(HS 059252 Minero 2023) Reclaiming 2SQT+ (Two-spirit, Queer and Trans) Thriving and Liberation: An Intersectional, Anti-racis

Course overview

Prior to European colonization, 2-SQT communities were celebrated and venerated in Indigenous and many communities worldwide. Despite this critical historical context, 2-SQT communities in the US and worldwide continue to be targeted politically and discriminated against daily. This undue stress has been linked to higher, and now rising rates of suicide among 2-SQT communities. For example, The Trevor Project (2022) reported that 45% of 2-SQT youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year and nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide. Furthermore, rates of suicide attempts were generally higher among 2-SQT youth of color, and particularly among Native/Indigenous 2-SQT youth (The Trevor Project, 2022). Mental health providers have a unique responsibility in mitigating suicidal risk among 2-SQT communities, however, are often operating in a system of gatekeeping that can further hinder the health and well-being of 2-SQT communities. This training will review clinical applications for providing affirming support and language, discuss why intersectionality and anti-racism matters as we employ 2-SQT affirming models of care, and learn how these culturally responsive clinical applications are critical to cultivating communities where 2SQT people can thrive.