Training Institute
The Spahr Center offers LGBTQ+ cultural awareness trainings to organizations of all types, including education and youth services, healthcare providers, social service agencies, government agencies, athletics leagues, corporations, and more. We provide training, ongoing consultation, community resources, and technical assistance to ensure that the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities in Marin County experience safety, equity, and affirmation of their identities.
We offer a wide variety of customized trainings for the audience and each organization's needs.
Introduction to LGBTQ+ Inclusive and Equitable Schools/Organizations
Time required: 2+ hours. Can be divided into multiple sessions if needed.
Intended audience: All staff
Brief description: Participants will learn about the evolution of LGBTQ+ identities and terminology, the complexities of gender and sexual identity, intersectionality and multiple marginalizations, active allyship, bystander intervention, and inclusive language and community practices. Participants will engage in interactive activities and discussions in order to create action steps for building LGBTQ+ inclusive and equitable schools/organizations.
Creating an LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Equitable Workplace
and Community
Time required: 2+ hours
Intended audience: All staff
Brief description: This training serves as a continuation of the previously mentioned training. In this part-two style training, participants will learn how to create an LGBTQ+ inclusive, equitable workplace for all staff, in addition to ensuring that the school/organization’s community is safe, brave, and welcoming for all community members. Participants will identify areas of growth and brainstorm effective changes to structural policies, procedures, practices, etc.
Non-profit organizations and government agencies: ask about our discounted non-profit/government rate!
Active Allyship for Specific Departments
Time required: 2+ hours
Intended audience: school counselors, athletic staff, mental health providers, etc.
Brief description: This training is similar to the previously mentioned training but is specifically designed for certain departments at school or organization. For example, this training could be designed for guidance counselors and other mental health providers working with students and tailored to the specific age range of students that counselors work with. Participants in this training would learn about the unique challenges that queer and trans students face in schools and will receive guidance on how to best handle common situations that arise when supporting queer and trans students. Another example would be a training for school, league, conference, or recreational athletic staff on what challenges queer and trans folks face in physical education or recreational sports classes, school sports leagues, and other athletic spaces. Participants would leave having identified ways to make language around athletics more gender-neutral and inclusive, ways to improve access to facilities, ways to support students playing on a team that aligns with their true gender, etc.
Customized Subject Trainings
Time required: 2+ hours
Intended audience: organizations, general community
Brief description: These trainings can be tailored to a particular subject geared towards the interests of an organization or the general public. Subjects could range from pronouns/gender-inclusive language, health equity, harm reduction, queer history, trans-inclusive athletics, intersections with LGBTQ+ identities, queer fashion, gender-affirming care, puberty/sex education, legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community, etc. Participants will receive the most current and relevant information on a particular topic and will be able to take a deeper dive into subjects that significantly affect the LGBTQ+ community.
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-Teach Pride, Reach Wide toolkit for educators
-Elementary educator toolkit
-LGBTQ+ inclusive book list
-LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum guide
-And more!
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-Pronoun posters
-Ally posters
-Discussion guides
-Presentations to students
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-LGBTQ+ students
-Marin educators
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-Curriculum development
-Lesson planning
-Gender support plan/communication plan implementation
-Athletics: team names, league policies, PE class policies, etc.
-Supportive spaces: GSAs, affinity groups, etc.
-Parent/family education
-Educator cohorts
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-Administrative records: name changes, pronouns, etc.
-All-gender facilities
-Inclusive books
-Community resources
Additional resources and services provided
In addition to our trainings, we also provide schools/organizations with ongoing consultation, technical assistance, resources and additional services to support in creating LGBTQ+ inclusivity and equity in Marin County. Here are some examples of additional services that we provide:
Get in touch.
Dominic Carrillo (He/Him/Él), Multilingual Director of the Training Institute
DCarrillo@TheSpahrCenter.org | 415-886-8559
Dominic discovered The Spahr Center in 2023 and joined as the Food Pantry Coordinator. His unwavering dedication to ensuring people feel nurtured and supported fuels his passion for creating genuine community connections.
Beyond his role at the center, Dominic has actively contributed to the advocacy and support of LGBTQ+ youth. He served on The Trevor Project's Youth Advisory Council and GSA Network and Transgender Law Center's Transgender Youth Leadership Council. Dominic's commitment to making a difference is rooted in his own experiences and a deep desire to uplift marginalized communities.
Dominic holds a BA with Honors from the University of Redlands. Dominic is also trilingual — English, Spanish, and Mandarin — and has a love for language learning. Dominic enjoys exploring his artistic side as an actor, dancer, and enthusiast of all things creative.
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Maggie smiling with a blue button-up shirt on