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According to gaycenter.org, "LGBTQ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity." Any person who identifies as a sexual orientation other than heterosexual or a sexual identity other than cisgender is considered part of the LGBTQ+ community.
https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq/

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The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

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LESBIAN

A woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women. Some lesbians may prefer to identify as gay or as gay women.

GAY

The adjective describes people whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attractions are to people of the same sex. Sometimes lesbian is the preferred term for women.

BISEXUAL

A person who can form enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or more than one gender. People may experience this attraction in differing ways and degrees over their lifetime. Bisexual people need not have had specific sexual experiences to be bisexual; they need not have had any sexual experience at all to identify as bisexual.

TRANSGENDER

An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from what is typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. People under the transgender umbrella may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms- including transgender or nonbinary. Some transgender people are prescribed hormones by their doctors to bring their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. Some undergo surgery as well. But not all transgender people can or will take those steps, and a transgender identity is not dependent upon physical appearance or medical procedures.

QUEER

An adjective used by some people whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual or straight. This umbrella term includes people who have nonbinary, gender-fluid, or gender nonconforming identities. Once considered a pejorative term, queer has been reclaimed by some LGBTQIA+ people to describe themselves; however, it is not a universally accepted term even within the LGBTQIA+ community.

QUESTIONING

Sometimes, when the Q is seen at the end of LGBT, it can also mean questioning. This term describes someone who is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.

INTERSEX

An adjective used to describe a person with one or more innate sex characteristics, including genitals, internal reproductive organs, and chromosomes, that fall outside of traditional conceptions of male or female bodies. Do not confuse having an intersex trait with being transgender. Intersex people are assigned a sex at birth - either male or female - and that decision by medical providers and parents may not match the gender identity of the child. Not all intersex folks identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

ASEXUAL

The adjective describes a person who does not experience sexual attraction. Sometimes shortened to "ace," it is an umbrella term that can also include people who are demisexual, meaning they do experience some sexual attraction; graysexual, meaning those who may not fit the strictest definition of the word asexual; and aromantic, meaning they experience little to no romantic attraction and/or has little to no desire to form romantic relationships.

NONBINARY

The adjective describes a person whose gender is not male or female and uses many different terms to describe themselves. Other terms include genderqueer , agender , bigender , genderfluid , and more. None of these terms mean exactly the same thing - but all speak to an experience of gender that is not simply male or female.

+ PLUS

The 'plus' is used to signify all of the gender identities and sexual orientations that letters and words cannot yet fully describe.

Find more LGBTQ+ information and resources by visiting our resource center or by giving us a call at 212.620.7310.

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LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. These terms are used to describe a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

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This is a very inclusive article explaining how far the term "LGBTQ+" truly stretches.
https://ok2bme.ca/resources/kids-teens/what-does-lgbtq-mean/

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2SLGBTQIA+ is an acronym that means:

+ Pansexual
+ Agender
+ Gender Queer
+ Bigender
+ Gender Variant
+ Pangender

You may also hear the terms "Queer Community" or "Rainbow Community" used to describe 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This acronym and the various terms are always evolving so don't try to memorize the list. The most important thing is to be respectful and use the terms that people prefer.

LGBTQ OutLoud Common Terms Video:

LGBTQ OutLoud is a DVD documentary produced by Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health and the Waterloo Region District School Board in 2010.

Virtual Youth Group: Let's Talk: Mental Health

Join us for a virtual youth group!

Waterloo Region Votes - Results of 2SLGBTQIA+ Questionnaire to Municipal Candidates

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These various terms are always evolving so don't try to memorize the list. The most important thing is to be respectful and use the terms that people prefer.

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Nondiscrimination Laws for the LGBTQ+ Community

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Nondiscrimination Laws for the LGBTQ+ Community

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This article specifies the US laws that pertain to nondiscrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes on the federal and state level.
https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws

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Housing nondiscrimination laws protect LGBTQ people from being unfairly evicted, denied housing, or refused the ability to rent or buy housing on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This map shows state housing nondiscrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Additionally, in states without state protections, municipalities may provide local-level nondiscrimination protections. See our maps tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances . Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live; this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. If you have experienced discrimination, contact
Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice.

*NOTE: In green stripe states, the state's nondiscrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the state's civil/human rights commission has explicitly stated it interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity. See the "Citations & More Information" button beneath the map legend for more detail for every state. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

currently interprets the Fair Housing Act's ban on sex-based discrimination to include discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may be able to pursue claims through this avenue. However, local ordinances, state laws, federal court rulings, and more create a patchwork of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people across the country. Given this patchwork, individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws/housing

Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: Housing Nondiscrimination Laws."

