Social service agencies can learn how to better support people who are part of LGBTQ+ communities at a training day next month.

The Inter Agency Committee for Children, Families and the Community has teamed up with OUTBermuda to run the session on May 13 from 9am until 5pm.

Beth Zemsky, a consultant who started her LGBTQ activism in 1980, will facilitate the training, which is sponsored by global reinsurance firm SiriusPoint.

A spokeswoman said that the event, to be held at the Police Recreation Club in Devonshire, was “an important opportunity for service providers to increase their knowledge of gender identity and sexuality orientation”.

She added: “This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to examine their own assumptions and potential biases so they can better support Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community and their LGBTQ+ clients.”

Shana Williams, a programme manager for IAC, said: “IAC is committed to improving the access to helping services that are positive, nurturing and healing.

“More importantly we want to ensure that there is equity in the quality and impact of services being provided to all members of our community.

“In turn, we are thrilled to have partnered with Beth Zemsky and OUTBermuda to provide this workshop.

“It is guaranteed to build awareness and enhance the capacity of social sector service providers when working with LGBTQ+ clients and their families.”

Support from SiriusPoint means that the training is 80 per cent subsidised for IAC members, costing $75.

Non-members can attend for $375 or register for IAC individual membership for $35 a year.

* To register for the training, visitwww.iacbermuda.org/events/.