Our trans awareness training sessions and workshops* are designed for organisations, businesses, schools and other institutions that want to create an inclusive environment. We provide practical knowledge about gender diversity, raise awareness of the lived experiences of trans* and non-binary people, and offer concrete recommendations for respectful interaction.
Our interactive formats foster understanding, reduce barriers and uncertainty, and strengthen the skills needed to actively embrace diversity. Together, we can create a working and learning culture rooted in respect and equality.
We offer tailor-made workshops to meet your specific needs. Please contact us with your ideas and requirements at hello@transV.at or by phone at +43 677 639 48 446.
🌈 Workshop: From “Happyland” to Reality – Raising Trans* Awareness
Description
The world is diverse, yet our understanding of this diversity often remains limited. Trans* people, in particular, experience exclusion, discrimination and misunderstandings every day—both in interpersonal interactions and at an institutional level.
This workshop invites you to broaden your perspective and gain a deeper understanding of the realities of trans* people’s lives. Together, we step outside “Happyland”—the comfort zone in which we often ignore uncomfortable truths—and embark on a journey that combines empathy with knowledge.
Through interactive exercises, scientifically grounded input and videos, we explore the challenges trans* people face and develop practical approaches to actively counter transphobia in everyday life.
Workshop topics
- Happyland and Cognitive DissonanceWhy do we often avoid confronting uncomfortable realities? We explore the psychological mechanisms that shape our perceptions and identify ways to overcome them.
- Discrimination and ViolenceHow do prejudices arise? What social structures enable discrimination? Using the concept of group-focused enmity, we examine different forms of violence—from physical assaults to subtle microaggressions—and their impact on those affected. Particular attention is given to how these issues relate to the lived experiences of trans* people.
- The Diversity of Gender IdentitiesGender is far more diverse than a binary model suggests. We provide an overview of gender identities, from binary to non-binary and binary trans identities, and explain the differences between gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.
- Harmful IntrojectsWhat happens when discrimination becomes internalised? We explore the effects harmful introjects can have on mental health and use examples such as the well-known “Doll Test” to illustrate these mechanisms.
- Psychological and Social ChallengesTrans* people often face specific challenges, including gender dysphoria, coming out, bullying, isolation and societal prejudice. We examine these issues in detail and highlight available forms of support.
- The Way Out of “Happyland”To conclude, we return to our central question: How can we recognise our own unconscious prejudices and counter transphobia? Together, we develop concrete strategies for creating a discrimination-free environment and promoting diversity.
Why participate?
This workshop offers not only knowledge but also an opportunity for reflection and change. It is intended for anyone who wants to:
- Understand trans* issues and contribute to a discrimination-free society
- Question their own assumptions and ways of thinking
- Act more inclusively in their professional or personal lives
What to expect
- Inspiring presentations and scientifically grounded explanations
- Interactive exercises and practical examples
- Videos that bring key topics to life in an engaging and thought-provoking way
- Space for questions, discussion and reflection
Details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Dates: Please check our online calendar for upcoming sessions.
- Location: Hilfswerk Neighbourhood Centre, Bürgerspitalgasse 4–6, 1060 Vienna
- Suggested contribution: €50
- Facilitator: Valerie Lenk – trans* issues expert, trainer and activist
Registration
Reserve your place at this engaging and enriching workshop. Together, we can contribute to greater understanding, respect and equality!