Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation

Sex Vs. Gender Sex is based on a person’s biological features Gender is used in different ways: Gender roles – behavioral characteristics considered “masculine” or “feminine” Gender identity – internal sense of ourselves as man, woman, or transgender

Gender Our race, class, geographical, physical, and sexual identities affect and shape our gender and may change over time. It may not remain the same from birth to death.

Gender Identity There are new terms that fall outside the two gender categories our society has traditionally recognized: man and woman Transgender – a person who identifies with or expresses a gender identity that differs from the one which corresponds to the person's sex at birth Transsexual - a person who strongly identifies with the opposite sex and may seek to live as a member of this sex especially by undergoing surgery and hormone therapy to obtain the necessary physical appearance

Sexual Orientation

Sexual Orientation Our gender is about who we are; our sexual orientation is about whom we find attractive. How we identify our gender influences how we name our sexuality, and whom we are attracted to may change throughout our lives.

“Some of us choose not to label our sexuality at all “Some of us choose not to label our sexuality at all. It’s important not to assume that we know another person’s sexual orientation or identity.”

Types of Orientation Straight/ Heterosexual – women who are sexually attracted to men and men who are sexually attracted to women Gay/ Homosexual – women who are sexually attracted to women and men who are sexually attracted to men Lesbian – woman who is sexually attracted to women Bisexual – people who are sexually attracted to men and women Asexual – someone who is not experiencing or acting on sexual attraction at a give time Pansexual – someone who is attracted to people across the range of genders

Don’t confuse sexual orientation with gender identity!

Confusion Corrected Sometimes gender identity and sexual orientation are confused and stereotypes are formed Being lesbian or bisexual does not mean our gender looks or feels a certain way

Coming Out Letting other people know that we identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer, or transgender can be one of the most challenging and life-changing decisions we face. It may cause several problems concerning losing friends, jobs, and family, but it can also be a liberating experience.

Homophobia, Heterosexism, and Transphobia

Homophobia Homophobia – the fear and hatred of homosexuality or gay, lesbian, or bisexual people It puts people at risk for discrimination, harassment, rejection, or violence in everyday interactions with others and can affect one’s own acceptance of who they are.

Heterosexism Heterosexism – the assumption that heterosexuality is the only normal orientation It denies legal, religious, and social privileges to others It can occur on an interpersonal level in which family and friends may accept you but may not accept others

Transphobia Transphobia – the fear and hatred of transgender or transsexual people. It involves more than just a slanderous terms uttered. It has to do with those who do not fit the norm of man or woman having trouble going out in public.

My Opinions! Did not like Liked That it is difficult for people to come out to others Sex and gender are often confused…I had not known they were different! I found it interesting to know that there was a difference between transgender and transsexual Did not like I dislike the idea of heterosexism, transphobia, and homophobia. I think that it is wrong to discriminate others based on gender or sexual orientation.

What do you think? Why does society find it difficult to accept genders other than male or female? Why do some people not accept other genders?

The End