Percent of Adult LGBTQ Population Covered by Laws

*Note: These percentages reflect estimates of the LGBTQ adult population living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Estimates of the LGBTQ adult population in the five inhabited U.S. territories are not available, and so cannot be reflected here.

53 % of LGBTQ population lives in states prohibiting housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

17 % of LGBTQ population lives in states explicitly interpreting existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

2 % of LGBTQ population lives in states prohibiting housing discrimination based on sexual orientation only

29 % of LGBTQ population lives in states that do not prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (including 2% of LGBTQ population living in states that preempt local nondiscrimination laws)

Public accommodation nondiscrimination laws protect LGBTQ people from being unfairly refused service, denied entry to, or otherwise discriminated against in public places based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Public accommodation laws generally cover anywhere someone is when they are not at home, work, or school, including retail stores, restaurants, parks, hotels, doctors' offices, and banks. This map shows state public accommodation nondiscrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Additionally, in states without state protections, municipalities may provide local-level nondiscrimination protections. See our map tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances . Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live (see below); this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. If you have experienced discrimination, contact
Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice.

NOTE: In green stripe states, the state's nondiscrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the state's civil/human rights commission has explicitly stated it interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity. See the "Citations & More Information" button beneath the map legend for more detail for every state. Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: Public Accommodations Nondiscrimination Laws."
https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws/public-accommodations. Accessed 11/28/2022.

Percent of Adult LGBTQ Population Covered by Laws

*Note: These percentages reflect estimates of the LGBTQ adult population living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Estimates of the LGBTQ adult population in the five inhabited U.S. territories are not available, and so cannot be reflected here.

52 % of LGBTQ population lives in states prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity

15 % of LGBTQ population lives in states explicitly interpreting existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

2 % of LGBTQ population lives in states prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation only

31 % of LGBTQ population lives in states that do not prohibit discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity (including 2% of LGBTQ population living in states that preempt local nondiscrimination laws)

Credit and lending nondiscrimination laws protect people from being unfairly denied credit and lending services, such as opening a bank account, taking out a loan, and more. This map shows state credit and lending nondiscrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states that explicitly interpret existing sex protections in credit law to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Other rights may exist or be applicable where you live, including through broadly-defined public accommodations laws (see the State-by-State Statutes for additional information).

This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. If you have experienced discrimination, contact or otherwise seek legal advice.

NOTE: In green stripe states, the state's nondiscrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the state's civil/human rights commission has explicitly stated it interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity. See the "Citations & More Information" button beneath the map legend for more detail for every state.

Individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: Credit Nondiscrimination Laws." Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws/credit. Accessed 11/28/2022.

Percent of Adult LGBTQ Population Covered by Laws

*Note: These percentages reflect estimates of the LGBTQ adult population living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Estimates of the LGBTQ adult population in the five inhabited U.S. territories are not available, and so cannot be reflected here.

42 % of LGBTQ population lives in states prohibiting credit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

4 % of the LGBTQ population lives in states that explicitly interpret existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

0 % of LGBTQ population lives in states prohibiting credit discrimination based on sexual orientation only

54 % of LGBTQ population lives in states that do not prohibit credit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity

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Housing nondiscrimination laws protect LGBTQ people from being unfairly evicted, denied housing, or refused the ability to rent or buy housing on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This map shows state housing nondiscrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

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ESSENTIAL QUESTION 1: How are people in the LGBTQ+ community treated differently and more likely to be discriminated against than their cisgender, straight peers? By the government? By society?

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ESSENTIAL QUESTION 1: How are people in the LGBTQ+ community treated differently and more likely to be discriminated against than their cisgender, straight peers? By the government? By society?

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ANALYSIS: This print text explains the discrimination that people who identify as LGBT face, and the way this discrimination affects them. This article focuses on sexual identity and orientation. Although this article focuses on LGBT people in general, it does not mention LGBT youth, which is a critical area of gay rights as a social justice issue. This article also presents the social justice issues of mental health and healthcare.
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/widespread-discrimination-continues-shape-lgbt-peoples-lives-subtle-significant-ways/

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Data from a nationally representative survey of LGBT people conducted by CAP shows that 25.2 percent of LGBT respondents has experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past year. The January 2017 survey shows that, despite progress, in 2016 discrimination remained a widespread threat to LGBT people's well-being, health, and economic security.

Among people who experienced sexual orientation- or gender-identity-based discrimination in the past year:

68.5 percent reported that discrimination at least somewhat negatively affected their psychological well-being.

43.7 percent reported that discrimination negatively impacted their physical well-being.

47.7 percent reported that discrimination negatively impacted their spiritual well-being.

38.5 percent reported discrimination negatively impacted their school environment.

52.8 percent reported that discrimination negatively impacted their work environment.

56.6 report it negatively impacted their neighborhood and community environment.

