Professional Development

Programs

Build your professional capacity to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth and families!

Book an evidence-informed presentation or consultation to learn how to effectively support the health, mental health, education, safety, and socialization needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and families!

We offer evidence-informed presentations and individualized consultations for K-12 schools, non-profit agencies, and both public and private organizations. Our PD is also available to students, classes, faculty, and support staff at the University of Alberta. Sessions include experiential learning and participant engagement through activities.

Workshops are customizable upon consultation and we are happy to provide workshops in-person (In Edmonton or surrounding areas) or online (through Google Meet or Zoom).

Our most requested workshops are: Becoming Conscious Allies and Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Pasts, Presents and Futures.

Rural Programs

A Fyrefly Institute educational initiative developed to help reduce discrimination against 2SLGBTQ+ community, increase awareness of the impacts of homo/bi/transphobia, and equip individuals with the tools they need to become effective allies for diversity, equity, and human rights within their communities.

For bookings, consultations, or other inquiries, please contact Star Oldring (they/them) at ruralout@ualberta.ca

Some workshop topics available are as follows:

Becoming Conscious Allies: An Introduction to Sexual and Gender Diversity and Inclusion

Join us to become a conscious ally to the 2SLGBTQ+ folks in your community. Learn about pronouns, what they mean and how to use them, as well as other 2SLGBTQ+ terminology. Explore the foundations of gender identity, gender expression and sex assigned at birth. Analyze frequently made assumptions and myths about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and develop practical tools for supporting queer and trans folks, including available resources.

Inclusive Practices for Teachers and Caregivers: a focus on primary and secondary education

This workshop is designed for education professionals and those who serve students. Through the lecture, participants will learn sexual and gender diverse terminology, current Alberta legislation, best practices for supporting queer and trans students, and actionable steps empowering teachers and students to create a GSA/QSA. Should you have additional specific learning outcomes, Fyrefly Institute staff are open to tailoring this session to your individual needs.

Fyrefly in Schools

An anti-homo/bi/transphobia education program for all students, teachers, and staff in K-12 schools

Trauma Informed De-escalation: Allyship for Homophobic Bullying

The Fabulous History of Drag

Did you know that drag has a fabulous history that extends well beyond the recent proliferation of televised competitions? Do you know why they call it drag? Find the answers to these questions and more as we explore the world of drag and the joy of varied expressions of gender through the centuries.

Where the Rivers Meet

This program focuses on bringing culturally relevant teachings based on Indigenous ways of knowledge. Teachings include traditional and contemporary perspectives on Indigenous gender and sexual diversity. Our program goal is to uplift and empower Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous youth to be their most authentic selves.

For bookings, consultations, or inquiries, please contact Rae Madge (they/she) at wtrm@ualberta.ca.

Some workshop topics available are as follows:

Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Pasts, Presents, and Futures

This workshop aims to develop an appreciation of the diverse histories of gender and sexuality on Turtle Island (what is now known as North America) pre-colonization, helps to recognize the effects of colonization on Indigenous gender and sexual diversity historically and currently, and provides hopeful paths towards the acceptance, support, and celebration of queer Indigenous folks. In this workshop, we will explore strategies that foster decolonial allyship practices in the spaces we occupy, including the workplace and interpersonally.

Becoming Conscious Allies: An Introduction to Sexual and Gender Diversity and Inclusion

This workshop provides an introductory level of understanding of the nuances of sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual and romantic orientations. We will analyze some frequently made assumptions and myths about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and practice an expansive and inclusive understanding of gender and sexual diversity, developing allyship and advocacy practices. This workshop is appropriate for a wide range of folks and organizations.

Decolonizing Gender & Sexuality

This workshop combines “Becoming Conscious Allies” and “Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Pasts, Presents, & Futures”. The first part of the session provides an introduction to the nuances of sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual and romantic orientations, as well as myths and frequently made assumptions about the queer community. The second part will cover an appreciation of the diverse histories of gender and sexuality on Turtle Island (what is now known as North America) pre-colonization, recognize the effects of colonization on Indigenous gender and sexual diversity historically and currently, and providing hopeful paths towards the acceptance, support, and celebration of queer Indigenous folks. In this workshop, we will explore strategies that foster decolonial allyship practices in the spaces we occupy, including the workplace and interpersonally. This workshop takes a minimum of four hours to complete.

Anti-Oppression Training

Anti-Oppression workshops are designed to help unravel the nuances of the intersecting oppressions that are embedded within social life. We will explore how pillars of intersecting oppression such as colonialism, sexism, and racism affect us on the individual, cultural, and structural levels. This session emphasizes analyzing biases and shifting from unconscious thinking patterns to conscious thinking patterns when it comes to intersectional approaches to social justice. This workshop is appropriate for a wide range of folks and organizations.

In-School Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Professional Development

This workshop is specifically designed to offer insight into the struggles and barriers that Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer students face in schools, as well as research-based strategies to remedy the effects of colonialism on Indigenous youth. This workshop is appropriate for both teachers and other frontline staff who work with Indigenous youth.

Where the Rivers Meet

Alberta GSA Network

The Alberta Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Students Alliance (GSA) Network provides support to students & teachers to start, strengthen, and sustain GSA clubs (also known as gay-straight alliances, gender & sexual orientation alliances, queer-straight alliances, pride clubs, rainbow alliances, and many other names) in Alberta's K-12 schools.

Every year, we hold the AB GSA Conference which provides educational workshops and presentations on 2SLGBTQ+ topics to students and teachers. It provides students with vital resources, resiliency skills, and access to safer spaces.

For any inquiries, please contact fyrefly@ualberta.ca.

Learn more about the AB GSA Conference