Queer Competency

Arcus is committed to LGBTQ2IA+ allyship. Every year, leaders of the agency are invited to attend Queer Competency Training with The 519. Here’s what our graduates have to say.

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“There is no such thing as single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.”

— Audre Lorde

Queer Competency Graduates

  • I loved this workshop. I learned so much and my biggest takeaway was that I do not need to understand in order to honour people. I loved that Victor said "it costs nothing" to honour others, and he's so right. I was emotional reflecting on how folks live in fear as a direct result of systems of power. I want to be a part of a community that is brave and inclusive, and hope to be a safe place for everyone we meet. I also want to be better in my assumptions around gender expression, and I will do better!

  • I love that this course was both fun and informative. The course helped reinforce my knowledge of the importance of inclusion. The wheel of intersectionality highlighted the complexities in others and that made me appreciate how beautiful it is to be different. Although, understanding others can be complex, honouring one another is a step forward.
    I will continue to educate myself and foster a community where others can express themselves.

  • As a first timer taking any queer competency course, I took away many new knowledge to better relate to the community. My take aways:

    Apologize sincerely, don't make it about you, learn from it, then move on.

    Love the poem presented... that we should create a "Brave space" as there really isn't such a thing as a "safe space"..

    I always thought the word "queer" is a very "bad" word to use! and politically incorrect..:grimacing:

    The gender expansive terms! i.e. niece/nephew=nibling:star-struck:

    I appreciate the Best Practices pointers, for someone new, it's like a survival guide...until we become more fluent.

    I am inspired to make small changes where we can as of now, starting with me of course, but I see Quality Assurance team playing a big role in our transformation and in the creation of a brave space for our individuals

  • I am grateful to have to opportunity to further learning about fostering safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA. Thank you Victor for clearly sharing details I was not fully aware of and know I will be able to continue working towards making myself a safe space for others.

  • I found Victors presentation to be clear and informative.  I have people in my life who identify as LGBTQ2S.  So most of what we learned today was familiar.  Thank you Victor.

  • Something as simple as not using inclusive language in employee forms that may need to be filled in the workplace can have a huge impact and create undue stress on an employee. Forms can sometimes ask people to indicate their sex (female/male) or gender (man/woman) often in a way that is not inclusive. I never really thought about the impact something like this can have.

    I loved how this course opened our minds to changing our current practices in such simple areas. One of the steps Arcus can work on is ensuring that our surveys and forms (client and employee) provide options that represent the diversity of our community. Working on inclusive language, importance of pronouns etc in our policies and procedures and day to day practices is a great start.

  • The initial break out activity refraining from discussing the important things that fill our days. When they asked us to think about not being about to talk about who I was on a long term basis, this was eye opening. Also, terminology I misunderstood and/or did not understand (never heard or seen used).

    Intersectionality and the importance of working on ally ship will help me to better understand/support the individuals we support. There is still so much to learn to continue on with the support.

  • I was surprised to learn the terminology and language surrounding gender identity, and how challenging and troublesome it can be for people to hide their sexuality and orientation. The initial exercises highlighted these difficulties for me.

    The course will help me better support others by understanding the LGBTQIA community more, fostering a more positive and inclusive environment at Arcus.

  • This course really opened my eyes to the everyday challenges that people of the 2SLGBTQ+ community face.

    With what I have learned, I will be able to increase the dignity and respect brought into the workplace everyday.

  • I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop, I felt it offered education and knowledge to bring positive changes and attitude. I was made aware of inclusiveness, understanding and challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQ community. Scenario participation was meaningful and definitely eye opening. To imagine living day to day life having to lie in order to prevent judgement, bullying, harassment and/or disrespect in this day and age is frustrating. As a society we need to dismantle traditional assumptions about gender and sexual identities which I feel is slowly happening. I still would like to learn more.

  • I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about fostering queer and trans inclusive spaces. I raised two very loving and accepting children who have been teaching me about sex and gender and how they don’t align for everyone but today many things were clarified. I found the gender expansive terminology quite helpful. I got clarity around the differences between the many gender identities; but my biggest take away was that it doesn’t matter. Unless someone wants to share their pronouns or gender with me, it’s none of my business.  I will strive to treat all people with care and respect and create brave spaces.

