Campus Speaker
Having visited various campuses from k-12 as well as college and university, LGBTQ+ Speaker Michael Sherman is dedicated to being relatable and inspirational to diverse audiences in diverse regions.
Since 2009, Michael’s transitional story, "The Transguy Next Door", has been captivating audiences throughout the Niagara Region and beyond. Michael first goes over basic terminology and language including but not limited to, sex assigned birth, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Once done he moves into terminology surrounding transgender identities.
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After an introduction to language and concepts, Michael opens up about his transitional journey from female to male. His story begins with his childhood and the struggles he had with his body, before moving into his teenage years where he struggled with depression, anxiety and attempting to fit into a the lesbian community. When he began coming out as transgender, he speaks to his experiences around rejection from family, discrimination from businesses and struggles with the financial resources to assist in his physical transition.
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Having transitioned also nine years ago, Michael shares reflections of what he has experienced and witnessed over the years, and how society has shifted and what society still needs to work on. He closes with asking his audiences to think about their own struggles and challenges in life, and try to identify where they feel supported while honouring their truths and also how they can be more of an ally to the LGBTQ+ community overall.
Presentations and Training Michael offers:
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The Transguy Next Door (campus-wide program around Michael’s transitional story with an introduction to the differences between gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex assigned birth and sexual orientation)
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Creating Inclusive Classrooms (Professional Staff Development and/or Student Training)
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Classroom Discussion (including sexual orientation and gender identity social justice issues)
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Supporting Transgender Clients
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Working with LGBTQ Youth
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Transitioning in the Workplace
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Diversity & Inclusion Training
Events Michael is most often booked for:
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Transgender Day of Remember (TDOR) or Awareness Week
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Day of Pink
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Pride Week
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Transgender Day of Visibility
Professional Staff Development Training
Creating Inclusion is a presentation designed to help professional staff in developing action steps and plans on creating a campus that is open, accepting and accommodating towards members of the LGBTQ+ with emphasis on the Trans-identified students. Michael will cover current barriers on campus that impact those who identify as transgender. By pinpointing these barriers, a campus can begin to establish steps towards creating a welcoming environment.
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This program can be open to all staff, or tailored to certain departments.
Click on the image for the Creating Inclusion Guide