Training Programs

Training and education is one of the core services provided by LGBTQ+ Lorain County. We believe that education leads to understanding, and understanding leads to positive change. We are a passionate group of individuals advocating for access to information that can help create a more affirming world for queer-identified members of our community.

We offer a variety of training sessions designed for corporate, non-profit, governmental, or other groups. Our primary curriculum is our SafeZone program, but we also offer shorter training opportunities that are great for lunch and learns, coffee chats, or other programming.

Trainings can be tailored to the audience such as creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive classroom for teachers/school staff, language, terminology and resources available for medical professionals, understanding legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community, how to be an active ally, and more.

SafeZone Training

What is SafeZone?

SafeZone is an opportunity to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege. The workshop will also give you a better awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and how to be an effective ally. It is also a safe place to ask questions and get resources for further education.

While many of us want to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity and serve as a participatory ally, we don’t necessarily feel comfortable with the language, with our own level of understanding, and don’t know where to go to learn more. SafeZone training is a safe place to learn more about your own identity and deepen your understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and issues faced by members of this marginalized community.

Attending a SafeZone training can help create deeper familiarity and comfort with vocabulary, inclusive practices, and privilege to help individuals identify ways to provide a more safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ loved ones, friends, family members, coworkers, and others we interact with in our day to day lives.

In order to become “SafeZone certified”, individuals must attend the full workshop. Upon completion, trainees will receive a digital badge to be used in email signature, on social media, website, etc. indicating they are SafeZone trained.

The SafeZone training is a half day (4 hour) program with a break built in. A modified SafeZone with limited small group activity can be conducted in 3 hours, if desired. The training can be held remotely or in person. For virtual sessions, it can be split into two 1.5-2 hour sessions. The cost for the full SafeZone training program (4 hours) regardless of in person or remote is $1,500, and the cost for the modified SafeZone (3 hours) is $1,200. Non-profit/governmental organizations receive a 50% discount making the total cost $750 for the 4 hour training and $600 for the 3 hour training.

If your organization is interested in implementing a SafeZone training but cost is an issue, please reach out to us at director@lgbtqloraincounty.org for scholarship/grant funded training opportunites. To learn more or to schedule a training, please click below.

Additional Training Opportunities

PRIDE: An Introduction to the LGBTQ+ Community

A 1 hour training (timing can be increased to 1.5 - 2 hours if desired to cover more material) that includes a general introduction to the LGBTQ+ community and will provide the opportunity to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, the differences between gender identity, gender expression and orientation, language and terminology, and some best practices for inclusivity.

The goal of this training is to help give a better awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and how to be an effective ally. It is also a safe space to ask questions and get resources for further education.  

The cost for this training is $400 (1 hour session). Non-profits and governmental organizations receive a 50% discount. This training can be done virtually or in person.

LGBTQ+ Legislative Updates

A 1 hour training (timing can be increased to 1.5 - 2 hours if desired to cover more material) covering recent legislative changes and proposed legislation at the local, state (Ohio) and federal levels affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This training will give attendees the opportunity to learn about pending and passed legislation, how it may affect members of the LGBTQ+ community, and if faced with discrimination as a direct result of legislation, what individuals can do about it. Resources and organizations that can provide direct legal support will be provided as part of the training.

The cost for this training is $400 (1 hour session). Non-profits and governmental organizations receive a 50% discount. This training can be done virtually or in person.