ANDERSONVILLE — Local businesses are partnering with a transgender advocacy group to host a workshop on how neighborhood shops can better serve trans and gender nonconforming residents.
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and the Chicago Therapy Collective on Saturday will host, “Being A Stronger Ally: A Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Symposium” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Chicago Waldorf School, 5200 N. Ashland Ave.
At the event, businesses will learn more about trans-inclusive customer service, how to foster a trans-inclusive workplace and how to better engage the transgender community.
“Creating a trans-inclusive Chicago means LGBTQ leaders in every neighborhood must commit their organizations to ongoing trans-inclusive education and training,” Iggy Ladden, founder of Chicago Therapy Collective, said. “We understand that not all organizations have the resources to pay for training, so we are thrilled to partner with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce to make this opportunity more accessible.”
Leni Manna Hoppenworth and Caitlin Botsios of Helix Cafe will lead a workshop on civic engagement, according to the chamber of commerce. Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) will also participate, and a keynote speech will be given by Dr. Mika Tosca, a climate scientist who identifies as transgender.
The Chicago Therapy Collective, a group of community organizers, activists and therapists, will organize and run the event.
The event is open to the public and free to all Andersonville chamber member business owners, employees and non-profits. Tickets are $15 for non-members and financial aid is available. Register in advance at andersonville.org.
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