From Intentions to Impact: LGBTQ+ Affirming Support for Front-Line Workers

Cultural Curiosity Series is an OTFLCA learning initiative that immerses helping professionals in recovery subcultures and community traditions. Each session builds cultural humility, shared language, and practical skills so providers can partner more effectively with people navigating both peer-based recovery and professional services.

This two-hour training is offered as a hybrid learning experience, allowing participants to engage either in person or virtually while maintaining an interactive, discussion-based format.

Beyond the Basics is a two-hour training designed for front-line workers who want to move beyond surface-level understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and strengthen their ability to provide practical, affirming support in real-world recovery, crisis, outreach, and peer-based settings.

Rather than positioning learning as something to “master,” this segment emphasizes cultural curiosity over cultural competence—recognizing that supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals is an ongoing process rooted in intention, humility, accountability, and action. Participants are encouraged to reflect, practice, and engage with concepts in ways that honor lived experience and evolving understanding.

By the end of this segment, participants will be able to:

• Understand foundational LGBTQIA+ identities, language, and key concepts relevant to front-line work
• Recognize how stigma, trauma, and systemic harm impact LGBTQIA+ individuals—particularly within recovery, healthcare, and crisis response systems
• Apply affirming communication and engagement strategies in everyday front-line interactions
• Respond skillfully when mistakes occur, focusing on repair, accountability, and relationship-building rather than avoidance or defensiveness
• Integrate cultural curiosity into daily professional and peer-based support practices to foster safer, more inclusive environments

John Nimmo is the Founder and Executive Director of Ladybug Recovery Community, a peer-led Recovery Community Organization serving LGBTQIA+ and underserved populations. He is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a person in long-term recovery from substance use and mental illness. As a State Peer Support Facilitator, John leads with lived experience, compassion, and a deep commitment to affirming, inclusive recovery spaces.

Front-line professionals are often trusted points of contact during vulnerable moments. This segment equips participants with the awareness and practical tools needed to reduce harm, build trust, and support LGBTQIA+ individuals in ways that affirm identity, dignity, and recovery.

Behavioral/public health professionals, peer recovery supporters/supervisors, case managers, social workers, counselors, justice and healthcare partners, and anyone collaborating with individuals seeking substance use services.

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Host or Publisher Hannah Schilling, Hamilton County Public Health