Developing Allies to Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Youth: Training for Counselors and Educators

Abstract

Lack of training regarding transgender youth leaves K–12 educators unprepared to become allies to this disenfranchised community and attend to their needs. This article explores the pedagogical strategies of two professional workshop models (GLSEN Houston training and the Gender Infinity practitioner training), which provide skills and resources for educators and counselors in K–12 settings to become adult allies to gender-nonconforming youth. Discussion includes pedagogical approaches and implications regarding sessions that provide training, resources for counselors and teachers to develop skills to support transgender youth, and responses from participants about the outcomes associated with workshop training.