Queer Youth and Allies: Building Inclusive Youth Work

Whether you are already working with queer youth or looking to start, this training will help strengthen your capacity, confidence, and competence as an ally in youth work, while equipping you to act and effectively intervene against hate speech, bullying, and homophobia within youth spaces. 

Aims and Objectives 

This training aims to empower youth workers, educators, trainers and project coordinators to become strong allies for queer youth by: 

• Deepening understanding of queer lived experiences, culture and history 
• Understanding the challenges faced by queer youth in various contexts 
• Deconstructing professional and systemic biases related to gender and sexual identities 
• Critically reflecting on current practices in youth work 
• Planning inclusive, supportive and context-sensitive actions at the local level 
• Learning how to support the coming out process based on the individual needs and wishes of queer young people 
• Understanding how youth workers, educators, trainers and project coordinators can support, be allies and encourage the activism of LGBTQI+ youth to create positive societal change 
• Enhancing youth workers’ ability to promote sexual health using engaging, fun, and preventative approaches, and addressing mental health with sensitivity and care 
• Consolidating their role as allies through direct support and connection to relevant resources 
• Learning from practical tools, resources and examples 

During the training course, you will have the opportunity to engage with local organisations that are experts in queer youth work. Special thanks go to Q:WIR (Queer Youth Centre Vienna), and WIENXTRA-IFP (Vienna Institute for Leisure Pedagogy) for sharing their expertise and experience. 

Target group 

This course is designed for those who: 

• would like to start working with queer youth and are motivated to integrate working with Queer Youth in their professional practices, or those who 
• already work with queer youth and would like to review their practices. 
• Are open to learn from experience, reflect on their youth work practice and challenge stereotypes and pre-conceived notions about queer identities in the context of youth work. 
• Are motivated to apply the newly gained competences in creating and/or improving youth work programmes on local, national and international level. 

Pedagogical Approach 

The programme is based on principles of non-formal education and includes: 

• Experiential learning 
• Critical and reflective exploration 
• Collaborative learning and co-creation 

Special attention is given to the emotional dimension of learning, care, and group safety. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. 

Any discriminatory behavior or language (including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and any other forms of discrimination) will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness inappropriate conduct, please contact a member of our team. All concerns will be addressed promptly and confidentially.