This artifact, titled Ally Training in Higher Education: A Response to Heterosexism, was co-authored with Alison Reimel and submitted for ELPS 432: Multiculturalism for Social Justice in Higher Education.  The assignment asked us to identify an issue in higher education related to our dialogue for that week’s dialogue topic (heterosexism).  This artifact was chosen specifically because it illustrates some of my own identity development that has taken place in this program.  The assignment asked us to confront our privileged identities and reflect on how our privileges gain us significant advantages in society.  I have often fallen into the trap of participating in structured activities (trainings, programs, etc.) as the extent of my identity development activities.  Through this assignment, Ali and I engaged in really deep conversations and were challenged by Dr. Kelly to situate us in the oppressive system of heterosexism.

            This assignment also helped me become more comfortable engaging in difficult conversations with peers in our program and in our department.  Since part of this assignment called on us to structure a dialogue for our class, I was able to build my dialogue facilitation skills and find ways to challenge my peers with care when engaging in these conversations.  As a result, I have worked to incorporate conversations about identity in my weekly interactions with students, conversations with my supervisors, and in staff meetings.  This continued development has also made me critically examine the environments where I would like to work as I take the next step in my professional journey.  I have been looking at universities and departments where there is a foundation in place to have conversations with students and staff members about identity, in order to feel better supported in my work.  I have definitely come a long way since the writing of this paper, but I definitely see this assignment as a turning point for my commitment to having continued dialogue with peers and colleagues.