In a time of rapid change and controversy concerning gender and sexuality, this workshop series aims to demystify and clarify these timely topics. Over the course of three sessions, we’ll learn basic terminology to clarify our understanding of gender and sexual identities and the different perceptions and origins of these identities. We’ll explore and discuss sources and impacts of discrimination against gender non-conforming people, especially within the younger population, and we’ll also learn how to understand and improve one’s role as an ally of those within the LGBTQ+ community. These workshops will include presentations and discussions, some exercises, and no quizzes or homework! We’ll also provide print and online references and a reading list for those who wish to develop an even broader understanding of what is covered. All are welcome!!

This workshop is a learning opportunity for those seeking information that is factual and accurate, so that they may develop a good grasp of some fundamentals that can be brought to other conversations. It aims to be beneficial for parents and grandparents of gender-questioning or gender non-conforming children or grandchildren, anyone seeking an introduction to current concepts, vocabulary, and practices around the topics of sex, sexuality, and gender, and those who want to better equip themselves when working with or talking to gender non-conforming individuals. These workshops are not an opportunities for political discourse.

**This program will take place in person at the library.**

Please register by filling out the form below
and we’ll send you a reminder on the day of the event!

About Christine Caulfield

 

Christine Caulfield is a retired public high school teacher of 22 years, during which time she taught many different levels and courses, including American Studies, World History, AP European history, AP Comparative Government, and Power and Privilege, a social studies elective where students unpacked the sources, issues, and politics of race, gender, sexuality, ageism, ableism, and wealth disparity, with a focus on their intersectionality. Christine is a parent of two grown daughters, and a grandparent of three. She served five years of active duty in the Marine Corps, enlisting in 1977, and being commissioned as an officer in 1979. Christine has been working in various capacities with Mainetransnet since 2012 as a general volunteer, support group facilitator, treasurer, and co-chair of the 35+ Caucus, representing transfolx over 35 in the transgender community. In 2022, she testified in the Maine legislature in support of changing the name-change requirements, and hers was a key testimony that brought about the enactment of the bill into law. Christine is a brand new member of the board of directors for Greater Portland Health, an organization providing health care for the homeless, Portland BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ people, serving over 8,000 patients in the local area, and in six schools.