a service that helps organizations along the path toward becoming more open and welcoming and equitable, and accessible to persons of all sexual and gender diversities, both to clients and employees of the organization.
The goal of the 2SLGBTQ+ diversity training was to:
- Strengthen their 2SLGBTQ+ terminology and understanding of key concepts, such as articulating the difference between gender identity and sexuality and how there are more than two genders.
- Deepen understanding and empathy of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals through learning what the day-to-day life challenges look like by hearing stories and personal experiences.
- Become aware of the role that intersectionality and privilege play in the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
- Practice and explore strategies for dismantling one’s misconceptions and becoming a better ally.
- Commit to demonstrating more welcoming and inclusive behaviour and providing support to 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, including knowledge of where to go for further resources