Unseen harms

LGBT people who don't experience overt discrimination, such as being fired from a job, may still find that the threat of it shapes their lives in subtle but profound ways. David M.,* a gay man, works at a Fortune 500 company with a formal, written nondiscrimination policy. "I couldn't be fired for being gay," he said. But David went on to explain, "When partners at the firm invite straight men to squash or drinks, they don't invite the women or gay men. I'm being passed over for opportunities that could lead to being promoted."

"I'm trying to minimize the bias against me by changing my presentation in the corporate world," he added. "I lower my voice in meetings to make it sound less feminine and avoid wearing anything but a black suit. ... When you're perceived as feminine-whether you're a woman or a gay man-you get excluded from relationships that improve your career."

David is not alone. Survey findings and related interviews show that LGBT people hide personal relationships, delay health care, change the way they dress, and take other steps to alter their lives because they could be discriminated against.

Maria S.,* a queer woman who lives in North Carolina, described a long commute from her home in Durham to a different town where she works. She makes the drive every day so that she can live in a city that's friendly to LGBT people. She loves her job, but she's not out to her boss. "I wonder whether I would be let go if the higher-ups knew about my sexuality," she says.

CAP's research shows that stories such as Maria's and David's are common. The below table shows the percentage of LGBT people who report changing their lives in a variety of ways in order to avoid discrimination.

As Table 1 shows, LGBT people who've experienced discrimination in the past year are significantly more likely to alter their lives for fear of discrimination, even deciding where to live and work because of it, suggesting that there are lasting consequences for victims of discrimination. Yet findings also support the contention that LGBT people do not need to have experienced discrimination in order to act in ways that help them avoid it, which is in line with empirical evidence on a component of minority stress theory: expectations of rejection.

Not only can threatened discrimination bar LGBT people from living authentically-it can also deny them material opportunities. Rafael J.,* a gay student in California, told CAP that he "decided to apply to law schools only in LGBT-safe cities or states," denying him the opportunity pursue his graduate education at schools he might otherwise have applied to. "I did not think I would be safe being an openly gay man," he said. "Especially a gay man of color, in some places."

Unique vulnerabilities in the workplace

Within the LGBT community, people who were vulnerable to discrimination across multiple identities reported uniquely high rates of avoidance behaviors.

In particular, LGBT people of color were more likely to hide their sexual orientation and gender identity from employers, with 12 percent removing items from their resumes-in comparison to 8 percent of white LGBT respondents-in the past year. Similarly, 18.7 percent of 18- to 24-year-old LGBT respondents reported removing items from their resumes-in comparison to 7.9 percent of 35- to 44-year-olds. Meanwhile, 15.5 percent of disabled LGBT respondents reported removing items from their resume-in comparison to 7.3 percent of nondisabled LGBT people. This finding may reflect higher rates of unemployment among people of color, disabled people, and young adults; it may also reflect that LGBT people who could also face discrimination on the basis of their race, youth, and disability feel uniquely vulnerable to being denied a job due to discrimination, or a combination of factors.

Unique vulnerabilities in the public square

Discrimination, harassment, and violence against LGBT people-especially transgender people-has always been common in places of public accommodation, such as hotels, restaurants, or government offices. The 2015 United States Transgender Survey found that, among transgender people who visited a place of public accommodation where staff knew or believed they were transgender, nearly one in three experienced discrimination or harassment-including being denied equal services or even being physically attacked.

In March 2016, then Gov. Pat McCrory signed North Carolina H.B. 2 into law, which mandated anti-transgender discrimination in single-sex facilities-and began an unprecedented attack on transgender people's access to public accommodations and ability to participate in public life. That year, more than 30 bills specifically targeting transgender people's access to public accommodations were introduced in state legislatures across the country. This survey asked transgender respondents whether they had avoided places of public accommodation from January 2016 through January 2017, during a nationwide attack on transgender people's rights. Among transgender survey respondents:

25.7 percent reported avoiding public places such as stores and restaurants, versus 9.9 percent of cisgender LGB respondents

10.9 percent reported avoiding public transportation, versus 4.1 percent of cisgender LGB respondents

11.9 percent avoided getting services they or their family needed, versus 4.4 percent of cisgender LGB respondents

26.7 percent made specific decisions about where to shop, versus 6.6 percent of cisgender LGB respondents

These findings suggest that ongoing discrimination in public accommodations pushes transgender people out of public life, making it harder for them to access key services, use public transportation, or simply go to stores or restaurants without fear of discrimination.

