LGBTQ+ Language & Terminology

Tash Koster-Thomas

Recording: YesLanguage: EnglishDuration: 45 min / 15 minSpeaker rating: 4.8/5 from 193 participants across all their sessions
LGBTQ+ Language & Terminology

Session Summary

This expert session focused on understanding LGBTQ+ language and terminology and highlighted how important inclusive communication is. Participants learned that identity is complex and personal, and that respectful, accurate language helps create a sense of belonging.

The session emphasized the value of recognizing diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and staying open to evolving terminology. It also introduced the concept of intersectionality, encouraging participants to consider how different aspects of identity can shape people’s experiences.

A key message was the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces, promoting inclusive practices, and challenging discrimination.

Interaction

During the expert session, Tash Koster-Thomas engages the audience through interactive exercises using the Mentimeter app, Q&A sessions, and live demonstrations.

Key Learnings

Expanding Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender

Understanding the complexities of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersectionality is essential for promoting inclusivity and respect in all communities.

Utilizing Inclusive Language

Embracing evolving terminology and using language that respects individual self-identification is crucial for creating a safe and welcoming environment for all people.

Active Allyship and Continuous Learning

Being an ally by advocating for policies, educating oneself and others requires continuous effort and dedication towards creating inclusive spaces and communities.

Detailed session description

In this expert session led by speaker Tash, the topic of LGBTQ+ Language & Terminology is explored in depth. Tash emphasized the importance of recognizing that sexual orientation is just one aspect of identity and emphasized that asexuality is not the absence of sexual desire but rather a lack of interest or attraction to others sexually.

The speaker also highlighted how the term 'plus' functions as an umbrella term for many identities outside of the traditional LGBTQIA+ acronym.Tash underscored the significance of respecting each person's unique and personal identity and using the language and terminology they prefer. Alex then shared examples of how sexual orientation intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race or gender, leading to different experiences for individuals.

The speaker also addressed the importance of intersectionality in recognizing compounding effects of multiple forms of inequality and advocated for creating safe spaces, advocating for policies, educating oneself and others, and taking action against discrimination. Tash encouraged participants to use inclusive language and recognize the evolving nature of terminology while providing psychological safety within organizations.

The session concluded with a call to action, inspiring attendees to continue their learning journey and make a positive impact on their communities. Participants were invited to share their thoughts and insights anonymously using the Mentimeter app, allowing for open and honest discussions.

The expert session served as a dynamic learning environment where everyone's voice was heard and valued.

According to participants

What people said afterwards.

From the survey every participant gets when the session ends, in their own words.

I've learnt a lot about language and terminology but was very pleased to learn the key things to focus on to become a true ally to the community. Thank you!
In answer to “What have you learned?”
Completely opened my mind - thank you
In answer to “What have you learned?”
As an active member of the LGBTQ+ community it was fantastic to see such a wonderful introduction to our community to those who are not aware of the language and terminology we use and the challenges we can face.
In answer to “What have you learned?”
Video was great and emotional but it's heartbreaking to see Starbucks being promoted especially after the long topic of intersectionality being discussed :(
In answer to “Any other feedback?”
Before you book

Questions about LGBTQ+ Language & Terminology

Is this session interactive, or do people just watch?

It is interactive, and the block above says exactly how for this session. Nobody has to speak up who does not want to: the chat and the polls carry most of it, and the questions can come in anonymously.

Is this for beginners or for people who already know the subject?

This expert session focused on understanding LGBTQ+ language and terminology and highlighted how important inclusive communication is. Participants learned that identity is complex and personal, and that respectful, accurate language helps create a sense of belonging. It is built for a general working audience: no prior knowledge is assumed, and people who already know the subject get the research and the practical side rather than an introduction.

Is Tash the right expert for this?

Tash Koster-Thomas is one of the experts we auditioned ourselves, and we produce every session so we see how each one lands. Participants rate this session 4.5 out of 5, across 193 responses, and rate Tash personally 4.8 out of 5.

How long does it take, and what do we have to prepare?

It runs 45 min / 15 min: the talk, then live questions. All you do is pick a date. We brief Tash, produce the session, host and moderate it, run the Q&A, and send you the report within an hour of the end.

Who can join, and where does it run?

A team, a department, an employee network or every single employee at once, with no cap and no per-seat price. It runs inside your own Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet, or on a branded page we build. No integration, no login, no company device or e-mail.

Can our global colleagues follow it?

The session is delivered in English. You can add high accuracy live subtitles in 8, 16 or 24 languages, so everyone follows in their own. That is a paid option, priced by the number of languages you need.

Will our IT department have a problem with this?

No, and that is by design. There is nothing to install, nothing to integrate and no connection to your systems, so there is nothing for IT to validate: we join your own Teams, Zoom or Meet as a guest speaker, or we host a page and your people open a link. No software, no accounts, and no data of yours that we can reach. It is why hundreds of companies, among them some of the largest technology and financial firms in the world, were able to start within a day.

How does this work under GDPR?

We never receive or hold personal data about your employees. Because the session runs in your own environment, attendance and identity stay with you, and what we report back is aggregated: numbers, ratings and survey answers, not people. That is also why IT approval usually takes minutes rather than weeks.

What do we get afterwards?

You keep the recording and can share it internally. You also get attendance over time, participant ratings for the content and the speaker, the survey answers, and the topics your people asked for next.

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