What makes you feel confident when dealing with people?

[Gruffudd]

I manage family programs at a non government agency. It probably wouldn't surprise that being genderqueer that I really want to make sure that LGBTI people feel confident in accessing the services we offer and in being themselves when doing so. I know we can do more but it seems some simple things might help, like making sure we include LGBTI people in our program information where we are listing other groups that access our services, there is a rainbow flag on the door, we make it clear in when engaging families that we do not accept homophobia, we have images and stories of LGBTI people in our promotional material. Getting LGBTI themes in children stories used with families and in our child care programs seems to be a sensitive thing but not impossible... The organisation is supportive of making changes so any ideas or experiences (good and bad) will help me think about what I'm trying to do. 

Rob.

[Paul]

Hey Rob,

I feel most confident with people who are warm and engaging. I'm most repelled by people who are selfish and narcissistic. I instantly assess someone and it's usually instinct for me.

[Zeal]

Hi Rob and Lats,

As Lats said, being warm and open with communication is crucial. If I can tell that a company or group or individual is supportive of all kinds of people (different ethnicities, sexual orientations, ability levels, socioeconomic status, age etc.) then I feel more confident that I will be treated with respect. Even though I'm heterosexual, I do feel happy and more assured when I know that organisations/groups support LGBTI people. This is both because I respect both heterosexual and homosexual people, and also because supporting LGBTI people means that the organisation/person etc. is not being discriminative.

[Gruffudd]

I think I also make up my mind very quickly when accessing a service, SM makes a good point, if I see inclusion of other differences I do feel better.

Rob.

[Paul]

Ditto with inclusiveness. I sometimes dish out speeches at people who are narrow minded and ask them to justify their hatred with facts and reasoning.