Due to the impact of systemic and historical trauma, BIPOC and LGBTQI Persons are often denied life experiences that will allow them to develop safe, and intimate relationships with their partners. For these groups, relationality and intimacy can feel like an elusive privilege. This is because trauma that exists in the form of horrors such as racism, transphobia, biphobia, homophobia and historical trauma can severely compromise their ability to create and sustain healthy romantic partnerships. In these sessions, we will examine the concept of “Relational Privilege” as a tool for assessing the health of the BIPOC and LGBTQI relationships, and outline assessment frames, which can give us some insight into the degree of relational privilege and connection held by ouples. We will then determine clear intervention steps for supporting minoritized couples to deepen their intimacy in the face of systemic trauma. All of this work is done against a backdrop of epistemological hybridism and liberation psychology. These two frames are critical to centering the experience and knowledge of minoritized couples and helping them to challenge oppressive systems that threaten the health of their relationships.

Austin In Connection is committed to listening and implementing its feedback from its members and event attendees, this incredibly informative presentation has been structured with that in mind. This program has been tailored to invite its attendees to go slow with this work and sit with the material by offering 3 two-hour sessions spaced six weeks apart; and providing supplementation in between sessions (such as a book, movie, podcast etc.), instead of a one day 6-hour presentation. Additionally, we will be offering a private group for attendees to join to discuss sessions, supplmentation material etc.

These sessions will explore:

• The impact of systemic trauma on marginalized couples
• Eight methods of assessing the impact of homophobia and racism on marginalized couples
• Eight method of building intimacy and liberatory connections for marginalized couples
• Three means of engaging in trauma work with marginalised couples
• The P.R.I.D.E model
• The Disposition and clinical presence required when working with marginalised couples.

Sessions will take place:

• Friday April 19th, 10am-Noon CST (11am-1pm AST)
• Friday May 31st, 10am-Noon CST (11am-1pm AST)
• Friday June 28th, 10am-Noon CST (11am-1pm AST)

Additional Information:

• In order to deepen and enhance learning, recorded sessions will be shared.
• Attendees will be able to receive 6 CEUS after attending all three sessions.
• Ticket purchase covers the cost of all three sessions.
• Zoom links will be sent out 48 hours before each session.

Meet your presenter: Akilah Riley-Richardson, MSW, CCTP is a published researcher, Relational Healing Facilitator, couples therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has been in clinical practice for sixteen years and has experience working with couples and persons practicing consensual non monogamy, both in the Caribbean and internationally. Akilah also specialises in work with sexual minorities and racial minorities. As an educator and facilitator, she has provided consultancy services to organizations such as NASTAD (National Alliance for State and Territorial AIDS directors), I-TECH(International Training and Education Center for Health) and CVC (Caribbean Vulnerable Communities). She has presented in various spaces including the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, the Academy of Therapy Wisdom and the Black Mental health Symposium. She has been a Social Work Educator at the University of the Southern Caribbean since 2012. She is the founder of the BIPOC Relational Healing Institute and creator of the P.R.I.D.E model.

Please email [email protected] with any questions regarding this event or student or scholarship opportunities.