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Tania Israel        

Award-Winning Author of "Beyond Your Bubble: How to Connect Across the Political Divide," Professor of Counseling Psychology & Associate Dean for DEI

Dr. Tania Israel is a Professor of Counseling Psychology and an Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Israel conducts research and teaches about policy and practice with sexual and gender minorities, and her expertise has been solicited by the Institute of Medicine, Congress, and the White House.

Her TEDx Talk, “Bisexuality and Beyond” has been viewed over 100,000 times, and her popular course, "Bisexuality: From Margin to Center" is the only undergraduate course on bisexuality in the world.

As Director of UCSB’s Project RISE, Dr. Israel leads a team that develops and studies interventions to support the psychological health of LGBTQ individuals and communities. Her research and advocacy has been honored by Congress, the American Psychological Association, the California Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, and her local LGBT community.

In addition to numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, Dr. Israel authored the award-winning book, "Beyond Your Bubble: How to Connect Across the Political Divide, Skills and Strategies for Conversations That Work" (APA, 2020), and she tweets bisexual haiku (#biku).

Speech Topics

All I Need to Know About Political Conflict, I Learned From The Wizard of Oz

Roiled by social media algorithms, provocative news, and clashing politicians, Americans are experiencing increased stress and interpersonal conflict. Appeals to elected officials, demands for media reform, and calls for “the other side” to change their tactics reveal frustration and paralyzing disempowerment. Drawing on a familiar and imaginative narrative, Dr. Israel takes her audience on a journey down the yellow brick road to help them navigate the challenges of living in politically polarized times. Attendees will gain knowledge, skills, and motivation to strengthen their individual capacity and perhaps even to repair our ruptured country.

Leadership in Politically Polarized Times

Political polarization in the U.S. is at a record high. As anger, fear, distortions, and social media drive the wedge ever deeper, organizations and communities suffer the fallout of societal divisions. How can leaders combat polarizing forces, manage interpersonal conflict, and cultivate a public voice in this fraught context? Dr. Israel can offer solutions. Grounded in evidence, experience, and skills, she will share perspectives and strategies that will leave you informed, optimistic, and empowered to take action.

If You’re Not Listening, You’re Not Paying Attention: Dialogue as a Tool for Social Justice Advocacy

“If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention” is a rallying cry in social justice circles. Indeed, there is plenty to be outraged about; however, outrage has limitations, and prolonged outrage takes a toll on health. Science points to listening as an effective tool for collaboration, persuasion, and organizing. Dr. Israel harnesses psychological theory and research in this presentation to offer a blueprint for dialogue-based social justice advocacy.

Beyond Your Bubble: Skills and Strategies for Dialogue Across Political Differences

It can be difficult to bridge the political divide. How do we talk with people who hold political views that are different from our own? Is there a path forward, out of conflict, toward understanding and healing? In this interactive workshop, Dr. Tania Israel will prepare attendees to engage in dialogue by helping them to build skills for listening, managing emotions, developing accurate perceptions of others, and sharing their views. This program uses an active-learning format and can be delivered in person or via Zoom, with demonstrations, mini-lectures, polls, discussion, and role plays. People of all political persuasions can benefit from this program.

Being Authentic, Empowered, and LGBTQ in the Workplace

Description: What does it mean to be LGBTQ in the workplace? How much of ourselves do we share with coworkers? How do we navigate challenging situations and capitalize on strengths? With over 25 years of research and teaching about LGBTQ psychology, Dr. Tania Israel has some answers. This engaging presentation will inform and inspire attendees to achieve their potential for authenticity, empowerment, and belonging in the workplace.

Bridging the Political Divide: Optimism for Moving Beyond Polarization

Political polarization in the U.S. is at a record high. As anger, fear, distortions, and social media drive the wedge ever deeper, what hope is there for maintaining connection within families, friendships, workplaces, and communities? Dr. Israel can offer solutions. Grounded in evidence, experience, and skills, she will share practical and research-based strategies to help bridge the political divide. Her approach to building understanding will leave you informed, optimistic, and empowered to take action.

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Navigating Political Divisiveness in the Workplace

Political polarization and social divisiveness are impacting workplace culture, productivity, and health. How can managers and employees respond to political conflict and navigate challenging conversations? Dr. Israel can offer solutions. Grounded in evidence, experience, and skills, she will share practical, evidence-based strategies to help bridge the political divide. Her approach to building understanding will leave attendees informed, optimistic, and empowered to take action.

If You’re Not Listening, You’re Not Paying Attention: Dialogue as a Tool for Social Justice Advocacy

“If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention” is a rallying cry in social justice circles. Indeed, there is plenty to be outraged about, however, outrage has its limitations, and prolonged outrage takes a toll on health. Science points to listening as an effective tool for collaboration, persuasion, and organizing. In this presentation, Dr. Israel harnesses psychological theory and research to offer a blueprint for dialogue-based social justice advocacy.

Praxis Makes Perfect: A Quarter Century of LGBTQ Psychology Research

In this engaging presentation, Dr. Israel shares her decades-long journey as an LGBTQ psychology researcher and advocate. Integrating storytelling, research findings, and wisdom; she describes one woman’s quest to generate knowledge during a period of rapid social change and inspires attendees to achieve their potential as researchers.

Leadership for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Leaders are faced with unique challenges regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations and beyond. How can leaders equip themselves to navigate structural barriers, interpersonal conflict, and public visibility? Dr. Israel demonstrates the effectiveness of embracing opportunities, promoting understanding, harnessing practical tools, and making use of public platforms. Leaders in educational, corporate, non-profit, and community settings will benefit from the insights, tools, and strategies offered in this session.

Myths and Realities about Bisexuality

How many people are really bisexual? Are people who identify as bisexual on their way to coming out as gay? Can bisexuals be monogamous? These common questions reflect stereotypes and absence of positive representations of bisexuality. This presentation will identify common myths and share facts to correct distorted views of bisexuals and cultivate accuracy, affirmation, and equity.

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