While our Live Workshops and Self-Guided programs both follow the same adult learning theories and frameworks. In early 2022, our Live Workshops were expanded with the topics of intersectionality, minority stress model, and a more robust and inclusive history section. We are actively re-recording the Self-Guided program to incorproate these expansions, which will be available in early 2023!

Many folks who have moved through both versions (Self-Guided and Live Workshops) have stated that our Self-Guided gives fantastic insight into the type of information, as well as education model, we follow at Safer Spaces. While our live sessions build on this foundational content, and of course include a higher level of interaction and engagement with our facilitator team, both programs offer the space to develop a framework and understanding of topics on 2S-LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Our "Class of the Month" courses take an average of 4-5 hours to complete with meaningful and fulsome engagement.

To get the most out of your learning experience, Safer Spaces recommends engaging with the content and exploring new concepts over multiple sessions, ideally spread across 2-3 sittings. This approach allows for deeper reflection and better retention of key ideas.

To counter this trend and promote a more focused learning experience, our courses are available for a limited time, encouraging you to engage early and see the course through to completion. That said, we understand that life can be unpredictable; if you need a little extra time, we offer a one-time extension upon request by email to [email protected].

You can select the "Class of the Month" you want to register for in our store: https://saferspaces.ca/store. 

Most coupon codes can only be used once and may be eligible for a specific month. Be sure to select the correct month, if specified by your employer or the information in your email containing your registration instructions.

You can apply your coupon code in the correct "Class of the Month" to receive a partial or full discount of the fee.

If you receive an error message saying that it is an invalid code, please contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for registering for a course!

The "Class of the Month" courses open on the 5th or next available business day at 9 am EST, and content is open until the end of the month.

If you've registered for the current month but it is before the 5th (or next available business day), content will not be accessible.

If you've registered for a month that has finished, content will not be accessible. 

Before logging in, you'll need to register for a course. After you've done so, you can login using the email and password you created at the time of registration. 

You can log in to the website here: https://saferspaces.ca/login. 

Note: your password is not your coupon code (if you were supplied one).

You can recover your password by entering the email you used to register here: https://saferspaces.ca/password/new. 

Our system tracks your engagement with the lessons. If you watch only a portion of a video or skip answering questions, you'll receive less than 100%. 

We encourage organizations to push for 80-90% completion rates. If you want to ensure that you are surpassing this threshold, be sure to fully watch each video and engage in the self-reflective questions. 

Certificate requests are processed every 4-6 weeks and are issued contingent upon 90% or greater completion and demonstrated fulsome engagement with the course content. Certificates may be requested by completing and submitting our Certificate Request Form. If you have not received your certificate within the timeframe noted above, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Please Note: Safer Spaces is currently moving through an administrative transition period and we appreciate your patience as we attend to all administrative tasks and requests on Tuesdays, or as soon as possible in the case of time sensitive requests.

Of course! We can book live workshops for groups of 20-60 people. You'll receive two of our amazing facilitators who will deliver two three-hour workshops (delivered on different days).

Our standard delivery is virtual over Zoom, but we can book an in-person workshop for an extra cost, schedule and availability permitting. 

If you have a group of less than 20 or more than 60 people, please contact us to arrange a special service for your group.

Workshop content covers:

• Creating the Learning Environment
• Why Inclusion Matters
• Identities Language and Pronouns
• Trans Experiences
• History, Human Rights and Impacts
• Oppression and Micro-Aggressions
• Identifying Barriers
• Strategies Towards Greater Inclusion
• Review, Closing and Resources

As you engage with the content presented, you will also be provided opportunities to share your learnings and reflections.

You may not be prevented from attending the second half of the workshop, but you would not be eligible for a certificate. We also expect all participants in Part 2 to have fully engaged in Part 1 so that we do not have to recover any of the original and introductory material.

It is very important that you attend both parts of the workshop in full. 

You can request access to our self-guided learning modules as an alternative method of engaging in the content. There may be an extra fee for accessing the self-guided learning modules. Please connect with the contact in your organization who booked us to explore options.

We do not record our live professional development workshops.

It is very important that you attend both parts of the workshop in full. 

