Expert to lead sexual, gender minority inclusion workshops

Oct 29, 2018 | 5:30 AM

A workshop presenter is hoping people can walk into some upcoming sessions with open hearts and learn something about themselves.

Two topics will be covered during each session, one on creating safer and more inclusive spaces for sexual and gender minorities. The other topic will cover unconscious bias and how these impact decisions and interactions in everyday life.

The interim lead of Diversity and Inclusion at Alberta Health Services, Marni Panas says she educates by storytelling and sharing her personal journey as a transgender woman.

“I have made a career on sharing my story. It was an indigenous elder that once told me this ‘share your life so others may live’. I have been very transparent in my journey. I have taken that very seriously, what he had said to me,” she says.

She adds that this is an opportunity to have real conversations about things like discrimination, stereotypes and other topics regarding peoples’ bias.

“(Bias), it’s not a bad word. It is about how do we mitigate some of the challenges of having a bias.”

Improving experiences for sexual minorities in the public will also be a topic of conversation.

“I want anyone to come to the session that has an open mind and open heart. And, who really wants to create a community that everybody has the opportunity to be happy, healthy and successful in whatever that looks like to them.”

The Peace River event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at the Catholic Conference Centre.

In Grande Prairie, the session will be held tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Room D208 at the Grande Prairie Regional College.

Both events are free of charge and registration is only required for the session in Peace River.

by Justine Kelsie