Supporting Gender Euphoria for System-Involved Youth

Kelsey Pacha

Training Description

Many providers are familiar with the concept of gender dysphoria, the sense of distress related to the perception of one’s gender as it relates to gender diverse identities. However, many providers are not familiar with its opposite, gender euphoria—anything that makes a person feel affirmed or aligned in their gender. In this session, rather than focusing on factors that cause gender diverse youth to feel incongruent in their gender, we will explore sources of gender euphoria—not only for those we work with or serve, but for ourselves. As we discover what makes us feel joyous & authentic, we can support others in doing so for themselves.

Learning Objectives

· Participants will be able to identify and explain three terms related to gender euphoria.

· Participants will be able to identify three possible sources of gender euphoria.

· Acquire at least two tools which can be used to help a system-involved young person in feeling self-affirmed in their gender identity.

Agenda

10:00am-10:05am  Introductions: name, gender pronoun, one thing you wish to learn.

10:05am-10:45am  Define gender euphoria & gender dysphoria. Video & large group discussion. Identify sources of gender euphoria.

10:45am-11:00am  Small group discussion: What makes you feel affirmed in your gender?

11:00am-11:20am  Review two tools to help a system-involved young person in feeling self-affirmed in their gender identity based on three workbooks. Review online & community resources.

11:20am-11:50am  Perform roleplay between youth client & adult provider in small groups using these tools and debrief in large group.

11:50am-12:00pm  Question and answer period. References/Resources handout.

Meet Our Trainer

Kelsey Pacha, MA, M.Div. is a trans man who has worked with marginalized communities for 15+ years in a variety of settings. He holds a Master of Religion and Psychology, Master of Divinity, and Certificate of Sexuality and Religion from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Psychological Services from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He is the owner of Kelsey Pacha Consulting, which supports the work of institutions and individuals in increasing their capacity for cultural humility and social justice-informed institutional change. Kelsey offers educational trainings and LGBTQ workplace policy expertise with an emphasis on practical skills, identity awareness, and personal empowerment. He regularly works with corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion officers and LGBTQ affinity groups, as well as legal, clinical, medical, and direct service (including child welfare and faith leader) personnel. For more information, visit kelseypachaconsulting.com or email info@kelseypachaconsulting.com.

This course meets the qualifications for (2) BBS CE hours for LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.