Disabled LGBT people were also significantly more likely to avoid public places than their nondisabled LGBT counterparts. Among disabled LGBT survey respondents, in the past year:

20.4 percent reported avoiding public places such as stores and restaurants, versus 9.1 percent of nondisabled LGBT respondents

8.8 percent reported avoiding public transportation, versus 3.6 percent of nondisabled LGBT respondents

14.7 percent avoided getting services they or their family needed, versus 2.9 percent of nondisabled LGBT respondents

25.7 percent made specific decisions about where to shop, versus 15.4 percent of nondisabled LGBT respondents

This is likely because, in addition to the risk of anti-LGBT harassment and discrimination, LGBT people with disabilities contend with inaccessible public spaces. For example, many transit agencies fail to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, requirements that would make public transportation accessible to people with visual and cognitive disabilities.

Unique vulnerabilities in health care

In 2010, more than half of LGBT people reported being discriminated against by a health care providers and more than 25 percent of transgender respondents reported being refused medical care outright. Since then, LGBT people have gained protections from health care discrimination-most notably, regulations stemming from the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, have prohibited federally funded hospitals, providers, and insurers from discriminating against LGBT patients. Despite progress, LGBT people, and transgender people in particular, remain vulnerable to healthcare discrimination: In 2015, one-third of transgender people who saw a health care provider reported "at least one negative experience related to being transgender." These negative experiences included being refused treatment or even being physically assaulted. Transgender people of color and people with disabilities reported particularly high rates of discrimination from health care providers.

Unsurprisingly, people in these vulnerable groups are especially likely to avoid doctor's offices, postponing both preventative and needed medical care:

23.5 percent of transgender respondents avoided doctors' offices in the past year, versus 4.4 percent of cisgender LGB respondents

13.7 percent of disabled LGBT respondents avoided doctors' offices in the past year, versus 4.2 percent of nondisabled LGBT respondents

10.3 percent of LGBT people of color avoided doctors' offices in the past year, versus 4.2 percent of white LGBT respondents

These findings are consistent with research that has also identified patterns of health care discrimination against people of color and disabled people. For example, one survey of health care practices in five major cities found that more than one in five practices were inaccessible to patients who used wheelchairs.

A call to action

To ensure that federal civil rights laws explicitly protect LGBT people, Congress should pass the Equality Act, a comprehensive bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, and federal funding, among other provisions. Likewise, state and local governments should pass comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for all. Comprehensive nondiscrimination protections have more support from voters than ever before: A majority in every state in the country support nondiscrimination laws.

While comprehensive nondiscrimination protections won't prevent all instances of discrimination, they are a critical way to hold employers and landlords accountable. Additionally, they send the message that LGBT people are both accepted and respected by all levels of government. LGBT people deserve the opportunity to live full, equal, and authentic lives-and that won't be possible while discrimination remains a looming threat to LGBT people and their families.
*Authors' note: All names have been changed out of respect for interviewees' privacy.
Methodology

To conduct this study, CAP commissioned and designed a survey, fielded by Knowledge Networks, which surveyed 1,864 individuals about their experiences with health insurance and health care. Among the respondents, 857 identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender, while 1,007 identified as heterosexual and cisgender/nontransgender. Respondents came from all income ranges and are diverse across factors such as race, ethnicity, education, geography, disability status, and age. The survey was fielded online in English in January 2017 to coincide with the fourth open enrollment period through the health insurance marketplaces and the beginning of the first full year of federal rules that specifically protect LGBT people from discrimination in health insurance coverage and health care. The data are nationally representative and weighted according to U.S. population characteristics. All reported findings are statistically significant unless otherwise indicated. All comparisons presented are statistically significant at the p < .05 level.

Separate from the quantitative survey, the authors solicited stories exploring the impact of discrimination on LGBT people's lives. Using social media platforms, the study authors requested volunteers to anonymously recount personal experiences of changing their behavior or making other adjustments to their daily lives to prevent experiencing discrimination. Interviews were conducted by one of the study authors and names were changed to protect the identity of the interviewee.

Additional information about study methods and materials are available from the authors.

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Widespread Discrimination Continues to Shape LGBT People's Lives in Both Subtle and Significant Ways

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New research shows that one in four LGBT people report experiencing discrimination in 2016. The research shows LGBT people frequently make significant changes to their everyday lives to avoid discrimination.

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ANALYSIS: This is an article about legislation that affects LGBTQ rights on a federal level in the USA. This article is from a website that I looked at when I was having trouble with my own sexual orientation. The article highlights the social justice issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, and LGBTQ+ rights. The article is missing commentary from people who are actually affected by these laws, so we can't really see the impact of the bills that are being described in the article. Their voices are not heard in the article even though the legislations directly applies to them.
https://www.aclu.org/legislation-affecting-lgbtq-rights-across-country-2021

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Jump to navigation Skip navigation

Last updated 12/17/2021 - This website is updated on a weekly basis.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in America continue to face discrimination in their daily lives. While more states every year work to pass laws to protect LGBTQ people, we continue to see state legislatures advancing bills that target transgender people, limit local protections, and allow the use of religion to discriminate.

