Building Allies

Become an Active Ally to Trans and Gender Nonconforming Communities.

Welcome!

Building Allies was born out of a need for more. In our workshops and trainings, participants are guided through the process of becoming of an active ally to trans and gender nonconforming individuals. Whether you’re a professional therapist, educator, intern, caring community member, or otherwise, we believe that being an active ally takes having actionable items to reference, and clear tools to practice. We understand that allyship isn’t a destination. Which is why we believe in building active allies.

We aim to work with practitioners, professionals and communities who are willing to learn how to identify necessary behavioral shifts to turn their privilege into change. Our belief is that everyone can become an active ally in a way that makes sense to their work and overall way of being in the world.

An active ally is someone who witnesses injustice and responds to it in any situation, with actionable awareness.

educational methods

At BA we root our work in the experiential cycle and discussion based education. Participants work together to determine what active allyship looks like in the context of their personal and professional experiences.

Experiential Workshops

Our workshops are designed to support participants in understanding and practicing active allyship to trans and gender non-conforming communities in particular. Each exercise within the workshop engages participants in critical thinking, dialogue and activities through the lens of dismantling privilege.

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Consultations

Sometimes we just need a conversation to determine where to begin. At Building Allies we offer a free 20-minute phone consultation with one of our team members to determine the best course of action. We then work together with you to create an individualized plan for your needs.

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Lectures

At BA we root our work in the experiential cycle, and discussion based education. Participants work together and also connect deeply to determine what active allyship looks like in the context of their personal and professional experiences.

Coming Soon!

On the Couch, with Dr. Liana and Margaret - Episode 5/21/17, Interview with Kyle Sawyer

Kyle Sawyer, co-founder of Building Allies, was interviewed on May 21st for On the Couch, with Dr. Liana and Margaret, a podcast about the “psychology and biology of our human existence.” Host’s Dr. Liana, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Margaret, Trained Psychotherapist discuss the founding of Building Allies, trans issues, ally work and privilege.

events

Find one of our workshops at an event near you!

October 29th

October 29th

Models of Pride

Sunday, October 29th, 2017
Los Angeles, California @ USC

Presenting: Becoming A Trans Ally
Youth and Parent/Professional Track

Room & Time: TBD

The Models of Pride conference includes workshops and resources covering the experiences of LGBTQ youth transitioning to adulthood, but not limited to LGBT issues. Building Allies will be presenting within the programming track for parents of LGBTQ youth as well as professionals who work with LGBTQ youth.

Testimonials

"Our facilitator was prepared and knowledgeable, and the workshop was extremely worthwhile. People at any level of interest in social equity - from novices to seasoned activists - will walk away with more knowledge, deeper personal understanding, and real-world ways to effect change in their personal and professional lives. I will be recommending this organization to everyone I know!" Sara S.

Sara S.Los Angeles, CA

“Kyle Sawyer's work holds the capacity to cross boundaries as it affords an audience an opportunity to participate in the healing of wounds--some of which they may not even know they have. Kyle brings an audience face to face with the prospect of real democracy and equality through an examination of privilege and inequality that put me on the edge of my seat, and has kept me there ever since.” Donald Strauss, Ph.D., M.F.A.

Donald Strauss, Ph.D., M.F.A.Antioch University Los Angeles

“Kyle Sawyer's Turning Privilege Into Change talk is resonant, honest and enlightening. To speak from personal experience, as Kyle does, is compelling, engaging and informative, while it encourages deep thought about our own roles. The questions and the analysis presented reaches into our minds and into our hearts.” Jane Paul, MA

Jane Paul, MAAntioch University Los Angeles

“Kyle Sawyer has developed a remarkable presentation. It is boldly educational, introducing what may be new language and concepts in a way that people of diverse backgrounds can engage with the ideas. Kyle is a skilled presenter; he draws the audience into the subject matter in an open and affirming way while making a persuasive argument for change." Susan Nero, PhD

Susan Nero, PhDAntioch University Los Angeles

“Kyle's presentation 'Turning Privilege Into Change' at Antioch University has had a profound effect, provoking rich, collaborative interactions that continue to engage social justice practices among faculty, staff and students...both on campus and beyond.” Charley Lang, MFT