Workshop | Resilience and Pride: Lessons from Queer and Trans Communities

This interactive workshop aims to deepen participants' understanding of antisemitism and anti-Palestinian racism within the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. We will explore how the conflation of antisemitism with criticism of Israel can obscure genuine instances of antisemitism and hinder solidarity efforts. By examining frameworks like the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism, participants will gain tools to distinguish between legitimate political critique and hate speech. The session will also address the marginalization of Palestinian narratives in DEI discussions and the impact of institutional definitions, such as the IHRA definition, on free speech and advocacy. Attendees will engage in dialogues that foster a more inclusive and nuanced approach to combating all forms of racism and bigotry.

Meiver De la Cruz is a scholar, artist, and consultant who brings over 20 years of experience teaching in both higher ed and community settings, as well as experience in nonprofit and community-based advocacy. Previously she worked in International Regulatory Affairs in the biopharmaceutical industry. Meiver’s familiarity with such a wide range of organizational contexts brings a unique perspective to organizational consulting. She holds a BA in Economics and Business Management from the University of Massachusetts Boston, an MA from Simmons College in Gender and Cultural Studies, and a PhD from Northwestern in Performance Studies.

Davey Shlasko (virtual presenter) is the founder and director of Think Again Training & Consulting, which supports organizations and communities to deepen their understanding and practice of social justice principles through professional development, dialogue, embodied learning, popular education, policy & program development, and strategic planning. Davey also teaches social theory and trans studies at Smith College SSW and is the author of Trans Allyship Workbook.

Learn more about Think Again Training & Consulting at thinkagaintraining.com