Date
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Name
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Survivors of Trafficking, Exploitation and Survival Sex
Track
Service Providers
Morgan Silverman Nicholas Oakley
Description

How can we better support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) survivors of trafficking? This session will address this question by starting with the basics--core concepts, terminology, and simple, but powerful actions we can all take. This basic knowledge is essential to serving survivors of human trafficking. At least within the sex trafficking realm, research suggests that LGBTQIA+ individuals are disproportionately impacted. In other words, the percentage of LGBTQIA+ human trafficking survivors is greater than the percentage of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the general population. LGBTQ+ individuals experience unique challenges and have historically been marginalized and underserved. Moreover, human services professionals in the trafficking realm generally recognize that “relationship IS the intervention.” This fundamental principle forms the basis of this presentation. These human service professionals need basic knowledge of LGBTQIA+ concepts and terminology, as well as supportive actions for LGBTQ+ individuals, in order to develop relationships. This session will review what it means to be LGBTQIA+, some of the various identities that fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, working with pronouns, and tips for creating safer and more affirming spaces. The presentation will be activity based and emphasize application--asking participants to identify how they will incorporate lessons into their work once they return home. The presenters welcome those who are unfamiliar or apprehensive about the topic and will strive to create a space where participants can openly voice their questions and apprehensions.