|
| home | newsletter | about us |
|
Misha, Nick,
Heather, and Blake after a transgender |
Education
One of the most rewarding parts of our work is helping hospitals, schools, churches, and other institutions and businesses who work with the public understand the perspectives, needs and contributions of the gender and sexual minorities they work with daily. Currently, we have two programs at work to help key parts of our local infrastructure understand the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning (LGBTIQ) people they work with: Safer Schools gives teachers, school counselors and administrators the opportunity to understand the pressures, potential threats, and available support and resources for the queer youth they work with daily, whether they know it or not. Safer Schools trainees learn how to create a school atmosphere of respect and acceptance, and how to break the wall of isolation that so often surrounds LGBTIQ students. What to do When a Man Needs a Pap Smear is the cheeky title of our transgender health training curriculum. Medical professionals and staff usually have no context for or experience with transgender people. The results are that transgender people are far less likely to get regular check-ups, have a shorter life expectancy, and are far more likely to end up in the emergency room. When they do get into a doctor's office, the experience is often awkward for everyone involved. Transgender health training helps staff, nurses, and doctors confidently navigate a fairly new gender landscape, and make sure all their patients are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. |
|
Heterosexuals aren't the only ones who can benefit from the educational opportunities provided at the Rainbow Center. We're working with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and the Cross Cultural Collaborative of Pierce County to offer free Smoking Cessation Support Groups for the LGBTIQ community. Our trained support group facilitator has access to nicotine patches and other support materials to help you quit for good. If we can help you or your organization with one of our free educational programs, please give us a call at (253) 383-2318, Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM.
Please email
Rainbow Center Webmistress regarding
questions, additions, or corrections |
|
