Feminist and LGBTQ+ Studies

Abstract

Working as a counselling therapist with specialism in GSRD (gender, sexual and relationship diversity), means being on a career course of constant learning.  Developing knowledge 
of human identities and how health and wellbeing is impacted by psycho-social interactions, involves exploring intersectionality and culture across time, and trying to use this knowledge to 
support the individual in the therapy room.  Further than this though, in a world that frequently challenges the individual and their unique sense of self and identity, it is important to share knowledge that is supportive of each unique human experience, and promotes diversity and the freedom to live in a compassionate and inclusive world.  Published in 2020 under SAGE education: 
‘Lessons in Love & Understanding: Relationships, Sexuality & Gender in the classroom’ is a book co-authored by a specialist in Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity, Jenni Gates and a 
classroom school teacher, Dr Scott Buckler - because the younger we can educate people on understanding more about these important topics and aspects of being, the easier it is to enhance 
wellbeing, by fostering a secure and solid sense of self, and as a result, more meaningful connections with others.  Therefore,  good psychoeducation of all kinds is life enhancing for the 
individual; and education specifically around Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity, is crucial for successful interactions, connections and socialisation with others.

Biography

Jenni Gates graduated from University of Glasgow in 2002 with an MA in English Literature and Psychology.  She worked in health and social care with young people and families in a variety of settings, including managing a multi award winning youth project in Scotland, and providing charity consultancy in Asia and Africa.  In 2012 Jenni qualified with an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling from The Iron Mill, Exeter and worked full time as a specialist counsellor for The West of England Gender Identity Clinic (NHS) where she not only gained training from world leading experts in gender and sexuality studies, but also was part of a research team, publishing a paper in the International Journal of Transgenderism in 2018: ‘An exploration of the lived experiences of non-binary individuals who have presented at a gender identity clinic in the United Kingdom’.   Jenni currently works as an integrative counsellor in private practice as well as under Pink Therapy.  Jenni is a member of SEA (Sex Education Alliance) and has been delivering relationship and sex education across schools and education centres in the UK since 2003.  In 2020 Jenni’s first book was published under SAGE eduction titled: Lessons in Love & Understanding: Relationships, Sexuality & Genderin the classroom.