*Note: Bills are reported as Active below if they were introduced in their states' 2020 legislative sessions and have carried over to 2021. The status date indicates the convening of the state's 2021 session or the most current activity on a particular bill.
View 2020 Session bills. View 2019 Session bills. View 2018 Session bills.
Anti-LGBTQ Bills:

Anti-Trans Bills

These measures target transgender and nonbinary people for discrimination, such as by barring or criminalizing healthcare for transgender youth, barring access to the use of appropriate facilities like restrooms, restricting transgender students' ability to fully participate in school and sports, allowing religiously-motivated discrimination against trans people, or making it more difficult for trans people to get identification documents with their name and gender.

a. Prohibiting healthcare for transgender youth

b. Single-Sex Facility Restrictions

c. Excluding transgender youth from athletics

d. Restrictions on Identification Documents

e. Other school or curriculum restrictions

f. Other Anti-Trans bills

Religious Exemption Bills

a. Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRAs)

b. Religious Exemptions in Healthcare Implicating LGBTQ People

c. Religious Exemptions in Adoption & Foster Care

d. Religious Exemptions in Schools and Student Organizations

e. Other Religious Exemption Bills

Bills Pre-Empting Local Protections

These bills prevent cities and other local government entities from passing nondiscrimination protections that are more expansive than the protections offered at the state level, including protections for LGBTQ people.

Other Anti-LGBTQ Bills

LGBTQ Equality Bills
a. Nondiscrimination protections b. Protections in healthcare c. Allowing updated gender markers on ID d. Sex work decriminalization bills e. Other good bills

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Legislation Affecting LGBTQ Rights Across the Country 2021

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Last updated 12/17/2021 - This website is updated on a weekly basis.Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in America continue to face discrimination in their daily lives.

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ANALYSIS: This video explains through visuals the LGBTQ civil rights, and how they've changed over time. Although the video states that we've come a long way, there is still much to be done, so watchers will learn through the video that there are still many ways that people in the LGBTQ+ community are discriminated against in legislation. This video includes excerpts from actual members of the community, adult and adolescent, so their voices get to be heard. The government officials' voices are included as well. The compilation of informational snippets explains social justice issues like gender, sexual orientation and LGBTQ+ rights. It also connects to a social justice issues concerning how much power the federal and state governments have over our everyday lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCjDnX-Xzhg

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The new frontier of LGBTQ civil rights, explained

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ANALYSIS: This picture book is about a boy named Casey who wants his sister's sparkly skirt and other commonly feminine-seeming accessories. Throughout the book, Casey is ridiculed by his peers and told by his sister that boys shouldn't dress or act the way he does, but is ultimately defended by his family. Although the book seems fairly simple, it deals with complex issues and ideas. The book highlights sexual orientation, gender identity and family structure social justice issues. It's missing the voices of adults who are struggling with similar gender identity/sexual orientation confusion, but the voices of allies for the LGBTQ+ community are heard in the family's characters in the book.

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"Queer (In)Justice: The Criminalization of LGBT People in the United States" by Joey L. Mogul, Andrea J. Ritchie, and Kay Whitlock

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ANALYSIS: This is a book about the way that people in the LGBTQ+ community are treated in the criminal legal system. With stories from suspects, prisoners, survivors and defendants, the book gives us a closer look at how the justice system punishes people that identify as LGBTQ+ simply for their expression of their gender identity or sexual orientation. This book has voices from people of all identities in the justice system: homosexual and heterosexual, cis and transgender, and more. The book is biased towards people in the LGBTQ+ community, and the legal system is made to look pretty bad in this non-fiction piece. In addition to social justice issues such as gender and sexual orientation, this book also goes into issues like imbalance in the criminal justice system and biases verdicts.

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ESSENTIAL QUESTION 2: How can we help future generations to feel free to explore their gender identity/sexual orientation?

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ESSENTIAL QUESTION 2: How can we help future generations to feel free to explore their gender identity/sexual orientation?

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ANALYSIS: This article by the US Mission to International Organizations in Geneva explains the different ways that we can make students and LGBTQ+ youth in general feel more comfortable in society. The article has commentary from LGBTQ+ youth, parents and educators, along with other allies. I wouldn't say that anyone's voice is specifically privileged here, and it definitely points out issues like gender, sexual orientation, family diversity and societal acceptance.
https://geneva.usmission.gov/2013/03/22/freedom-from-fear-creating-safe-spaces-for-lgbt-youth/

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U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva

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Despite recent legal and social progress, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals continue to face intolerance and inequality around the world. LGBT youth in particular face discrimination, harassment and violence in their communities, at school and at home. In short, many of them live in fear.

