LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Trainings for Schools, Organizations, and Community Programs
Trainings/Workshops
The Emerald Lighthouse provides educational trainings and workshops designed to help organizations build safer, more respectful, and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Our trainings combine education, practical tools, and open conversation to help participants better understand sexual orientation, gender identity, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in workplaces, schools, and community settings.
We partner with a wide range of organizations including:
• schools and universities
• healthcare and mental health providers
• nonprofits and community organizations
• workforce development programs
• government agencies
• businesses and corporations
Each training is designed to create a supportive learning environment where participants can ask questions, explore real-world scenarios, and leave with practical strategies they can apply in their work.
Our Approach
Our workshops are designed to be:
Educational
Participants learn foundational knowledge about LGBTQ+ identities and inclusive practices.
Interactive
Trainings include discussion, real-world examples, and opportunities for participants to ask questions.
Practical
Participants leave with tools and language they can use immediately in their roles.
Customized
While we offer several core trainings, each workshop can be tailored to reflect the specific needs, industry, and goals of your organization.
Training Formats
We offer flexible formats depending on the needs of
your organization.
• Introductory workshops (60–90 minutes)
• Expanded trainings (2–3 hours)
• Half-day professional development sessions
• Full-day trainings
• Customized training experiences designed specifically for your team
Trainings can be delivered virtually or in-person depending on your location and preferences.
Our Most Popular Trainings
​
Beyond the Binary: Understanding SOGIE in the Workplace
A foundational training that introduces LGBTQ+ terminology, gender identity, and respectful communication practices.
​
Participants learn:
• LGBTQ+ terminology and concepts
• differences between sexual orientation and gender identity
• understanding transgender and nonbinary identities
• respectful language and pronoun use
• how to navigate mistakes respectfully
Supporting Transgender & Gender Diverse Individuals
This training focuses on best practices for creating affirming environments for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Topics include:
• affirming communication strategies
• supporting individuals navigating gender identity
• creating inclusive environments
• understanding common challenges transgender individuals face
Intersectionality: Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals Who Are BIPOC
This workshop explores how race, culture, gender identity, and sexuality intersect.
Participants learn:
• the concept of intersectionality
• unique challenges faced by queer and trans BIPOC individuals
• culturally responsive communication
• building inclusive environments
​
​
Psychological Safety at Work: Creating Teams Where Everyone Can Thrive
A practical training that helps leaders and teams understand how psychological safety shapes workplace culture, communication, and employee well-being.
Participants learn:
• what psychological safety means and why it matters for healthy teams
• how identity, belonging, and workplace culture influence psychological safety
• ways organizations can support LGBTQ+ employees and other marginalized groups
• leadership behaviors that build trust, respect, and open communication
• how teams can navigate mistakes and difficult conversations in constructive ways
​
Affirming Care in Practice
Supporting LGBTQ+ Clients in Mental Health Settings
This training is designed for therapists, clinicians, and mental health professionals who want to strengthen their ability to provide culturally responsive and affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients. This training explores how identity, stigma, and systemic barriers can impact mental health and how clinicians can create safer therapeutic spaces.
Participants learn:
• foundational concepts
• common mental health stressors affecting LGBTQ+ individuals and families
• best practices for creating affirming therapeutic environments
• ethical and trauma-informed approaches when working with LGBTQ+ clients
• ways clinicians can examine bias and strengthen culturally responsive care
Your Workplace, Your Needs
Every organization has unique goals, challenges, and learning needs. This training option allows The Emerald Lighthouse to partner with your organization to design a workshop or training experience tailored specifically to your team, industry, and environment.
​
Participants may learn:
• strategies for creating inclusive and affirming environments
• how to support LGBTQ+ employees, students, clients, or community members
• leadership practices that strengthen trust, belonging, and team culture
• practical tools that apply directly to your organization’s daily work
Training content is developed in collaboration with your organization to ensure the material reflects the specific needs, roles, and goals of your team.
