This workshop is a 3-part workshop series which meets on Wednesdays, May 10, May 24 and June 7. All sessions are in-person at Prince Memorial Library at 6:30 p.m.

This three-part workshop series will demystify and clarify the topic of gender and sexuality today. We'll cover basic terminology and the different perceptions and origins of sexual identity, and we'll explore and discuss sources and impacts of discrimination against gender non-conforming people, especially within the younger population. We'll also discuss how to understand and improve our roles as allies of those within the LGBTQIA community.

The workshop will include presentations and discussion, some exercises, and no quizzes or homework. Print, online, and other resources will be provided for those who wish to develop a broader understanding of what is covered. This workshop is a learning opportunity for those who want to better understand what their children or grandchildren are discussing at the lunch table or for those who want to better equip themselves when working with or talking to gender non-conforming individuals. It is not an opportunity for political discourse.

Christine Caulfield (she/her) is currently a volunteer at MaineTrans.Net, a statewide non-profit that supports transgender people in many capacities. She is the co-chair of the 35+/Elder Caucus, facilitating programming, support, and events for transgender people over the age of 35. She is a former public high school teacher, teaching history, civics and government, several electives, AP courses and a team-taught course that explored the origins of power and privilege in US history. She has a great deal of experience teaching workshops on various topics, as well as participating in discussion and training panels as a representative of the transgender community. This past summer, her testimony was key in the passing of the name change bill by the Maine State Legislature, which ended the requirement for the public notice of name changes in whatever contexts, which protects people who change their names from harassment, discrimination, and violence. She is a parent of two adult daughters, and a very proud grandparent of three.