About Us
The Center’s Education Team is made of passionate queer professionals who are dedicated to social justice. Through our experience of providing over 100 LGBTQ+ inclusivity trainings to thousands of participants in Greater Cleveland, we can customize our educational content with empathy, compassion, and awareness of the oppressive systems that shape our experiences and the world around us. With our collaborative no-shame approach, we not only encourage participants of all backgrounds to explore LGBTQ+ inclusivity topics, but we also meet the learners where they are. We look forward to the opportunity to support your organization in its allyship journey.
Contact the education team at [email protected] or 216.651.5428 with any questions or to reserve training today!
Note: ★ Stars denote our most in-demand trainings.
Explore Improving Care and Services for All
Two free courses created in partnership with Haus of Transcendent
Types of Training
Foundational
About Foundational Trainings
The Center's Foundational Trainings are designed to help participants develop a basic understanding of LGBTQ+ concepts.
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity for Allies ★
In our LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Training for Allies, participants will learn the foundational information needed for active allyship, such as LGBTQ+ terminology and gender inclusive language. Participants will leave this training equipped with tools to foster more welcoming spaces both professionally and personally. This training is designed for folks who are new to LGBTQ+ topics and want to learn more about what allyship looks like in practice.
Trans Inclusivity for Allies
Our Trans Inclusivity training focuses on providing participants with the tools needed to support transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The training covers essential topics, such as understanding the different types of transitions and the unique challenges experienced by trans individuals in both personal and professional settings. This training is recommended for folx who are hoping to better support trans and gender-diverse people in real-world situations.
LGBTQ+ History
This training explores LGBTQ+ history, an integral part of shaping today’s workplaces, institutions and communities. Participants will examine the connection between key historical injustices and present-day disparities. This training is designed for participants hoping to gain context for building a more informed and equitable society.
Trans History
This session focuses specifically on key moments and figures that have shaped the transgender rights movement, highlighting the resilience, activism, and cultural contributions of trans communities. This training is for participants hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the unique contributions of transgender people throughout time.
Pronouns & Gender Inclusive Language
Understanding and using gender-inclusive language is key to fostering belonging for trans and gender-diverse people. This interactive training helps participants navigate pronouns, name changes, and gender-neutral language with confidence. This session is designed for participants who are seeking hands-on experience using inclusive language in everyday settings.
Gear Shift
Modeled after the SafeZone curriculum, GEAR Shift is an interactive workshop focused on building empathy and strengthening allyship skills. Named in honor of our organization’s original name, the Gay Education and Awareness Resources (GEAR) Foundation, this training reflects the role of education in supporting more inclusive and equitable everyday interactions. GEAR Shift is designed for organizations seeking a deeper dive into allyship topics through an extended training experience.
Sector-Specific
Sector-Specific
About Sector-Specific Trainings
Our sector-specific trainings provide professionals with the tools and knowledge to create inclusive, supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals. While the core content remains consistent, scenarios and examples are tailored to align with your organization’s professional sector.
These trainings are commonly delivered for the following audiences:
- Educators ★
- Human Service Providers ★
- Customer Service & Hospitality Professionals
- Medical Providers
- Researchers
- Older Adult Serving Organizations
If your professional sector is not listed, we still encourage you to reach out for a consultation to explore how the training can be tailored to your unique setting.
Skill-Based
Skill-Based
About Skill-Based Training
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity for Allies The Advanced Edition
This training takes allyship to the next level by deepening understanding of advanced concepts, such as exploring intersex variations and navigating real-world systems of oppression. Taking a training equivalent to our LGBTQ+ inclusivity training for Allies is recommended prior to engaging with this learning opportunity.
Responding to Microaggressions ★
This training focuses on helping participants to recognize and respond to LGBTQ+ related microaggressions in a thoughtful and effective way. Participants will practice applying intervention skills through interactive roleplays. This training is designed for folks who have a good understanding of LGBTQ+ foundations and are looking to take the next step in their allyship journeys.
Bridging Cultural Divides
This workshop explores how cultural differences shape understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and provides practical tools for navigating conversations across a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives. This training is designed for participants who are well-versed in LGBTQ+ topics and are seeking skill-based strategies for engaging across differences.
Addressing Bullying Behaviors
This workshop explores how bullying behaviors show up in a variety of settings and provides practical tools professionals can use to intervene effectively. This training is designed for youth-serving organizations seeking strategies to address harmful behavior in real time.
Interpersonal Communication & Conflict Resolution
This workshop focuses on building respectful communication skills and strategies for navigating conflict as it arises. This training is designed for participants who are looking to strengthen and expand their communication skills.
Workplace Solidarity & Support Discussion ★
In response to the 2025 DEI Executive Order, this discussion-based training creates space for participants to process its impact while building strategies for meaningful support. Participants will explore what the order means in practice, how it affects colleagues and communities, and how to navigate periods of uncertainty and disruption. This training is designed for organizations seeking greater clarity on the DEI executive order and ways to support those most impacted.
Custom & LIcensed
Custom & LIcensed
About Custom & Licensed Training
Custom Lunch & Learns
Our Lunch and Learn sessions offer an engaging, informal space for learning and dialogue on topics related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity and social justice. These sessions may include panel discussions, guest speakers, and shared lived experiences to spark thoughtful conversation. This option is designed for organizations looking to host a customized training during a 30–45 minute lunch session.
Customized Trainings ★
Our customized trainings are specifically designed to meet your organization’s needs. We collaborate closely with your team to design tailored content that addresses topics that our standard trainings don’t cover. Whether you have the content developed or need to build your content from the ground up, the Education Team works meticulously to develop quality educational content while meeting your team where you are.
Licensed Trainings
Our Licensed Trainings support organizations in developing customized inclusivity content tailored to their specific setting and goals. Through a collaborative process, we work together to identify key focus areas and create a customized workshop, participant materials, and facilitator guide, along with train-the-trainer sessions to support internal delivery. Licensed content is created for internal use for up to two years and requires a formal Memorandum of Understanding to begin. This offering is designed for organizations looking to build internal capacity for delivering inclusivity trainings.
Retreats
The Education Team also can facilitate training retreats with organizations looking to train their staff while prioritizing teamwork and collaboration. Clients may choose a half-day or a full-day retreat comprised of the training(s) from our catalog, along the content of your choice. Custom rates may apply.
Licensed E-Learning Content
Our custom e-learning offerings provide flexible, self-paced training designed to meet your organization’s learning needs and timelines. Like our licensed trainings, e-learning content is fully customized to align with your goals and is created for internal use for up to two years. A formal Memorandum of Understanding is required to begin. This option is designed for organizations seeking asynchronous training to support varied staffing schedules and access needs.
Contact the Team
