LGBTQ CONCEPTS & LANGUAGE Developed by Counseling &Wellness Services and the LGBTQ Center for the Department of Housing & Residential Education

Session Outline  The gender binary  Heterosexism  Terms  Coming out

Gender Binary  Social construction of male and female as the two distinct gender identities  Related to sexism and heterosexism  How else can we think of gender? Source: LGBTQ Center,

Heterosexism  Idea that heterosexuality is the norm  Infiltrates society in multiple ways  Interpersonal interactions  Institutional policies  Media  Privilege Source: LGBTQ Center, ; Stewart, 2009

Terms  Definitions and the way words are used change over time and from person to person!  Queer  Homosexual  Bisexual vs. Pansexual  Transgender Source: LGBTQ Center,

Coming Out  A continuous process of personal recognition, acceptance, and disclosure of one’s sexual orientation, gender expression, and/or identity  Coming out to others  When someone comes out to you Source: LGBTQ Center,

Coming Out to Others: Ask Yourself…  Where are you in the coming out process?  What specifically are you hoping to change with your next steps in coming out?  What external factors influence your decision to come out?  What will you do in the worst-case scenario? Source: LGBTQ Center,

When Someone Comes Out to You  Confidentiality  Avoid judgment  Take time to think  Ask questions and learn  Support Source: LGBTQ Center,

Resources  LGBTQ Center  Counseling & Wellness Services  Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs