Understanding the difference between gender identity, sexual orientation, and other LGBTQ+ terms.
LGBTQ+: This term stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other gender and sexual orientation minorities. Understanding the different identities and experiences of these groups is crucial when learning about LGBTQ+ rights.
Intersectionality: This refers to the ways in which various social identities (such as race, gender, class, and sexual orientation) intersect and influence one another. Understanding intersectionality is important in recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals who hold multiple marginalized identities.
Gender Identity: This topic involves understanding the difference between biological sex, gender identity, and gender expression. It's important to recognize that gender identity is distinct from biological sex and can differ from the gender assigned at birth.
Sexual Orientation: This refers to an individual's sexual attraction to others. Understanding the different sexual orientations, including but not limited to heterosexual, gay/lesbian, and bisexual, is important when learning about LGBTQ+ rights.
Transgender: This term describes individuals whose gender identity differs from the gender assigned to them at birth. Learning about the experiences and challenges faced by transgender individuals is important for creating inclusive and supportive communities.
Queer: This is an umbrella term used to describe anyone who identifies as outside of traditional gender and sexual orientation categories.
Allyship: This involves learning about how to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, including understanding how to be supportive, inclusive, and respectful of individuals who hold different identities.
Homophobia and Transphobia: These are attitudes and behaviors that are hostile towards individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. Understanding these issues is important to creating a more accepting and welcoming environment for all.
LGBTQ+ History and Culture: Learning about the history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community provides valuable context for understanding current issues and struggles faced by these individuals.
LGBTQ+ Activism: This involves understanding the various movements and organizations working towards LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, and learning about how to get involved in these efforts.
LGBTQ+: An acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other non-heterosexual/non-cisgender identities.
Ally: A straight or cisgender person who supports and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and individuals.
Asexual: Someone who does not experience sexual attraction.
Bisexual: Someone who is attracted to both men and women.
Cisgender: Someone whose gender identity matches their assigned sex at birth.
Coming Out: The process of revealing one's LGBTQ+ identity to others.
Gay: A term used to describe men who are attracted to other men.
Genderqueer/Nonbinary: Someone who identifies as neither male nor female or as both male and female.
Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics (such as chromosomes or genitalia) that do not fit typical male or female classifications.
Lesbian: A term used to describe women who are attracted to other women.
Pansexual: Someone who is attracted to people of all genders.
Queer: An umbrella term used to describe anyone who does not identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender.
Transgender: Someone whose gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth.
Two-spirit: A term used by some Indigenous people to describe a person who possesses both masculine and feminine spirits.
LGBTQ+ Rights: The fight for equal rights and protections for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. This includes access to healthcare, employment, housing, and legal protections against discrimination.