Positive Space Project
Our Project
The Positive Space Project is a two-part training program at the University of Guelph. The first training is an online module offered through self-registration in CourseLink (if you are unable to access the training, please contact your supervisor.). The second training is an in-person training which will be offered on various dates throughout the year. In order to participate in the in-person training, you must have completed the online training.
These trainings aim to increase awareness of LGBTQ2SIA+ issues on campus, and transform the University of Guelph into a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ2SIA+ faculty, staff, and students.
Level 1 – Online Training
The online training should take about 1-1.5 hours to complete (and can be completed over multiple sessions), and consists of five sections, each with learning activities and videos. These sections are as follows:
- Language: This unit provides an overview of the LGBTQ2SIA+ acronym, introduces individuals to the distinct concepts of sex, gender, sexual orientation and romantic orientation, and discusses outdated and inappropriate language with regards to LGBTQ2SIA+ topics and individuals.
- Pronouns: This unit provides information about pronouns and their use, how to ask people for their pronouns, and what to do if you make a mistake with someone’s pronouns.
- Coming Out: This unit provides information on what coming out is, conditional outness, and how to respond if someone comes out to you.
- Allyship: This unit provides information on allyship as an ongoing practice, and the steps one can take to be an ally to LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals at work and in their life.
- Resources: This unit provides information on a variety of on-campus, community, and online resources including how to access these resources.
Level 2 – In-Person Training
The in-person training is a facilitated, two-hour long workshop to review the material from the online training, work through challenges individuals have had either implementing or using the material and concepts from the online training in their day-to-day work, and present new information related to intersectionality, privilege, and microaggressions.
The in-person training will be offered beginning Fall 2022.