Course Description
The LGBTQ+ community is very diverse, and your knowledge and recognition of that diversity is extremely important. In this course, you will learn how to differentiate among the many different types of gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as define each part of the LGBTQ+ acronym.
While some people are already familiar with lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, they may be less familiar with the other terms that comprise the rest of the acronym. In this course, we’ll explore what it means to be transgender and queer, and we’ll address the additional gender identities and sexual orientations covered under the “plus.” We’ll also cover other terms such as asexual and heterosexual, and explore the concept of heteronormativity, which is the belief that presumes straight people are “normal” and LGBTQ+ people are not. You’ll also learn about homophobia—feelings of fear and hate directed at people who are attracted to individuals of the same sex.
We’ll cover some best practices for welcoming LGBTQ+ coworkers, including asking inclusive questions and signaling it’s OK for them to be their true selves. We’ll also discuss what it means to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, how to confront bias and discrimination, and when to ask community members if they need your support. When you choose to be an ally, you become a role model for other employees to become allies; and over time, the workplace becomes more diverse and inclusive.
What You'll Learn
- Define each component of the LGBTQ+ acronym, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer
- Differentiate among the many types of gender identity and sexual orientation, including asexual and heterosexual
- Explain the concepts of heteronormativity and homophobia
- Identify ways to recognize and welcome the LGBTQ+ community at work, including asking inclusive questions
- Explore tactics for becoming an active ally who confronts bias and discrimination
Key Takeaways
- The LGBTQ+ community is very diverse, and recognizing that diversity is extremely important.
- Heteronormativity is the belief that presumes straight people are "normal" and LGBTQ+ people are not.
- Homophobia refers to feelings of fear and hate directed at people who are attracted to individuals of the same sex.
- Welcoming LGBTQ+ coworkers includes asking inclusive questions and signaling it is OK for them to be their true selves.
- Choosing to be an ally makes you a role model for other employees and, over time, helps the workplace become more diverse and inclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn in this course?
You will learn how to differentiate among the many types of gender identity and sexual orientation, define each part of the LGBTQ+ acronym, understand terms such as transgender, queer, asexual, and heterosexual, and explore concepts like heteronormativity and homophobia. You will also learn best practices for welcoming LGBTQ+ coworkers and becoming an active ally.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for those in the workplace who want to recognize and welcome the LGBTQ+ community, including people already familiar with lesbian, gay, and bisexual people who may be less familiar with the other terms in the acronym.
What does it mean to be an ally according to this course?
Being an ally means confronting bias and discrimination, knowing when to ask community members if they need your support, and becoming a role model for other employees; over time this helps the workplace become more diverse and inclusive.
What topics and lessons does the course cover?
The course covers an Introduction, two lessons on what the letters of the acronym mean, Recognizing the LGBTQ+ Community at Work, What Is an Ally and Why Are They Important, and a Test Your Knowledge assessment.
Professional Certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Professional Development Credits (PDCs): 0.5
KnowledgeCity is approved by SHRM as a Recertification General Provider to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). By taking the courses approved by SHRM, KnowledgeCity can award SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (the SHRM BASK™).
