Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth

This workshop provides youth-serving professionals with essential knowledge and practical strategies to create spaces where LGBTQ+ youth feel truly seen, valued, and cared for. You’ll gain clarity on key terminology, learn the differences between gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and understand how to use affirming pronouns with confidence and care. This workshop also goes beyond definitions to explore both interpersonal and organizational approaches that make a real difference in young people’s lives. Through interactive discussions and concrete examples, you’ll develop skills for using inclusive language authentically and implementing strategies that signal safety and affirmation. Whether you work in schools, healthcare settings, or community-based settings, you’ll walk away with the tools and confidence to show up as a trusted, affirming adult for the LGBTQ+ youth in your community.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Define key terms related to gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, and sexual/romantic orientation and explain the distinctions between these concepts.
2. Practice proper pronoun usage and describe why using affirming pronouns are essential to supporting LGBTQ+ youth identities.
3. Use inclusive language authentically when working with all young people, including LGBTQ+ youth.
4. Apply at least three interpersonal and organizational strategies for creating affirming environments where LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, valued, and safe.

Tuition

• $80 – General Registration
• $60 – Alumni, field instructor, FFL, adjunct
• $45 – Veterans and Current Adelphi School of Social Work Students

Credentialing Information

To receive approved continuing education credits, participants must attend the entire training or workshop and submit a completed evaluation form.

CEs: 3

See full credentialing information and CEUs

About the Instructor

Kaleigh Cornelison, MSW

Kaleigh Cornelison is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with teens and the adults who care about them. She leads workshops, creates resources, and writes the both/and newsletter, a trusted resource for parents and professionals who want to embrace both the challenges and the joys of the teenage years. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Kaleigh is also the Project Manager for the National Technical Assistance Center for Adolescent Health and Well-Being. In all of her work, she is passionate about amplifying youth voices and supporting trusted adults to make a positive impact on the young people in their lives.

Cancellation Policy

Please note that we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made within seven business days of the event or for no-shows. However, if you notify us at least 24 hours in advance, we can issue a credit toward a future workshop. No credit will be provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the event.

Accessibility Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Adelphi University require that all events be accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the event host identified on the event webpage; please allow for a reasonable time frame. The event host, when necessary, will collaborate with the Student Access Office.