BOYSTOWN — Two free workshops in Lakeview this month will teach self-defense strategies for targeted communities and assist with name and gender changes on legal documents.
On Monday, the Center on Halsted will provide information on the legal processes required to change names and genders on legal documents, often a difficult situation for transgender people to navigate.
The trans-led workshop will break down the process of changing markers on driver's licenses, state IDs, circuit court name changes, birth certificates, Social Security cards and passports.
The free workshop is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended.
During a three-hour workshop Jan. 15, adults and teens over 15 years old can learn self-defense strategies and discuss how allies can advocate for targeted communities.
While the Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center has not specifically designated the workshop for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, the Jan. 15 class will focus on de-escalation tactics for victims of Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, racism and other bigoted acts.
From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., students will learn bystander intervention techniques, physical ways to fight back against physical or sexual assault and healing methods for coping with the aftermath of violence.
Located right off the Belmont "L" station, Thousand Waves, 1220 W. Belmont Ave., offers paid classes for people who are LGBTQ and Deaf and hard-of-hearing. There are also classes available for teens, young adults and children.
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