Gender Identity, Gender Expression & Sexuality

• Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, + (the plus sign indicates inclusivity for other sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that may not be explicitly represented in the acronym).

What is Sexual Orientation?

• Sexual orientation is the term that describes a person’s physical, romantical, and emotional attraction to another person.

• Sexual orientation is fluid and on a scale. Being fluid, it can change and flow throughout someone’s lifetime. This means that it’s normal and natural for people to identify as one sexual orientation and realize that they identify as another sexual orientation later in life.

• The spectrum or scale of sexual orientation is large and includes sexual attraction to people of the same, different, opposite, all, or no gender identities.

• Bisexual – Attracted to more than one gender, including men, women, and non-binary individuals.
• Heterosexual – Attracted to the gender different from one’s own (straight).
• Gay – Attracted to the same gender (the term “lesbian” is more commonly used for women).
• Asexual – Someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction to others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and people may still experience romantic attraction.
• Pansexual – Someone who is attracted to any individual regardless of their gender identity.
• Queer – An umbrella term for those who are not exclusively heterosexual or cisgender. It can be fluid and encompass a variety of identities and orientations.

What is gender identity?

• Gender identity is how we feel inside about our gender.
• Sometimes our gender identity will be the same as the gender we were assigned at birth, and sometimes it varies.
• We can’t assume someone’s gender identity by appearance, anatomy, society’s expectations or stereotypes.
• Gender identity is fluid. It can change throughout a person’s lifetime.

• Gender – Refers to one’s identity, which may or may not align with their biological sex (the physical characteristics assigned at birth).
• Cisgender – A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Intersex – A person born with physical characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female (click here for more info What is intersex? | Intersex Society of North America (isna.org))
• Nonbinary – Someone whose gender identity doesn’t conform to the traditional binary of masculine or feminine.
• Transgender – A term used for individuals whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Two-spirits is a term that is used by some indigenous people to describe their diverse sexual orientation and gender identity.
• It refers to “a person who identifies as having both masculine and feminine spirits.

• Gender expression is the way someone expresses gender through behaviors, manners, interests or appearance.
• It’s often but not always described using terms such as masculine, feminine, neutral androgynous, conforming, or nonconforming.
• The way we describe gender expression is shaped by social and cultural norms, which can evolve over time and differ between communities.

• Using correct pronouns can foster and inclusive environment for gender nonbinary and transgender individuals.
• The most efficient way to ask about someone’s pronouns is to ask them directly “What are your pronouns?”
• If you accidentally use the wrong pronouns, apologize and correct yourself. Take a moment to practice using the correct pronouns in your mind to become more familiar with their preferences.

• An Ally is a person who actively supports a group, even if they do not belong to that group themselves. Allies work to understand the issues and challenges faced by the group they support while promoting equality and justice.
• Listen Actively: Pay attention to your 2SLGBTQIA+ friends and community members. Understand their needs, desires for support, and how they want to be represented. Listening is a crucial step in being an effective ally.
• Cultivate Open-Mindedness: Recognize that not everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community fits a specific mold or stereotype. Embrace diverse identities and experiences. Being an ally means accepting and respecting the varied ways individuals express themselves.
• Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Be open to discussing topics that matter to your friends. Don’t shy away from subjects you might not fully understand; asking questions demonstrates your willingness to learn and support them better.
• Foster Inclusivity: Make an effort to include your LGBTQIA+ friends in social gatherings with your friends and family. Creating spaces where everyone feels welcome is essential for building community and connection.
• Avoid Assumptions: Don’t assume that everyone around you is straight. Recognizing that someone close to you might be exploring their identity allows them to feel safe and supported in their journey.
• Challenge Harmful Language: Address anti-LGBTQIA+ comments and jokes when you hear them. Let your friends, family, and colleagues know that such remarks are offensive and hurtful. Speak up to create a more respectful environment.
• Stand Against Bullying: Support your LGBTQIA+ friends by defending them against bullying or teasing. Your advocacy can make a significant difference in their lives and help cultivate a more accepting atmosphere.
• Uphold Dignity and Respect: Believe in the inherent worth of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve.