Rainbow Diversity and How to Be a Supportive Ally

Rainbow Diversity and How to Be a Supportive Ally 
Free interactive educational groups to learn about rainbow diversity and practical tips and resources on how to be a supportive ally. 

These online educational sessions are ideal for people who want to increase their understanding and learn ways to promote healthy inclusive environments for rainbow people in New Zealand through interactive discussions. 

These interactive sessions will also provide an opportunity to ask questions, share information and connect with others. Participants can actively participate or stay anonymous with their camera off (although participation is encouraged). Sessions and registration details are private and confidential. By attending, participants must agree to keep attendee's details and stories that are shared confidential. 

Attend the whole series, or choose which sessions you'd like to attend. Register now to reserve your spot on this amazing free service!

1. Sexual Orientation and Attraction 
   Thursday 22 February, 12.15pm - 1.15pm
   An opportunity to engage in kōrero about sexual orientation and types of attraction in a safe and inclusive environment. We will explore myths around sexual orientation and name ways to affirm sexual minorities, with plenty of opportunities to have your questions answered.

2. Gender Minorities
   Thursday 29 February, 12.15pm - 1.15pm
   This weeks discussion involves learning about common misconceptions about gender identity and expressions. We will explore myths around gender diversity and name ways to affirm trans and non-binary whānau, with opportunities to have your questions answered.  

3. Intersex and VSC People
   Thursday 7 March, 12.15pm - 1.15pm
   An opportunity to engage in kōrero about intersex and VSC (variations of sex characteristics) people. Join us this week for a guided conversation to learn from the lived experience of being an intersex person in Aotearoa. Learn what we can be doing to ensure New Zealand is safe and inclusive of intersex and VSC people.

4. Supporting Rainbow Relationships
   Thursday 14 March, 12.15pm - 1.15pm
   This week we will explore what makes a healthy queer relationship and learn ways to promote healthy rainbow relationships. Learn how to spot signs of an unhealthy rainbow relationship and what you can do in support. 

5. Creating Safe Spaces for Rainbow People
   Thursday 21 March, 12.15pm - 1.15pm
   The final week will concentrate on identifying ways to make spaces inclusive and accepting for rainbow people and learn why this is important part of being an ally, with plenty of space to support one another’s learning and hear one another’s ideas. You will also get the opportunity to evaluate your own shared space.

Facilitator: Vicky Wood has over 20 years experience in the social services sector in both New Zealand and Scotland. Tasha Wood is a senior registered nurse with 17 years experience in clinical practice and nursing education. They are both proud members of the rainbow community. 

Participation: While sharing and active participation (via video or audio) is encouraged, participants may attend with their camera off and listen without involvement if they choose. 

Access: A device (laptop, tablet, phone) with internet access is required as sessions run over Zoom. 

Privacy: Sessions and registration details are private and confidential. By attending, participants must agree to keep attendee's details and stories that are shared confidential. Participants can remain anonymous if they chose.

You will need

• Headset and Microphone

• Built-in laptop camera or attachable webcam device (for laptop or PC)

• Stable broadband connection 

Minimum System Requirements

• As a guide, if you are able to Skype or watch online videos (eg: YouTube) from your device, your system requirements should be capable.

Operating System
Windows 7 and above
Mac OS X 10.6 and above

Browsers
Internet Explorer 7 and above
Firefox - Latest version
Chrome - Latest version
Safari - 5 and above