Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Location: Zoom – A meeting link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.
This workshop is intended to be a safe space for parents and caregivers to ask questions and explore issues related to gender and sexuality. Whether your child identifies as genderqueer, trans, cis, nonbinary, or in another way and/or straight, lesbian, gay, bi, ace, queer or questioning – this workshop is for you. The workshop begins with a discussion of language relating to gender and sexuality and self-determination and affirmation in connection with gender expansive parenting and caring. Then we will explore questions asked by some parents and carers of young people. In advance of the workshop, you will have a chance to submit your questions and topics you’d like to discuss. How can we support and try to understand our kids? Let’s explore our questions together!
Co-sponsored by the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office and the Family Care Office.
Facilitators:
Ilana David, MSW, RSW (she/they)
Gender & Sexual Diversity Social Worker, TDSB
Ilana is a social worker with over 15 years experience working with children, youth and families in mental health, 2SLGBTQ+ community services and education settings. In her current role in the TDSB, Ilana provides a range of support and consultation services, with a focus on gender and sexual diversity and gender-based violence prevention. Ilana facilitates groups for parents/caregivers of trans, non-binary and gender independent students; and advocates for safe and affirming school climates across the TDSB through staff training, student workshops and case consultations on topics such as healthy relationships, abuse prevention, and gender and sexual diversity.
Avi Magidsohn (he/him)
Trans & Non-binary Support/Triangle Program Social Worker
Gender & Sexual Diversity Team, TDSB
I have worked at the TDSB for almost 20 years in various programs – Human Sexuality Program; Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program; School Social Work; and finally, the Gender & Sexual Diversity Team. In my current role, I have the opportunity to provide social work support to the Triangle Program (Canada’s only 2SLGBTQIA+ alternative high school), co-facilitate the kids program during our monthly Gender Independent Group (group for trans/non-binary/gender-expansive students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and their caregivers), and provide individual support to trans/non-binary/gender-expansive students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 across the TDSB. As a Black, trans man, I am so aware of the importance of being out and visible so that trans and non-binary students (especially, BIPOC students) see themselves reflected in the people they are going to for support.
Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will make appropriate arrangements.