This Is US: Who We Are And What We Stand For

Increasingly understood outside of queer and trans circles, LGBTQ+ individuals have long fought for
the right to exist, to be heard, and to receive respect. Despite this impressive work and improvement,
the recent rise in hate crimes against trans and queer individuals in the PNW show the need to
continue our efforts and dive deep into creating a more inclusive and empathetic culture. This session
will discuss ways that both LGBTQ+ people as well as allies to the community can best support and
empower the queer and trans communities around them, while covering a baseline of knowledge
necessary to move toward a more diverse and inclusive future. Through group discussion, individual
reflection, and a variety of fun activities, this session will engage people from any background of
knowledge or experience and push the Lake Oswego community to expand their understanding and
empathy towards those that do not always share their same identities or experience.