  • I was surprised by all the terminology there is. I had no idea and was a bit overwhelmed.

    I felt their passion for educating and how important and difficult it can be for them everyday. I also learned what a wonderful community they have.

    Things we do daily that can be upsetting to a 2SLGBTQIA person without knowing. For example: cissexism

    -everyday language such as normal or ladies and gentlemen

    -appearance policing (ideas on how one should look based on their gender

    -products and facilities

    -legislation and healthcare access

  • I think what surprised me most the level of disrespect and disregard may of the 2SLGBTQ+ community face at the workplace. Some members of the community use pronouns she/they or he/they as they may use she or he in the workplace and they/them in their personal life.

    I hope this course (and I still have a lot to learn) will assist me in helping continue a culture of respect for gender differences and help foster a safe work environment which is inclusive and affirming.

  • During the course I attended, we participated in an activity where we had to talk about our day without mentioning our partner and three of the most important interests or activities in our life. I found this very difficult, and it gave me some insight into the difficulty and frustration that people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community experience when they are unable to share important parts of their life for fear of rejection or judgment. Participating in the in-service has helped me to be more mindful of the struggles that others face and to focus on fostering an accepting environment without judgment so that all individuals, regardless of sex, gender, race, or religion, are accepted and valued in our community/work place.

  • This course increased my awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of using respectful inclusive language. It gave me insights to better support my colleagues and everyone around me. I appreciate the opportunity to build this understanding and contribute to the workplace culture at Arcus that values inclusion, respect, and belonging. I will continue to create a more belonging community for everyone.

  • This was an informative and enlightening course. As a Gen X baby, it can often be hard to keep up with our fast-paced, ever changing world. The topics covered definitely falls into the 'confusing' area for a lot of people in my age group. The format and presentation was very well put together in a way that covered just the right amount of information for the 90 minutes. I take away a clearer idea of gender identification/sexuality and see how a lack of knowledge may hinder a community's inclusivity.  Very well done. Thank you Victor.

  • Through my QMUNITY training, I deepened my understanding of inclusive language and the importance of pronouns in helping people feel seen, respected, and safe. The training also helped me better understand the challenges LGBTQIA2S+ people face, particularly the experience of not
    always being able to openly express who they are. I connect strongly with this. I understand what it can feel like to navigate spaces where parts of yourself are not always safe to share. This training taught me new terminology, awareness, and perspective that I have brought into my workplace and personal life to help create affirming, respectful, and inclusive environments for everyone. This training was engaging and sparked my curiosity about new topics. I look forward to continuing to learning more!

  • I appreciated learning the breadth of space in which individuals are able to express their true selves. I didn't feel this was a surprise but it did open my eyes to the levels and ways the 2SLGBTQ+ community upholds inclusivity.

    I think the overarching point to carry into my work is quite interesting.

    We work with a vulnerable population and this level of intersectionality does raise questions but also opportunities. Inclusivity in itself should be not just for the few or even the many; we should go further than that. Allowing others the space to engage, take interest in, or express areas outside of a gender normative approach provides autonomy. Take into consideration those who may not have the opportunity to articulate or fulfill how they feel or who they are apart from their behaviour. What they like, what they do, how they present themselves, should not be limited to a gender normative lens. Within our sector, our individuals face challenges and I think that if there is any opportunity to allow them to be their true self, we are ensuring dignity, respect, and wholeness. Our guiding principals for others should always be guided by them, not what we place on them to be of value.

  • The queer competency seminar provided valuable insight into creating inclusive, respectful and affirming environments for queer and LGBRQIA+ individuals that I can apply in both my professional and community settings. A key learning was the importance of understanding that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expressions are distinct aspects of a person's identity, and assumptions can unintentionally cause harm or exclusion – an important reminder.

  • I think there are aspects I never thought about. She started the course by asking us to write down a few things that are important to us, get in a group and discuss your previous day without mentioning the important things to you. We as a group all thought it was difficult discussing our days without expressing the most important pieces. Her response was asking us if we could imagine hiding these pieces away for weeks, months or even years. That was eye opening for me.

    I feel like it will help me understand everyone on a greater level. To recognize we never know what someone is pushing down in order to survive their day and to always be able and willing to show respect for all.