LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency: Creating Learning Environments of Inclusion and Belonging for LGBTQ+ Students

Rainbow Connections MasterClass Series

LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency: Creating Learning Environments of Inclusion and Belonging for LGBTQ+ Students

September 10, 2025

CE’s Available
The Gender Health Training Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Gender Health Training Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

This 1-hour interactive session equips educators and certificated staff with the knowledge and tools to support LGBTQ+ students, particularly those with intersecting identities, in grades 7 through 12. Aligned with California Education Code sections 218 and 219 and AB 5, this class covers critical legal requirements and evidence-based strategies for creating safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments.

Participants will explore how to recognize signs of bullying, community exclusion, and family rejection. The session also explains privacy protections for transgender and nonbinary students and reviews state and federal anti-bullying, non-discrimination, and suicide prevention policies. The workshop highlights the importance of inclusive curriculum, trained staff, and community-based support in promoting student wellness and a sense of belonging.

Learning objectives:

Understand foundational LGBTQ+ terminology and key challenges LGBTQ+ students face.
Learn inclusive practices to create affirming, supportive classrooms, especially for students with intersecting identities.
Explore laws and policies (SB 48, AB 1266, CA Ed Code 220, Title IX) that protect LGBTQ+ students, including privacy, access, and anti-discrimination.
Recognize the importance of inclusive curriculum, trained staff, and school-wide policies in fostering belonging and preventing harm.
Access tools and resources to continue learning and support LGBTQ+ youth effectively.

Presenters

Meggie Pina (she/her) is a Queer Chicana multidisciplinary artist, advocate, and community organizer who believes in the power of creative expression and connection to transform lives. As Director of Programs at The Diversity Center, she leads a dynamic team delivering LGBTQ+ affirming programming across Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Meggie holds a B.S. in Child & Family Development from San Diego State University and brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and large-scale event production. She is also a certified Welcoming Schools Facilitator. She supports GSA, QSA, and Rainbow Clubs in schools, fostering inclusive spaces and mentoring LGBTQ+ youth. Meggie designs culturally grounded Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula for K–12 students, educators, and families. Her approach blends activism with radical self-love grounded in community care, joy, and a strong commitment to collective healing and liberation.

Sam Gomez (they/them) is the Deputy Director of The Epicenter, a youth-led resource center based in Salinas, California. With over a decade of experience in youth development, Sam has dedicated their career to empowering young people and creating systems that are inclusive, equitable, and community-driven.

Sam began their journey at The Epicenter in 2015 as a volunteer with the Our Gente program while completing their studies at California State University, Monterey Bay. They earned a Bachelor of Arts in Collaborative Health and Human Services in 2017 and have since used their education and lived experience to advocate for youth and marginalized communities across Monterey County.

Proudly queer, non-binary, and Latine, Sam is deeply committed to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in education, mental health, and social services. As a systems-change leader, Sam works to uplift youth voice and ensure that institutions reflect the diversity and needs of the people they serve.

Session is 60 min including time for Q&A.

1 CE Credits Available

The Gender Health Training Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Gender Health Training Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.