Everyone is Welcome Here
(How to be a Good Human)
A practical introduction to building 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in water polo
Dene Guillas (he/they)
braidingcolours.com (coming soon)
Coaches Workshop
This workshop supports coaches in building team environments where every athlete feels respected, valued and able to participate fully. Using a simple framework known as the “Identity Unicorn,” participants will explore the different aspects of identity that all humans carry—including sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, attraction and cultural identity—and how these can shape athletes’ experiences in sport.
Coaches will also learn practical strategies for inclusive language, including understanding pronouns, responding to homophobic or transphobic comments and fostering team cultures that prioritize respect and belonging. The session combines foundational knowledge with real-world coaching scenarios, giving participants tools they can immediately bring back to the pool deck.
16U–18U Athlete Workshop
This interactive session introduces athletes to the basics of identity, respect and inclusion in sport. Participants will explore the different parts of identity that all people have—including sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, attraction, and cultural identity—using the Identity Unicorn framework. Athletes will also learn about inclusive language, including why pronouns matter and how language can help create a more welcoming team environment.
The workshop focuses on allyship and teamwork, encouraging athletes to reflect on how their words and actions can support teammates and contribute to a positive team culture. The conversation is designed to be respectful, age-appropriate and focused on building understanding, empathy and stronger team connections.
12U–14U Athlete Workshop
This youth-friendly workshop helps younger athletes understand the importance of kindness, respect and inclusion in sport. Through simple explanations and interactive discussion, participants will learn about the different parts of identity that make each person unique—including sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, attraction (friendship, connection, and shared interests) and cultural identity—using an easy-to-understand tool called the Identity Unicorn.
Athletes will also talk about respectful language and how to be supportive teammates. The session encourages participants to think about how they can stand up for one another, include everyone on their team, and help create a water polo environment where all athletes feel safe, welcome and valued. The workshop is designed to be age-appropriate, positive and focused on teamwork and respect.
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My Story
Dene Guillas (he/they) is a proud Red River Métis, Two-Spirit, pansexual and transgender man, as well as a devoted father and lifelong learner. Deeply passionate about mental health, healing and community, Dene is committed to creating safer environments where people feel seen, valued and empowered.
A natural storyteller and community connector, he draws on his Indigenous identity and lived experiences to invite reflection, courage and honest conversations that lead to meaningful change. Grounded in Indigenous values and intersectional advocacy, Dene believes deeply in people’s capacity to grow when spaces are built with care, accountability and respect.
Dene is the Founder and Lead Facilitator of Braiding Colours Consulting, a community-rooted consulting practice that provides trauma-informed education, facilitation and consultation to help organizations build safer and more inclusive environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Through professional development, policy consultation, youth engagement and keynote speaking, his work supports schools, organizations, sports communities and nonprofits in turning inclusion from intention into meaningful action.
With over 20 years of facilitation experience across education, organizational and community settings, 14 of those years in nonprofit support, including five years as an educator at Rainbow Resource Centre, Dene brings warmth, authenticity and deep insight to every space he enters. His background spans youth services, education, child and family supports and transgender healthcare, equipping him to speak directly to the mental health needs and lived realities of today’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
