We are honored to collaborate on a 4-part virtual learning series, What LGBTQIA2S+ BIPOC want Prevention Professionals to Know?, with the Central East PTTC, National American Indian & Alaska Natives PTTC, and the National Hispanic and Latino PTTC. 

Together, we will connect you with subject matter experts from various diverse cultural backgrounds. This will provide a perspective of what LGBTQIA2S+ BIPOC individuals would like Prevention Professionals to know when serving the population.  

We will start by interpreting acronyms associated with LGBTQIA2S+ communities: 

• LGTBQIA2S+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify.
• BIPOC refers to Black, Indigenous, and people of color.  People of color is an umbrella term generalized to all people who aren’t white.  

Please join us for a roundtable discussion. Participants will have an opportunity to learn from subject matter experts, as well individuals whom identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA2S+. Cultural aspects and specifics of each culture represented in the series will be discussed, as well as what historical data are behind the challenges faced by each group.  

Participants will also learn about the specific risk and protective factors, difficulties the communities are experiencing with current Behavioral Health Systems, how to enhance the strengths of each system to increase engagement and retention, as well as many other critical topics. By the end of the series, participants will leave with knowledge and tangible actions to help make a difference, as an important part of our role as prevention professionals. What can we do to educate ourselves and serve the population better and with respect and humility? 
 
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions for our presenters during the live event. 

Series Overall Learning Objectives

1. Participants will deep dive into the cultural aspects and specifics of each culture represented in this panel discussion. They will also learn about the risk factors and historical data behind the challenges from each culture.
2. Participants will learn how to identify and - more importantly – how to increase the Protective Factors, highlighting the differences between different people and cultures, celebrating the strengthens across the communities, and finding ways to thrive together.
3. Participants will get an overview of the challenges and strengths of the current behavioral health system, how to improve it, and moving the needle toward increasing engagement and retention.
4. Call to Action: Participants will gain from panelists, what lessons are learned, and what to do next? What are the tools and resources you need to start or enhance your efforts towards diversity and inclusion?