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Effectively Serving the LGBTQ+ Community
Presented by: Amney Harper, Ph.D,  University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Event Description:

Growing Your Toolkit to Effectively Serve the LGBTQ+ Community

This 4-hour webinar will offer both the foundational knowledge needed to effectively engage with members of the LGBTQ+ community and the tools/resources necessary to support their mental health and well-being. You will be registered for the entire presentation; however, if you do not need the foundational information, you may join at 2:30pm for the second half.

First Half (First 2 hours): Foundational Knowledge for Effectively Serving the LGBTQ+ Community

Description:  In this workshop, we will explore the basic terminology and concepts important in the LGBTQ+ community. We will discuss the concepts of sex, gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation, and how labels are applied to describe one’s experience of their identity.  We will also practice using gender-neutral pronouns and discuss the coming out process. Finally, we will discuss common strategies for engaging with LGBTQ+ individuals in ways that are inclusive and honor their lived experiences.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain knowledge of common terminology within the LGBT+ community.
• Participants will learn how to differentiate between various aspects of identity that are commonly conflated by those outside of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Participants will learn about multiple gender-neutral pronouns and practice using them.
• Participants will gain tips for working with LGBTQ+ people.

Second Half: LGBTQ+ Identity Development and Mental Health Considerations

Description:  In this workshop, we will explore developmental considerations for LGBTQ+ people.  Additionally, we will discuss various models of identity development processes.  We will also explore risk factors and resilience, and specific mental health considerations.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain an understanding of the developmental context for LGBTQ+ identity.
• Participants will gain knowledge of how gender and sexuality identity develop and intersect.
• Participants will learn about various mental health considerations.

4 continuing education hours will be provided to those who complete the webinar; those who exit early are eligible for partial credit. Certificates are issued within 30 days.

About the Presenter:

Amney Harper, Ph.D. is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in the Department of Professional Counseling. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Auburn University in May of 2008.  Amney engages in a variety of service and scholarly work in and with the LGBTQ community. She serves as a SAFE trainer and a Trans Safe Trainer on campus and is active and involved in a variety of committees, including the LGBTQ Advocacy Council, the Campus Pride Index Taskforce, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center Advisory Board, and the TransAction Committee.  She also chairs the College of Education and Human Service’s Inclusive Excellence Committee. Additionally at the national level within the American Counseling Association, Amney is a past president of the Association of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC), and is currently serving on the Human Rights Committee. She also currently co-chairs OUT, a community LGBTQ support group as well as a BiPanPoly support group, and she conducts trainings on best practices in working with transgender and nonbinary clients. Additionally Amney has presented and published widely on LGBTQ+, Multicultural, and Social Justice topics. 

*These opportunities are being provided with funding support from the Great Lakes Mental Health Technology Transfer Center. For additional training and resources available through the MHTTC, visit their website

About our Offerings:

WAFCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6778. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAFCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Visit the WAFCA-CE registration page for more information on fees and policies. 

Wisconsin Association of Family & Children's Agencies (WAFCA)
16 N Carroll St, #750
Madison, WI 53703  (608) 257-5939 
www.wafca.org