LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Training
At the Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA), we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for building inclusive, affirming communities. Our LGBTQ+ cultural competency trainings are designed to meet people where they are—whether your team is just beginning this work or looking to go deeper.
We offer engaging, evidence-based workshops across a wide range of disciplines, including healthcare, education, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and corporate settings. Our trainings help participants understand the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people, build empathy, and develop the language and tools to foster safer and more welcoming environments.
Each session is grounded in real-world data, best practices, and AFFA’s decades of experience advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in South Carolina. We tailor every training to the needs, goals, and audience of the group—ensuring your team walks away with relevant, actionable knowledge.
Whether you're looking to strengthen internal policies, build allyship, or meet inclusive care standards, we’re here to help you lead with intention and compassion.
Sample Training Topics
LGBTQ 101 Awareness Training
Length: 1 hour
Description:
A foundational overview of LGBTQIA+ identities, language, and cultural concepts. Ideal for audiences newer to LGBTQ+ topics or seeking a refresher to promote respectful, informed interactions.
Customization:
This session can be tailored for corporate environments, schools, mental health providers, medical staff, or public agencies.
Gender Identity-Focused Training
Length: 1 hour
Description:
A focused training exploring the diversity of gender identity and expression, including transgender and nonbinary experiences. Emphasis on respectful language, inclusive practices, and real-world case studies.
Customization:
Recommended for educators, healthcare professionals, and teams supporting gender-diverse individuals.
Understanding Sexual Orientation
Length: 1 hour
Description:
This session provides a deep dive into the spectrum of sexual orientation and how it intersects with workplace dynamics, youth development, mental health, and policy.
Customization:
Can be adjusted for HR and DEI teams, educators, or direct service providers.
Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation Overview
Length: 1.5 hours
Description:
A combined training offering a comprehensive overview of both gender identity and sexual orientation. Great for general audiences or organizations looking to build shared language and awareness across staff.
Customization:
Ideal as an all-staff kickoff session or leadership onboarding tool.
Using Data for Deeper Understanding
Length: 1 hour
Description:
This session walks participants through insights from the 2019 Tri-County LGBTQ Community Needs Assessment conducted by AFFA, the College of Charleston, and MUSC. It grounds LGBTQ+ lived experiences in real-world data and systemic context.
Customization:
Designed for policymakers, funders, researchers, or any organization looking to make data-informed decisions.
Safe Zone Training
Length: 3 hours
Description:
An interactive, in-depth workshop promoting allyship, reducing bias, and building LGBTQ+-inclusive workplaces or campuses. Participants will explore privilege, personal reflection, and practical tools for creating safer environments.
Customization:
This training is frequently used by schools, colleges, healthcare networks, and nonprofit organizations.
Creating LGBTQIA-Inclusive Clinical Settings
Length: 3 hours
Description:
Designed for healthcare providers, this training focuses on respectful, affirming care for LGBTQIA+ patients—with a special emphasis on transgender and nonbinary inclusion. Covers intake procedures, communication, and inclusive practices.
Customization:
Recommended for clinicians, mental health professionals, and administrators seeking to improve care environments.
Ready to Schedule a Training?
Contact us at info@affa-sc.org. We’re happy to help customize the right session for your team.