Let’s Educate To Advocate: Sex, Orientation, and Gender Identity
LGBTQlA+ individuals often internalize destructive and harmful views from homophobic societies, families, religions, and repressive cultures. Although neuroscience, biology, and genetic and social sciences have made significant efforts to inform and educate the public on all matters related to sexual orientation and gender identity, ignorance and negative stigmatism still exist, and the consequences to the individual psyche can often be persistent and devastating.
Research consistently indicates that sexual minorities and transgender individuals face significant levels of discrimination, social stigma, and marginalization, which can negatively impact their mental health and well-being.
In this article, we cover:
Why the LGBTQ+ community needs our support.
Why we should educate ourselves on sex, orientation, and gender identity.
Quick and easy ways to better understand the difference between sex, orientation, and gender identity.
Is sex binary? What our biology actually tells us.
The difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, and some common sexual orientations and gender identities.
Ideas for how we help stop the attacks and injustices on the Trans community.
Organizations that support transgender rights and advocate for the rights of sexual minorities.
1. Why does the LGBTQ+ community need our support?
In recent years, we’ve seen a record-breaking number of bills attempting to deny trans individuals and sexual minorities access to basic healthcare, legal recognition, education, bathrooms, athletics and even the right to openly exist in public. So far, in 2023 alone, more than 550 anti-trans bills have been introduced in 49 states. These new laws are seeking to do the following: define sex, ban drag performances, block educators from teaching LGBTQ+ sex education, ban open discussions between classmates about sex and gender, ban LGBTQ+ literature from libraries, ban sexual minorities and trans children from playing in sports, ban gender-affirming medical and mental healthcare, restrict same-sex marriage and adoption rights, create religious exemptions to discriminate against sexual minorities, and make it a punishable crime for physicians, parents and community members to support sexual minorities and trans individuals.
If some of these new laws are enacted, for clinicians and physicians, this would mean that providing the gender-affirming medical and mental health care supported by every major medical association could result in felony charges and a loss of medical license. For parents of trans kids, medical and mental health gender-affirming care could be labeled as child abuse and even result in a child being removed from their homes.
The laws and legislative proposals are being influenced by various factors, including rigid ideology, religious beliefs, cultural attitudes and public fear, ignorance and opinion—they are not grounded in science, medicine, psychology or in the best interest of a child or individual that might identify as a sexual minority or trans person.
The following patterns are known to be true, and the research suggests that sexual minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk of self-harm and suicide compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.
Increased Risk of Suicide: Numerous studies have found higher rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicides among sexual minority individuals compared to their heterosexual peers. These disparities are particularly pronounced among transgender and bisexual individuals.
Mental Health Disparities: Sexual minorities often experience higher rates of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, which can contribute to the increased risk of self-harm and suicide.
Minority Stress and Stigma: Sexual minority individuals frequently face minority stress, including experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and social stigma, which can significantly impact their mental health and well-being. These stressors can lead to feelings of social isolation, low self-esteem, and internalized negative beliefs, increasing the risk of self-harm and suicide.
Intersectional Factors: The experiences of sexual minorities can be influenced by intersecting identities, such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability. Individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups may face compounded challenges and increased vulnerability to self-harm and suicide.
Supportive Environments and Protective Factors: Research also highlights the importance of supportive environments and protective factors in reducing self-harm and suicide risk among sexual minority individuals. Acceptance from family, friends, and communities, access to affirming healthcare and mental health services, and connection to supportive networks and resources can play a significant role in promoting resilience and well-being.
**If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is crucial to seek professional help immediately from a mental health provider or to use the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, text or call 988.
2. Why should we educate ourselves on sex, orientation, and gender identity?
Educating ourselves about gender inclusivity, sexual orientations, and sex is important for many reasons! Through education, we can foster a more inclusive, compassionate, and respectful society that embraces the full range of human experiences and identities.
Promoting Equality and Respect: Understanding and respecting diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and sex characteristics helps create a more inclusive and equitable society. It allows individuals to recognize and value the experiences, identities, and rights of others, fostering empathy and respect.
Challenging Stereotypes and Prejudice: Education can challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that perpetuate discrimination and prejudice. By learning about different sexual orientations, gender identities, and sex characteristics, individuals can challenge harmful biases and work towards creating a more accepting and inclusive environment.
Supporting Mental Health and Well-being: Many individuals who identify as part of sexual and gender minorities face unique challenges related to societal stigma, discrimination, and marginalization. Educating oneself about these issues can help reduce stigma, provide support, and contribute to the mental health and well-being of individuals within these communities.
Enhancing Personal Relationships: Understanding sexual orientations, gender identities, and sex can contribute to healthier and more inclusive personal relationships. It allows individuals to communicate more effectively, appreciate diversity, and develop respectful and supportive connections with people of different backgrounds and identities.
Advocating for Human Rights: Education on these topics empowers individuals to become allies and advocates for the rights of sexual and gender minorities. It enables them to challenge discriminatory policies and practices, support inclusive legislation, and contribute to social progress and equality.
Personal Growth and Self-awareness: Exploring and educating oneself about gender inclusivity, sexual orientations, and sex can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. It encourages individuals to question societal norms, reflect on their own identities and biases, and develop a more nuanced understanding of human diversity.
3. What’s a quick and easy way to better understand the difference between sex, orientation, and identity?
Sex is about biological and physical attributes, sexual orientation is about who someone is attracted to, and gender identity is about how someone identifies themselves in terms of their gender.
Sex: Sex refers to the biological and physical characteristics that typically categorize individuals as male or female. It is often determined by factors such as reproductive anatomy, chromosomes, and hormones.
Sexual Orientation: Sexual orientation relates to whom a person is attracted to emotionally, romantically, and/or sexually.
