Everybody Changes

Training Course in Respecting Gender Diversity in Changing Rooms

Did you know:

• 1.4 million Americans identify as transgender; 150,000 are youth ages 13-17.
• 70% of transgender people report harassment in public restrooms and changing rooms; 9% report physical attacks.

Everybody Changes is a 12-part, video based eLearning course, designed to help you:

• Get educated on the simple facts of gender diversity, which can seem confusing and overwhelming;
• Become familiar with accurate terminology to help you respond and interact confidently with gender diverse people;
• Have the tools to give the best possible customer service and keep all guests safe, if you're an employee;
• Know how to effectively intervene in tense situations, if you're an ally;
• Take an active part in respecting all members of your community.

If single stall, unisex changing facilities are not available, where do transgender and gender diverse people safely and comfortably change clothes and shower? For employees, what are best practices to provide excellent customer service while keeping everybody safe? For the general public, how can you respectfully interact with diverse members of your community, and step in to help if/when you witness someone being treated unkindly or inappropriately?

This e-course was created to train aquatics and recreation staff for the City of Santa Monica Department of Recreations and the Annenberg Beach House. It has been in use at gyms, YMCAs, and other recreation centers across the USA for nearly a decade.

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

• Introduction to the transgender community;
• Vocabulary and terminology;
• Common ways gender diverse individuals are unintentionally disrespected, and how to act respectfully;
• Harassment: what it looks like and how to address it;
• The Bathroom Issue.

The course videos contain role-playing scenarios that train front-line staff and anyone interested in being a better ally, to sensitively address specific situations, including:

• How to enforce existing laws and policies for transgender and gender diverse people using the locker room;
• How to sensitively address and meet the needs of alarmed or angry members of the public;
• How to respect the differences and meet the needs of transgender and gender diverse members of the public.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: When does the program begin?

A: That's up to you! Learn at your own pace, in your own time.

Q: What if I want to go deeper into these issues and learn more?

A: We provide a list of resources upon course completion, or check out our website, speakingoftransgender.com, for many more resources, including videos, interviews, and press!

Q: Do you offer personal coaching?

A: Yes! We coach individuals and conduct trainings in classrooms and workplaces. Please send us an email at [email protected] for more info!

Q: I don't think I know any transgender people, and I don't think they use my facility. Should I still take this course?

A: It's highly likely there are transgender and non-binary people in your facility everyday, or will be some day.

Q: Who are the models in your videos? Are they transgender people?

A: We cast from our beautifully gender diverse community here in Los Angeles. Our actors' voices and experiences helped to create the authentic feel of the videos.

Q: I work at a large facility and I would like all of our employees to be certified. Do you offer company discounts?

A: Yes! We offer bulk discounts and customizable packages, based on your needs and your budget. Please send us an email for info!

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions: speakingoftransgender@gmail.com

Note: The language of this course assumes you live in a state whose laws protect the rights of all people, including transgender and nonbinary people. Laws are actively in flux as of November 2024. If you live in a state that does not protect all people, or the laws in your jurisdiction change, then some of the information contained may not be legally applicable. You are advised to consult the laws in your jurisdiction. But all information herein helps you to create a more inclusive culture.