In the United States, a variety of grass-roots organizations have emerged to combat prejudices, educate communities and ensure the safety and well-being of LGBT young people.
Supporting Youth
Aram Vartian, a videographer from the Washington area, struggled as a teenager to come to terms with his sexual orientation and the fear of rejection by his family and friends. "I was 14 when it really rang clear - when I started going home and crying, when I really was looking for a way out, when I felt trapped," he says.

Vartian found support at the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL), a nonprofit that provides after-school activities, support groups and leadership development opportunities for LGBT youth.

"I had never walked into a room and felt safe," he says. "There had never been a time before that where I had walked into a room with other kids and every single one of them reached out to me - every single one of them was happy I was there."

"The process of coming out can be very lonely," says SMYAL's executive director, Andrew Barnett. Organizations like SMYAL give LGBT young people an opportunity to meet others who are facing the same challenges.

According to Barnett, "LGBT youth encounter many significant hardships that reduce their likelihood of growing into happy, healthy adults and productive members of society." They face real risks in the form of "harassment, victimization, [and] violence," as well as "the emotional trauma that can come from being rejected by one's family."

Therefore, Barnett says, access to safe spaces - places where LGBT youth "can feel free to express their sexual orientation, their gender identity, their gender expression, as well as all of the other dimensions of their being without fear" - is critical to proper development.

Vartian agrees. "Fear is crushing," he says, "and without safety, without a place where kids can go and just feel comfortable, can be who they are, they can't grow."
Educating Communities
Like Vartian, University of Maryland senior Elysha Valera struggled to come out in her teen years. "I was at a very dark place at that point in my life," she says.

"I didn't really know how to tell anybody," says Valera. "I kept a journal, and that's how I vented all my thoughts and all my desperate feelings."

When she went to college, though, Valera found her safe space at the university's LGBT Equity Center. "That's where I found a circle of friends - people I could relate to."

"Having a visibly safe space tells me that I can be myself, I can talk about whatever it is I need to talk about, and if there's a problem, I can seek help and have it resolved," says the center's director, Luke S. Jensen, Ph.D.

The center serves as a hub connecting LGBT students with the resources they need on campus. "We also try to foster community and to encourage leadership," Jensen says, "because we want our students to learn how to advocate for themselves and others."

Valera became an advocate by producing and directing the university's first Queer Monologues, a series of true-to-life performances dealing with the challenges of coming out and living as an LGBT individual. "We've made a lot of progress in America, but we've still got a long way to go," she says. "There was such a need for people to hear our stories."

The Monologues were a hit with the community - and with Valera's parents. Though they were initially uncomfortable with Valera's sexual orientation, they showed their support by attending the performances. "I bet my dad probably teared up at some point, too," she says.
Advocating for Change
Joubert X. Glover, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was not so lucky. He wrestled for months with how to come out to his parents.

When he finally mustered the courage to tell them, they were furious. They condemned him for "choosing" an alternative lifestyle and temporarily withdrew him from school. He was devastated. "It's Mom and Dad, and they're supposed to be there for you," he says.

Glover turned to G@MIT, an LGBT organization on campus, for help. "I can be there, I can talk to other people, and I can say, 'You know what? I'm not feeling great today,' and not be judged," he says. "My safe space was also my friends at work, was also my mentors."

He threw his energy into becoming an advocate for change and developed his leadership skills at a five-day summer camp for LGBT youth sponsored by a nonprofit called Campus Pride. "It was a great experience," he says. "I learned a lot about people; I learned a lot about myself."

"I want to try to help other individuals ... know that they are loved and cared for before, during and after this whole process," Glover says.

His parents are still unsupportive, but he remains hopeful. "We crawl, and then we walk, and then we run," he says. "I'm walking. Jogging, maybe."
Empowering Families
"The pain that many family members are dealing with is very common," says Jody Huckaby, executive director of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

"For some parents, the first time that they walk through the doors of a PFLAG chapter, it really is a safe place for them to talk honestly and openly about the challenges they're having around the reality of having an LGBT loved one," he says. "For us, 'safe space' is really defined as a place for everyone in the family to come and talk about these issues."

A New York City schoolteacher founded PFLAG in 1972 after her son was beaten up for being gay. Today, the nonprofit has more than 350 chapters in the United States and abroad. "We've also helped on every continent across the globe to create PFLAG-like organizations," says Huckaby. Its programs focus on supporting families, educating communities and advocating for change.

"Parents and family members and straight allies have the most powerful voices in the movement," he says. "If one person is willing to stand up and make a difference," says Huckaby, "anything is possible."
Reinforcing Values
Ultimately, Huckaby says, "PFLAG embodies the best of American values - and those are family values. What is it that creates strong communities? It's strong families."

Barnett agrees. SMYAL is "helping to make real the promise of America" and fighting for a future in which "all of us have equal opportunity to pursue our dreams."

