LGBTQQIA Alphabet Soup

Doris DirksCoordinator, Northwestern University LGBT

Resource Center

OutlineLanguageHomophobia,

Heterosexism & Heterosexual Privilege

Current IssuesTransgender & IntersexThe LGB&T Connection,

Bisexuality, Intersecting Identities

Becoming an AllyResourcesLast Minute Q & A

A word about language…LGB- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

Transgender & Cisgender

Intersex

Q- Queer, Questioning

The Closet

What is an Ally?Ends oppression personally and

professionally through support and advocacyConfronts homophobia and gender normative

privilege in self and othersBelieves gay and transgender rights are

social justice issues

Problematic or Offensive LanguageHomosexualSexual PreferenceSpecial RightsGay AgendaLifestyle Choice

Heterosexism, Homophobia, & Heterosexual PrivilegeBelief that heterosexuality is the only

“natural” sexualityFear or hatred of LGB peopleIncludes privileges including the right to

marry, the right to employment protection, the right to show your partner affection in public

Without legal marriage rights, couples face challenges that are overwhelming. What would you do?

Marriage offers 1,138 Federal benefits and responsibilities, not including hundreds more offered by every state.

Finances

Family and Children

Current Issues: Marriage, Family

The Healthy Advantage Studies show that people who are married tend to live longer and

lead healthier lives.

The Golden Years Often times, when both partners reach the age in which nursing home care

is necessary, relatives have the final say, separating the couple by putting them in different elderly care facilities.

Social Security; Medicaid; Medical Treatment and Hospital Visitation; IRAs & Retirement Planning.

In 29 states, it is legal to fire someone based on their sexual orientation. In 38 states, it is legal to do so based on gender identity. Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

Current Issues: Health, Employment

TerminologyGender Identity: An individual’s

internal self-conception of being male, female, or something else.

Gender Expression: How one chooses to express one’s gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, voice, body characteristics, etc.

***

***Intersex people don’t necessarily identify as transgender

IntersexDefinitionSex chromosomes, genitalia, reproductive

system not ‘standard’ for male or femaleSet of medical conditions, not disordersMay include, but not necessarily,

anatomical ambiguityNot XX or XY = 1 in 1,666

Klinefelter Syndrome (47, XXY)

Turner Syndrome (45, XO)

Mosaicism (45, XO/46, XY)

ContinuumSEX

GENDER IDENTITY

GENDER EXPRESSION

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Male Intersex Female

Man/Boy Transgender/Genderqueer Woman/girl Two-spirited/etc.

Masculine Androgynous Feminine

Attracted to women Attracted to all/both/none Attracted to men

Gender Diverse Community Challenges

PsychologicalFamily reactionsSecrecyFinancial needs

The LGB and T ConnectionWhere does sexual orientation fit in?Transgender people can have any sexual

orientationLGB people can have any gender identity Gendered perceptions about LGB people

Bisexuality & Intersecting IdentitiesBisexuals are often hidden. If they are in a

straight or gay relationship their identities are often mistaken. It is important to allow people to identify themselves.

LGBT people, just like straight people, have a variety of identities like race, religion, nationality, class, abilities, …

The LGBTQA CAN offers many ally trainings, including Safe Space, SBNN, Transgender Ally training, & the Social Justice Ally training.

5 Ways to Be a Good Ally1. Don’t assume everyone is heterosexual2. DO NOT EVER out someone – just

because you might know, don’t assume that others do or should

3. Avoid anti-LGBT jokes and conversations4. Actively pursue a process of self-

education - read and ask questions5. Interrupt prejudice and take action

against oppression, even when people from the target group are not present

What to do if a friend is LGB?Do not assume sexual orientationDo not assume LGB friends find you

attractiveBe honest about your feelingsYour friend has not changedRespect confidentialityKnow your resourcesHold all friends to equal standards

What to do if a friend is T? Think about your own gender identity and

expression Be “out” and public about your support Speak on behalf of targeted individuals Be sensitive to privacy re: surgical or

hormonal status or medical condition Recognize the efforts of others to confront

inappropriate behaviors Encourage LGB community to learn about

trans issues

ResourcesCenter on HalstedHoward BrownGerber Hart LibraryLeather Archives and MuseumWindy City Times & Chicago Free PressNational Gay and Lesbian Task ForceHuman Rights CampaignTransgender Law & Policy Institute

Questions?Thank you!