AN INTRO TO THE LGBT2Q+ COMMUNITY
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENDER IDENTITY & SEXUAL ORIENTATION?
When getting to know the queer community, it is important to understand the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity. Sexual Orientation can be thought of as how we label and express our preference or attractions for sexual partners whereas gender identity is how we feel and express our own gender whether male, female, variant or as having none at al
GENDER IDENTITY
Each person’s internal and individual experience of gender. It is a person’s sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither or anywhere on the gender spectrum. This sense of self is separate from biological sex assigned at birth and is not related to sexual orientation. Since gender identity is internal, it is not necessarily visible to others.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Toward whom a person’s sexual desires and drives are oriented – toward only women, or only men, or nobody, or irrespective of gender. It is separate and independent from a person’s gender identity. It can be fluid over time. The identity a person uses to describe their sexual orientation may not reflect their sexual behaviours.
WHAT DOES LGBTQ MEAN?
The term LGBT is an initialism used to refer to the non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender individuals, topics and communities.
Over time the term has evolved to include a 'Q' for Queer and a '+' in LGBTQ+ in order to be more inclusive and acknowledge that there are varying identities. It's also common to see LGBT2Q+, the '2' representing Two-Spirit identity used by some Indigenous peoples.
WHAT DOES QUEER MEAN?
Over the years this term has meant a few things and unfortunately, it hasn't always been good, but the term has evolved, today Queer is used as an umbrella term to refer to the entire LGBT2SQQIAAP community.
Queer is one word, one syllable meant to include all the unique and diverse individuals who make up this community.
We chose to use Queer because one of QE's top priorities is to ensure we are connecting and building a stronger community and we cannot do that without ensuring everyone is included, not just the 'LGBT' members.
WHAT DO ALL THE LETTERS IN LGBT2Q+ MEAN?
LETTER | MEANING | HUMAN DESCRIPTION |
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L | LESBIAN | A woman who is attracted only to other women |
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G | GAY | A male who is attracted to other men |
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B | BISEXUAL | Person who is romantically or sexually attracted tomore than one gender |
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T | TRANS | Person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex |
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T | TWO-SPIRIT | First Nations identity of person who has both a masculine and a feminine spirit |
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Q | QUEER | Everyone and all identities under the LGBT2Q+ rainbow |
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Q | QUESTIONING | Someone who is not so sure they are the standard type heterosexual |
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I | INTERSEX | Person whose physical parts cannot easily be distinguished as either male or female |
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A | ASEXUAL | Person who does not feel the need to have sex very often, if at all |
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A | AGENDER | A non-binary gender identity or as a statement of not having a gender identity |
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P | PANSEXUAL | Someone who finds themselves attracted to people from all the different genders |
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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LGBT2Q+ ALLY?
BECOMING A TRUE QUEER ALLY TAKES TIME, THOUGHT, UNDERSTANDING & ACTION.
- A person who creates a safe and confidential space for those who identify on the LGBT2Q+ spectrum.
- Someone who understands and challenges common issue such as heterosexism, transphobia, cisexism and homophobia.
- Someone who will actively speak up when witnessing acts of aggression, bullying, oppression against queer individuals.
WHAT DOES TRANS MEAN?
An umbrella term for people whose gender identity is not in harmony with their birth assignment. Often includes people who identify as transgender, trans woman, trans man, gender non-conforming or gender variant.
RESPECT TRANS FOLKS
- Don't assume gender based solely on physical appearance.
- Ask what pronouns are preferred and be sure to use that pronoun.
- Use a preferred name in conversation and when introducing me.
- Don't ask about body parts...it's not cool!
- Make an effort to use gender neutral language in your everyday conversions. This is very cool!
BE RESPECTFUL
Individuals from the queer community can be found everywhere. In workplaces, social settings, classrooms, grocery stores, literally everywhere. It's important to make sure we all do our part to be respectful to everyone.
THE BASICS
- Accept everyone within the LGBT2Q+ community. We are all individuals with equal rights.
- Don't ask questions about how LGBT2Q+ relationships work.
- Don't ask LGBT2Q+ people to hide their queerness. One's discomfort does not trump others right to exist.
- Don't make jokes based on stereotypes, costumes or insults.