"Everyone should be able to live free of fear," says Huckaby. However, for LGBT youth around the world, "fear is part of their daily lives. It's the fear of their parents finding out that they're different. It's the fear of rejection. It's the fear of being thrown out of the house and having to live on the streets. For parents, it's the fear of rejection from their peers. It's the fear in the workplace ... that they can't talk freely about the fact that they have a gay, lesbian, bi or trans loved one. We have an obligation to talk openly and honestly about what it means to live in fear, and do everything we can to eliminate those fears."

However, notes Huckaby, "just because you pass the laws doesn't mean that the issue goes away." Indeed, says Jensen, simple tolerance is important, but "it should only be a way station on the way to ... full inclusion, support, acceptance and affirmation."

In the meantime, says Vartian, campus, local and national organizations are crucial. "There are people out there who want to reach out and make you feel safe. You just have to get there. You just have to reach out."
Resources
Global Equality Fund: Collaborative effort of the U.S. Department of State that aims to empower LGBT persons to live freely and without discrimination. Supports programs that advance the human rights of LGBT people around the world. www.state.gov/globalequality

Campus Pride: Develops and supports LGBT and ally student leaders and organizations to create safer, more inclusive college and university campuses; produces LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index to help higher education institutions improve campus life. www.campuspride.org

Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals: Promotes LGBT-friendly environments in higher education by supporting faculty and staff, developing curricula, and advocating for policy change, program development, and establishment of LGBT offices and centers. www.LGBTcampus.org

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Seeks to end discrimination, harassment and bullying in primary and secondary schools. www.glsen.org

Gay-Straight Alliance Network: Connects student-led gay-straight alliances on secondary school and college campuses to each other and to community resources. www.gsanetwork.org

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO): Celebrated around the world every May 17. Commemorates the day the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders and calls for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality. www.dayagainsthomophobia.org

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): Supports families, educates communities and advocates for change through 350 local chapters in the United States and abroad. www.pflag.org

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Freedom from Fear: Creating Safe Spaces for LGBT Youth

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Despite recent legal and social progress, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals continue to face intolerance and inequality around the world. LGBT youth in particular face discrimination, harassment and violence in their communities, at school and at home. In short, many of them live in fear.

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ANALYSIS: This is an article about teaching students to question common stereotypes and assumptions about gender identity and sexual orientation. The article is missing voices from the educators in charge of teaching this topic to their students, but it does address social justice issues like equality and honesty in schools, bias in education and stereotypes formed in child development. I don't believe that anyone is necessarily privileged in this article, except maybe the students/teachers/administrators who are cisgender and straight and don't have to deal with discrimination due to their identity.
https://kappanonline.org/blackburn-pennell-teaching-students-question-assumptions-gender-sexuality/

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Teaching students to question assumptions about gender and sexuality - kappanonline.org

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If public schools are to promote a just and equitable society, they have a responsibility to teach all students to think critically about prevailing gender norms. On a Saturday afternoon, Summer and her partner were doing yardwork when an unexpected educational opportunity arose.

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ANALYSIS: This is an article for educators that are struggling to teach gender identity and sexual orientation to their students, and want to do so the correct way so their students understand that they are free to feel and express themselves in any way they want or need to. Teachers who have students in their classroom that are part of the LGBTQ+ community are privileged in this article because they get the chance to learn more about how to effectively teach these issues of social justice. The article also talks about social justice issues like gender expression and the presumption of sex, gender and sexual orientation as a binary system.
https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/summer-2015/sex-sexual-orientation-gender-identity-gender-expression

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If you're an educator, chances are you have struggled to support students who question their sexual identity or don't fit neatly into social expectations of what it means to be a boy or a girl. Perhaps you can relate to situations like these:
One of my students wants to be referred to as a boy. The student's mother is adamant: "My daughter is a girl!" My 7-year-old is tired of students constantly questioning why he plays with dolls. I am supportive of him, but I don't know what to do. Two colleagues in the teachers' room discussed a boy who is sensitive and not into sports. One of them said, "He's going to be gay for sure."
At the heart of these scenarios lies confusion about the nature of gender, sex and sexual orientation. When adults don't understand the complexity of these concepts, young people must navigate these and other challenging situations by themselves.

In a recent blog post titled, "I'm An 18-Year-Old Boy Who Wears Blue Nail Polish-Get Over It," blogger Nasir Fleming wrote: "Enforced gender roles do not only affect those who break them, but also those who give their blood, sweat and health just to fit in with them."

Fleming's choice of words is not an exaggeration. Imagine being a transgender student who dehydrates himself to avoid using the girls' bathroom all day, or a student who is ready to drop out of school because she is bombarded with verbal or physical abuse about her perceived sexual orientation. Imagine being one of the nameless students represented in studies that document the disproportionate risks for assault, rejection and self-harm in schools that are not accepting of fluid gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

A Binary System

A significant barrier to creating fully inclusive schools is the presumption that sex, gender and sexual orientation fit neatly into a binary model.

