LGBTQ+ Safe Space Training: It is Still a Thing (Thu, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

For decades American corporate entities helped to encourage understanding by providing space for discussions of personal identities - acknowledging that we are all unique and that others may not understand our uniqueness regarding our race, age, gender, abilities, sexual orientation or the many other identities that make each of us who we are.

This session will offer a comprehensive exploration of identities related to sexual orientation and gender identity, with an emphasis on building understanding across differences. While public discourse often frames these topics as purely political, many of the real challenges people face in navigating them are generational, cultural, and rooted in evolving language and lived experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and engage in open conversation in a supportive environment. We’ll discuss terminology, common misconceptions, and the ways identity development can vary across age groups and communities. The session is designed to strengthen your confidence in discussing these topics thoughtfully and respectfully, whether you’re supporting colleagues, connecting with friends and family, or simply expanding your own awareness.

By the end, you’ll walk away with practical insights that can enhance communication and inclusion in your workplace, as well as deepen understanding in your personal life. This is a space for curiosity, reflection, and meaningful dialogue.

Meet Our Speaker

Scott M. Fearing joined the University of Rochester in April of 2019 and works in the office of Training and Development. A native Minnesotan, Scott relocated to Rochester in 2005 with his husband, who came to pursue a degree at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at RIT. He worked for more than a decade at Out Alliance (aka: Gay Alliance) in Rochester, serving for eight years as the Director of Education and five years as Executive Director. Scott's commitment to community advocacy began in the early 1980’s, when he became actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness efforts, and in 1993, he was hired as the Coordinator of Education for a state-wide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in Minnesota.

Through decades of advocacy, training, and community engagement, Scott has become a respected educator and leader dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable environments.

5 PM: Doors open - Fisher Meeting Room
5:30 PM: Program starts

Inclusion Happens Before Day 1: Creating a Better Employee Experience for LGBTQIA+ People [ATD Mid-Atlantic Webinar Series] (Wed, October 28, 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

LGBTQIA+ candidates and employees begin forming impressions about a workplace long before their first day. Recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and everyday workplace interactions all communicate whether an organization’s commitment to inclusion is likely to be experienced in practice.

This interactive session examines the employee experience through an LGBTQIA+ inclusion lens, with a focus on practical ways HR, Learning & Development, and organizational leaders can reduce unnecessary barriers, strengthen trust, and create more inclusive workplaces.

Participants will be able to:

Identify common points of friction for LGBTQIA+ candidates and employees.
Examine recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding practices through an inclusion lens.
Recognize gaps between organizational values and employee experience.
Identify one practical action they can take to strengthen LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

This month's ATD Mid-Atlantic webinar is hosted by ROC ATD! Attend on Zoom or come to our watch party at Irondequoit Beer Company to reconnect with colleagues and meet new faces.

About the Presenter

Rocco Vallerand is the founder of Vallerand Inclusion Consulting and S.A.F.E.T.Y. (Support Alliance for Fairness and Equity for Transgender Youth). His work is centered on helping people and organizations create spaces where everyone feels respected, included, and able to participate fully. With a background in writing, counseling, advocacy, education, and public speaking, Rocco brings both lived experience and practical workplace insight to conversations about LGBTQIA+ inclusion, belonging, leadership, and culture. His approach is conversational, grounded, and focused on realistic changes people can actually use.

About Our Watch Venue

We'll be watching the webinar in the upstairs loft at one of our favorite meetup spots, Irondequoit Beer Company, located at 765 Titus Avenue in Irondequoit. Never been? Check out IBC's food and drink selection here!

Regional Webinar Series

The ATD Rochester Chapter is proud to participate in the ATD Mid-Atlantic Regional Webinar Series. This monthly series is offered by the ATD Mid-Atlantic Chapters —Regional Programs Consortium.

ATD Recertification Credits

ATD Mid-Atlantic Regional Webinar Programs are pre-approved through the ATD Greater Philadelphia Chapter by the ATD Certification Institute for continuing education credits. These credits are based on the ATD Capability Model may be applied towards recertification by Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credential holders.

This webinar supports 1.25 credits in the capabilities Collaboration & Leadership and Communication under the domain Building Personal Capability.

The presentation and materials will be shared after the event. This webinar will be recorded.

Online Event Recording Policy

By activating your webcam while attending this online event, you consent to be recorded. Your entry and webcam activation constitutes your consent to such recording for any purpose in connection with the event. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not activate your web camera during the event.

Association for Talent Development - Rochester Chapter Inc upcoming events

LGBTQ+ Safe Space Training: It is Still a Thing (Thu, October 22, 2026)

Inclusion Happens Before Day 1: Creating a Better Employee Experience for LGBTQIA+ People [ATD Mid-Atlantic Webinar Series] (Wed, October 28, 2026)