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!