Why a Queer-centric training?
Like a Pro brings the transformative model of the Wheel of Consent to professionals working with topics of consent, boundaries, relational intimacy, body sovereignty, trauma recovery, sexuality, communication, and touch. Originally developed for touch practitioners, we now also welcome non-touch professionals. This course is for massage therapists, psychotherapists, physicians, tantra practitioners, sexuality guides, escorts, counselors, bodyworkers of all stripes, teachers, educators, coaches, and just about anybody working with people.
Why a queer-centered version?
As the School continues its aim to become more inclusive and reach more diverse communities, we are exploring creating learning spaces specifically for groups with a particular focus. Sometimes it's useful and nourishing to be in a space with a group of people you identify closely with and where you don’t have to explain yourself, whether that's based on gender, sexuality, race, culture, or other things. Sometimes it allows questions, discussions and sharings that otherwise would not arise. And for this class, we are focusing on those who identify as queer.
What does queer mean?
Queer challenges the assumed binary of sexual and gender identity and includes anyone who identifies along either or both of these spectrums. This could be based on gender identity (transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, etc.) or on sexual orientation (gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, agender, etc.) and non-normative expressions of sexuality.
We will have a few spots for those who do not necessarily identify as queer, but feel a resonance with those who do and consider themselves allies – perhaps you have clients who identify as queer, or a queer friend, family member, lover, or partner - and are questioning dominant power structures and binary thinking in your professional and personal life.
The teaching staff:
Robyn Dalzen, co-teaching:
Robyn is a white, cisgender woman who is sexually fluid. She is interested in challenging hetero-normative monogamous relationship structures, and at the same time acknowledges that she has benefited from straight privilege her entire life. She is aware that the privileges associated with her gender identity and perceived sexual orientation mean that she has experienced the world in a very different way than some individuals in this class may have. She works with clients along the spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Puma Höflich, co-teaching
Puma is a white, nonbinary bodyworker based in Berlin, Germany. They see themself as genderqueer and question binary wherever they meet them. They work mostly with white queer and transfolx who are longing for connection within themselves, with friends and/or (chosen) family and community. They are part of a so called “rainbow” family constellation and try to bring joy to the kid, whenever possible.
Michael Dresser, assisting
Michael has moved through the world as an out gay man for over 30 years, in a white body that often reads as male, but doesn’t always feel it. He has navigated both privilege and discrimination because of his identities, and defines as queer because it allows for more fluidity and flexibility when it comes to his gender and sexual expression. He works mainly with men who want to explore and learn about touch and pleasure body-to-body with another man.
Bob Manikam, assisting
Bob is a youth and community worker currently working as a trainer for 2BU Somerset, a charity that supports LGBTQ+ young people in the UK. They’ve been involved in equalities work and sexual health training since the early 90s. As a working class, brown, queer, trans, disabled and neurodivergent person, they are passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion. Bob took Like a Pro in 2019 and Working with Groups in 2020 and has assisted on a range of Like a Pro and Wheel of Consent trainings since then.
Will the course content differ from the usual Like a Pro?
The Wheel of Consent remains the same and the basic course content remains the same. At every Like a Pro we adapt to whoever is in the room, and whatever questions they bring, and that will remain the same. We imagine that some dynamics and feelings may arise that otherwise would not, and if so, we will honor and follow those as needed.
What does the School expect to learn?
We expect to see some things we may have been missing, in how we teach the Wheel of Consent. We expect that all of our trainings will benefit from new insights.
How do we register?
The same way as usual - by reading the group agreements, filling out the application, and having a conversation to be sure we are a good fit. Robyn and Puma will be offering those conversations.
Are there scholarships?
Yes, as per the usual route. Talk to your interviewer about what you need and they will set you up.