You can request access to our self-guided learning modules as an alternative method of engaging in the content. There may be an extra fee for accessing the self-guided learning modules. Please connect with the contact in your organization who booked us to explore options.

Prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion creates a safer and more welcoming environment for employees, clients, and stakeholders. Benefits include:

• Improved employee satisfaction and retention.
• Enhanced creativity and innovation from a diverse workforce.
• Stronger community reputation and trust.
• Increased ability to meet the needs of diverse clients and partners.

This commitment signals that your organization values respect, equity, and the unique contributions of all individuals.

A document review identifies and addresses:

• biases
• exclusionary language
• gaps in policies and communication materials

This process ensures that forms, employee handbooks, job postings, and promotional materials use inclusive language and reflect an understanding of diverse 2S-LGBTQIA+ identities.

Replacing binary gender options on forms with inclusive choices can make 2S-LGBTQIA+ individuals feel respected and valued in your space.

Follow-up support can include:

• ongoing training sessions for staff and leadership
• assistance with implementing recommended changes and
• resources to sustain progress

Periodic evaluations may be offered to measure the impact of initiatives and identify areas for further development.

Additionally, consulting services can provide access to tools, community networks, and expertise to support long-term 2S-LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

The hyphen in 2S-LGBTQIA+ is a deliberate choice that serves several important functions:

• Bridging Distinct Histories and Identities:
  The hyphen visually connects Two-Spirit identities—which have deep cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous communities—with the broader LGBTQIA+ umbrella. This format recognizes that while Two-Spirit people have unique historical experiences rooted in Indigenous traditions, they are an integral part of the larger queer community.

• Clarity and Emphasis:
  By setting apart "2S" from the rest of the acronym, the hyphen highlights that Two-Spirit identities deserve special recognition. It ensures that the unique experiences of Two-Spirit people are not overlooked as merely another letter, but are acknowledged for their distinct cultural and community dimensions.

• Signaling Respect and Prioritization:
  Especially in contexts like Canada, where there is a strong focus on honoring Indigenous voices, placing "2S" before the hyphen underscores the precedence and ongoing contributions of Two-Spirit people. It reflects a commitment to decolonizing traditional LGBTQIA+ frameworks by respecting the specific histories and identities of Indigenous peoples.

In essence, the hyphen in 2S-LGBTQIA+ is more than just a typographic element—it’s a symbol of inclusion, clarity, and respect, ensuring that the unique identity of Two-Spirit people is both visible and valued within the broader queer community.

Safer Spaces carries 6+ years of experience in delivering training, consultation, and assessment services to 100+ organizations and workplaces in a diversity of sectors including healthcare, education, employment, mental health, police services, law, care facilities and shelters, municipalities, retail, and the private sector. Our team gains from, and builds on, the expertise generated through the strong history of the program in providing services.

Safer Spaces acknowledges that all information and resources offered are done so with the consideration of peer-reviewed sources, best practices, and community consideration. Safer Spaces facilitators are not medical or legal professionals. We do not believe in formal expertise alone, and place high regard in the validity of lived experiences.

Each of our Safer Spaces Trainers holds a wealth of knowledge backed by lived experience, formal education and training, and work experience. They are all passionate about education, facilitation, and 2S-LGBTQIA+ inclusion. You can read more about our team here: https://saferspaces.ca/about. 

• A confirmation of when services will be rendered (i.e., workshop dates or consultation meetings)
• Pre-Workshop or Pre-Services Package
• Promotional poster to share with your team to encourage attendance of services (where applicable)
• Zoom link, registration details, and other key information (where applicable)

While we absolutely see the demand and have future goals of offering train the trainer programs, our small but dedicated team is currently focused on expanding and strengthening our current services before branching out. For now, you can book a workshop with our team, or consider our online Self-Guided Modules!

Stay tuned in coming years and follow along with our journey as we work to build Safer Spaces together.

We do! While our pricing is set with the intention of honoring the work and labor of the 2S-LGBTQIA+ folks doing it, we strive to provide accessible services by making budgets fit. We also provide discounts for 2S-LGBTQIA+ and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) -centred organizations, as well as services located in Northern Ontario. If interested, please consider fill out our Sliding Scale Request Form here: https://forms.office.com/r/EXSFVdGijw