Workshops focus on sexual, gender minority inclusion

FORT McMURRAY – Local and area residents are invited to attend a free upcoming community workshop about inclusive health and cultural safety for sexual and gender minority people.

Marni Panas, Program Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional, will be sharing her experiences and expertise.

Panas will be covering two topics:

• Creating Safer and More Inclusive Spaces for Sexual and Gender Minority (LGBTQ2S+) – Participants will explore how to better work with, support and advocate for people who identify as a sexual or gender minority.
• Unconscious Bias – Participants will explore the various forms of bias, how these biases can impact decisions and interactions, and the strategies that can be used to reduce bias in our lives.

Upcoming workshops

May 13: Primary Care Network (Classroom 1 and 2, #301 108 Riverstone Ridge)

• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Unconscious Bias
• 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Creating Safer and More Inclusive Spaces for Sexual and Gender Minority (LGBTQ2S+)

May 14: Keyano College (Elements Room, 8115 Franklin Ave.)

• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Unconscious Bias
• 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.- Creating Safer and More Inclusive Spaces for Sexual and Gender Minority (LGBTQ2S+)

Registration is required. Please RSVP by May 10 with your workshop selection by emailing Roxanne.Holmes@ahs.ca or calling 780-788-1712.

As a transgender woman, Panas is open about her personal journey in the hopes of helping others and fostering acceptance through education and respectful dialogue.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.