4 minute read

Sexuality is a spectrum

from The Ontarion - 191.1

by The Ontarion

from The Ontarion - 191.1 , page 34

COVID-19 terminology: Seven cu...

TWO-SPIRIT

BISEXUAL

Learning these terms may make you a better ally

TASHA FALCONER

TRANS

INTERSEX

LESBIAN

PANSEXUAL

ASEXUAL THERE ARE MANY different aspects to sexuality including gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, and sex assigned at birth. Familiarizing yourself with and acknowledging the validity of these terms may help you to make your peers feel more welcome.

Gender identity is an internal awareness of gender. This may or may not align with the sex assigned to an individual at birth. Cisgender, transgender, and non-binary are a few common examples of gender identity. Gender expression is how people present themselves outwardly. Examples of this include the way folks may dress, speak, or the pronouns they utilize. Sexual orientation refers to who someone is sexually attracted to. Romantic orientation refers to who someone can be romantically attracted to. Sex assigned at birth refers to the sex (male or female) someone is assigned at birth, usually based on their genitals. However, not everyone is born with non-ambiguous genitalia. Many terms in the sexuality spectrum are included in the acronym 2SLGBTQQIPA+. These terms, however, are used in many different ways to fit many different experiences. Therefore, these are just suggestions on ways these terms are often used. There can be a difference between how people feel, identify, and act. This does not mean you have the right to label them differently. It is important to respect the labels and pronouns that people choose to use. TWO-SPIRIT: According to the the Two-Spirit Society of Denver as found on the Native Youth Sexual Health Network website: “The term Two-Spirit refers to another gender role believed to be common among most, if not all, first peoples of Turtle Island (North America), one that had a proper and accepted place within indigenous societies. This acceptance was rooted in the spiritual teachings that say all life is sacred and that the Creator must have a reason for making someone different. This gender role was not based in sexual activities or practices, but rather the sacredness that comes from being different. This definition is not meant to replace cultural and traditional teachings, which speak to this role. It is intended to find common ground and to help educate in a contemporary context.” The resource cited was recommended to The Ontarion by Cara Wehkamp, special advisor to the Provost on Aboriginal initiatives.

LESBIAN: a person, who is not a man, who is attracted to women.

GAY: refers to a person who is attracted to someone of the same gender. Many folks within the LGBTQ+ community use this as an umbrella term for LGBTQ+identitiesorasasynonym for “queer.”

BISEXUAL: someone attracted to two or more genders.

TRANS: an umbrella term that describes a person whose gender does not match the expectations associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth.

QUEER is a broader umbrella term for people who identify as having a sexual or romantic identity or gender that is historically or presently marginalized.

QUESTIONING refers to someone who is questioning their gender, sexual, or romantic orientation.

INTERSEX: someone born without a defined penis, vagina, uterus, or other traditionally gendered physical features. These folks may choose not to identify as LGBTQ+.

PANSEXUAL: someone that is attracted to people regardless of gender, gender identity, or biological sex.

ASEXUAL: someone who experiences sexual attraction rarely, never, or only under specific conditions.

AROMANTIC: someone who experiences romantic attraction rarely, never, or only under specific conditions.

+(PLUS) is the recognition that there may be other identities that are not described here and other identities that have yet to be named.

Allies refer to people who take the time to try understanding the issues faced by, and offer support to, people of traditionally marginalized genders and sexual/ romantic identities. Allies are a person not within a group of specific marginalization, who actively support and aid the specific group. For example: A cis female lesbian can be an ally to trans people. There are many supports on campus and in Guelph for those who may be thinking about coming out or exploring and better understanding their sexuality. OUTline is a resource relating to sexual orientation and gender identity; they have an online chat (uoguelph.ca/studentexperience/ OUTline) as well.