Gender Identity: Gender identity refers to an individual's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. For example, someone who is assigned male at birth but identifies and feels themselves to be a woman has a female gender identity.
4. Is sex binary? What our biology actually tells us.
The concept of human sex is more complex than a simple binary distinction. While many people commonly refer to sex as strictly male or female, the biological reality is more diverse! It's important to recognize that sex is a spectrum, and not everyone neatly fits into the categories of male or female. The understanding of sex has evolved beyond a simple binary classification, and the recognition of intersex variations highlights the diversity within human biology. Here are some important terms and aspects to know when defining or discussing sex.
Chromosomal Sex: Typically, humans have either two X chromosomes (XX) or one X and one Y chromosome (XY). These are often associated with female and male sexes, respectively. However, there are variations in chromosomal patterns, such as XXY or XO, which can result in intersex conditions.
Primary Sexual Characteristics: This refers to the reproductive organs present at birth. Typically, females have ovaries, a uterus, and a vagina, while males have testes and a penis. Intersex individuals may have a combination of these characteristics or variations in their development.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics: These are the physical traits that develop during puberty, such as breast development or facial hair. They are influenced by hormones and can vary among individuals.
Hormonal and Genetic Factors: Hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, play a significant role in the development and differentiation of sexual characteristics. Genetic variations and hormone sensitivity can result in diverse physical manifestations.
Intersex: Intersex is a term used to describe individuals who possess biological sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex variations can involve differences in chromosomes, genitalia, or internal reproductive structures.
5. What’s the difference between orientation and identity, and what are some common sexual orientations and gender identities?
Sexual orientations and gender identities are diverse and can vary from person to person. Here are some commonly recognized sexual orientations and gender identities. Please keep in mind that individuals may use various terms and labels to express their unique sexual orientations and gender identities; therefore, it's always best to respect and use the terms preferred by individuals when discussing their identities.
Sexual Orientations:
Heterosexual: Attracted to individuals of the opposite sex.
Homosexual: Attracted to individuals of the same sex.
Bisexual: Attracted to individuals of both the same and opposite sexes.
Pansexual: Attracted to individuals regardless of their sex or gender identity.
Asexual: Experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.
Demisexual: Experiences sexual attraction only after developing an emotional connection.
Queer: An umbrella term used by some individuals to express their non-heterosexual orientation, encompassing diverse sexual identities.
Gender Identities:
Cisgender: When an individual's gender identity aligns with the sex assigned to them at birth. For example, someone who is assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman.
Transgender: When an individual's gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. For example, someone who is assigned male at birth but identifies as a woman.
Genderqueer/Non-binary: Individuals who identify outside of the traditional male and female gender binary. They may identify as both genders, neither gender, a combination of genders, or a different gender altogether.
Genderfluid: Individuals whose gender identity may vary over time, experiencing different genders at different times.
Agender: Individuals who do not identify with any gender.
Bigender: Individuals who identify as having two distinct gender identities.
Two-Spirit: A cultural and spiritual gender identity associated with some Indigenous communities that encompass diverse gender expressions.
6. How can we help stop the attacks and injustices on the Trans community?
Addressing and stopping attacks on transgender individuals requires a multifaceted approach and sustained effort, collaboration, and a commitment to social justice and human rights. Here are some strategies and potential steps that can be taken:
Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about transgender issues to combat ignorance, misconceptions, and prejudices. This includes educating the general public, policymakers, and key community leaders about transgender identities, experiences, and challenges. Encouraging empathy and understanding can help dismantle biases and reduce discriminatory attitudes.
Legal Protections: Advocate for comprehensive legal protections for transgender individuals at local, state, and national levels. This includes laws that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and ensure transgender individuals have equal access to employment, housing, healthcare, education, and public services.
Support Transgender Rights Organizations: Support and collaborate with organizations that work specifically to protect and promote the rights of transgender individuals. These organizations can provide resources, support services, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts to combat attacks and discrimination.
Media Representation: Encourage accurate and positive media representation of transgender individuals. Promote diverse and authentic portrayals of transgender people in media, which can help challenge stereotypes and humanize their experiences.
Building Alliances and Coalitions: Foster alliances and coalitions with other advocacy groups, including LGBTQ+ organizations, civil rights groups, social justice organizations, and community leaders. Collaborative efforts can amplify voices, increase visibility, and advocate for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals.
Grassroots Activism: Engage in grassroots activism by participating in rallies, protests, and events that support transgender rights and challenge far-right ideologies. Mobilize communities to stand against discrimination and promote inclusivity.
Mental Health Support: Ensure that transgender individuals have access to mental health support services. Discrimination and attacks can have a severe impact on their well-being, so providing culturally competent counseling, therapy, and support networks is crucial.
Allyship: Foster allyship by standing up against transphobia and discrimination. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to be supportive and educated allies. Allies can use their privilege to amplify marginalized voices, challenge discriminatory behavior, and create safer spaces.
7. Organizations that support transgender rights and advocate for the rights of sexual minorities.
These organizations work to advance the rights, visibility, and well-being of transgender individuals and sexual minorities through advocacy, legal support, community engagement, education, and policy initiatives. Each organization may have a specific focus area or operate within a particular region, so it's important to explore their websites for more information about their work and how to get involved or access resources.
Transgender Rights Organizations:
LGBTQ+ Rights Organizations (Including Transgender Rights):
Sexual minorities and transgender individuals, like any other group, are diverse and encompass a wide range of individuals with unique talents, skills, and contributions to society. It is crucial to promote understanding, empathy, and respect for sexual minorities and transgender individuals and their rights. By challenging myths and stereotypes, society can work towards creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Be well~
Ryan Lewis, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Coach & IWP Founder
