LGBTQ+ 101: An Introduction to Identities & Allyship for Parents

Darien elementary school PTOs are pleased to offer this educational workshop to parents and caregivers of pre-K to 5th graders in our community in advance of Pride month. 

Cadence Pentheny, a Community Educator with the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, will engage participants in a thorough overview of the LGBTQ+ community, with special considerations for supporting children at the pre-K to fifth-grade levels. From terminology and definitions to rethinking historical and traditional assumptions about gender and sexuality, this learning opportunity is ideal for all of those who wish to be informed — and therefore effective — allies to the community. The target audience is parents and caregivers of pre-K to 5th grades, but it is open to all adults. 

Learning Goals Include:

• An understanding of what is meant by sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, and sex assigned at birth, the differences between them and how they impact and connect with one another.
• Rethinking social norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and gender in our society.
• The importance of allyship in real life situations: Understanding how LGBTQ+ children and youth are impacted by bias, and an overview of best practices that protect their safety and inclusion.