| Self-Esteem Injury and the Social Context - 7 June
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 This day will look at the roots of homophobia (both internalised and externalised) from the standpoint of the development of self-esteem - or lack of it. Sometimes referred to as 'narcissistic wounding', the reverberations of low self-esteem play out not simply in terms of individual problems, but are a key determinant of the social politics of the gay scene.
Low self-esteem arises from messages within the family of origin as well as the wider cultural context. Despite nearly four decades of gay liberation, and a widening of social opportunity, young LGBT people still suffer from low self-esteem, and it may take several generations to work through the effects of this collective history. The role of counselling and therapy is crucial to this process. Click here for more information |
| I'm too Sexy... understanding sexual compulsivity in gay and bisexual men 21 June
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 Gay men are sometimes concerned about their sex lives being out of control. They may present for help with self-diagnosed "sexual addiction". In this workshop, we will offer some new ways of thinking about sexual compulsivity and explore whether the 'Addiction model' is appropriate for conceptualising and working with such issues.
Sexual addiction is not a recognised and validated diagnostic category in the DSM or ICD. Treatment approaches are largely sex negative, pathologising and can compound the shame the client is already feeling about their sexuality. They also lack a political and cultural analysis. In this workshop we will offer non-shaming, sexuality affirmative ways of conceptualising sexual expression - and explore some alternative ways of understanding and working with people who feel their sexuality is out of control.
We will explore how you can integrate some of these new concepts into your own therapeutic model. The seminar will be both didactic and experiential with opportunities to explore client and personal material. The workshop is open to therapists of all genders and sexual identities.
Click here to download a flyer.
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| Working Systemically with Sexual and Gender Minority Clients? 25 April Univ of Luton
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Kensington Consultation Centre is offering a one-day workshop which aims to provide participants with up-to-date relevant information to feel confident and curious about working with clients from sexual and gender minorities. We will explore the issues that are pertinent for these clients and our own prejudices concerning these. Such issues include the pervasiveness of heterosexism as a cultural context, concerns throughout the lifespan (including "coming ou t" and parenting) and relevant legislation for therapists to be aware of. In addition, issues of working as a sexual or gender minority therapist will be explored, including dual roles and disclosure. This is relevant for both sexual and gender minority therapists and their heterosexual colleagues. We will use a mixture of didactic teaching, group discussion and role play.
Catherine Butler
Catherine works in HIV and sexual health services in the NHS as a clinical psychologist and systemic psychotherapist and in private practice through Pink Therapy. She teaches lesbian and gay awareness on psychology training courses and Pink Therapy. The workshop takes place at the University of Bedfordshire, Luton. Click here for more information |
| Loving Men VI
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Loving Men is a week-long adventure for gay and bisexual men who want to develop more intimate friendships and relationships. It takes place at Laurieston Hall in south west Scotland from 7 - 14 June. The week will focus on creating a fun and supportive community, exploring a range of activities that help to build deeper relationships. The facilitators, Alfred Hurst, Dennis L. Carney and Tim Foskett, are qualified and experienced group leaders who have been running workshops for gay/bi men for over 12 years. They say: "Many of us seek deeper connections with other men. Our experience of Loving Men is that being together over a week allows something special to happen - often with life-changing results. We warmly invite gay/bi men from all walks of life to come and join in."
More info see:www.lovingmen.org, Email enquiries@lovingmen.org, or call us on 07973 188 280.
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| Gender at Work Forum - 1st May
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 Persia West is facilitating a workshop and discussion around gender issues in the workplace. The workshop will take place at Psychosynthesis and Education Trust, 92-94 Tooley Street, near London Bridge station. from 7-9pm and the fee is £15 payable on the night. Places are limited though and so please contact her to book a place and for further information. persia.west@aplaceatthetable.co.ukor you can call her on 07733 040895. To find out a little more about where she is coming from go to: http://eyeongender.squarespace.com/journal/ |
| London Bifest
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 Calling Bisexuals the the bi-curious and their allies.... The London Bifest will take place at Doggetts Coat and Badge (a pub with meeting rooms on Blackfriars Bridge) from 1pm - late
There'll be a range of workshops in thedaytime followed by dancing and DJs or chatting in the evening from 8pm. More info: http://london.bifest.org
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| Dossie Easton Workshop
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 On the evening of Weds 21st May legendary writer and sex educator Dossie Easton will be in London leading a brief workshop on BDSM and tantra.
There will be a weekend workshop by Dossie on the same topic on September 20th and 21st.
See www.DossieEastonLondon.com for details.
Dossie is the author of The Ethical Slut and numerous guides to BDSM/Kink.
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Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Sexuality, health and well-being
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This is a study looking at the role that internet communities have in the lives of Lesbian and Bisexual women and how this may relate, if at all, to health and well being. Further it will consider if message boards may in some way function as a sense of community and/or social support. At the end of the survey (mostly multiple choice questions) there is an opportunity to register your interest in taking part in the qualitative part of the study. I do encourage you to send in your email address to take part in this part of the research also - as it is with this that detailed discussion about the meaning of the internet, and the meaning of the internet community as a resource, as a 'space', can be explored from the perspective of the lesbian/bisexual community. Note this study does have a female gender slant as its focus is on L and B women. Could I also encourage you to cross post this message and survey link on to other mailing lists and/or internet sites and/or other sources with predominantly lesbian/bisexual users? www.surveymonkey.com/sexualitysurvey |