This binary world is populated by boys and girls who are viewed as polar opposites. This world conflates biology, gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation, relegating people to rigid categories: male or female, gay or straight.

Schools have a history of reinforcing binary perceptions of sex and gender. Even before children enter most schools for the first time, parents or guardians are asked to check male or female boxes on registration forms. On the first day of school, teachers might shepherd students to class in boy and girl lines. Restrooms are designated for boys and girls. Everywhere there are expectations about what kind of imaginative play and dress-up is appropriate for whom, about who is naturally rambunctious and who is predestined to quiet studying. As students get older, they are subjected to gendered expectations about extracurricular activities, dating and dress-even what colleges and careers they're encouraged to pursue after graduation.

If we truly want to include all students, we need to look beyond binaries to create practices that include school communities' diverse representation of biological sex, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

Biological Sex

Sex refers to a person's anatomy, physical attributes such as external sex organs, sex chromosomes and internal reproductive structures.

For most people, the anatomical indicators of sex line up in a way that is typically understood as male or female. However, intersex conditions also occur naturally in all species, including humans. Intersex refers to a variety of conditions in which an individual is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit the typical understanding of female or male bodies.

In the past three decades, more than 25 genes have been identified that were once believed to be associated solely with male or female biology, but in fact exhibit more complex, nonbinary variations. With the advent of new scientific knowledge, it is increasingly evident that biological sex does not fit a binary model. Intersex conditions are increasingly being recognized as naturally occurring variations of human physiology.

Following years of organizing by intersex activists, momentum is growing to end what was once a standard practice of "gender-normalizing surgery" performed on intersex infants with ambiguous genitalia. In 2013, the United Nations condemned the use of this unnecessary surgery on infants, putting it in the same category as involuntary sterilization, unethical experimentation or reparative therapy when enforced or administered without the free and informed consent of the person receiving the surgery.

Gender Identity

Gender identity is an individual's deeply held sense of being male, female or another gender. This is separate from biological sex.

Some children become aware at a very young age that their gender identity does not align with their physical sex characteristics, even expressing the disconnect as soon as they can talk. Other transgender and gender-expansive people recognize their gender identity during adolescence or adulthood.

Individuals whose biological sex and gender identity "match" rarely think about the alignment of biology and identity because they have the privilege of being considered normal by society. People whose gender identity and biological sex align are called cisgender. Cisgender is an important word because it names the dominant experience rather than simply seeing it as the default.

Individuals living comfortably outside of typical male/female expectations and identities are found in every region of the globe. The calabai and calalai of Indonesia, the two-spirit Native Americans found in some First Nation cultures, and the hijra of India all represent more complex understandings of gender than a binary gender model allows. At least seven countries-including Australia, Bangladesh, Germany, India, Nepal, New Zealand and Pakistan-recognize a third gender for legal documents. As people around the world use a growing variety of terms to communicate their gender identities, Facebook now offers its users 52 options with which to define their gender.

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Sex? Sexual Orientation? Gender Identity? Gender Expression?

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If you're an educator, chances are you have struggled to support students who question their sexual identity or don't fit neatly into social expectations of what it means to be a boy or a girl. Perhaps you can relate to situations like these: One of my students wants to be referred to as a boy.

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ANALYSIS: This is a research-based article that focuses on how teachers should educate their students about identity, whether it pertain to their gender expression or their sexual orientation. This is a helpful article because it allows future educators like us to look into how we can teach socially controversial topics like these in a way that doesn't push our own biases on them, and allows them to make their own views relating to it. There isn't any real life experiences listed in this article, so the voices of the people this article will impact are missing. This article pertains to social justice issues like gender identity, sexual orientation and freedom of gender expression.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/parents/middle-school/what-should-i-teach-my-middle-schooler-about-identity

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Who am I? What am I into? Middle school is when your preteen starts asking these questions and exploring their identity in all kinds of ways.

What should I keep in mind?

The preteen years are when your kid better understands who they are in relation to other people. They may start comparing themselves to their peers, older teens, and famous people. Their self-esteem can get wrapped up in how they think they compare to the people around them. At the same time, their own individual interests start being really important to them - hobbies, sports, music, and what they want to look like.

Your preteen's ideas about gender can play a big role in these interests. How you and your family approach gender stereotypes can have a big impact.

Many preteens also start figuring out who they're attracted to, and may begin questioning or exploring their sexual orientation. They may have their first crush, and spend hours talking with their friends about who has a crush on who. Some may even have romantic relationships, and that's totally normal. Don't worry - at this age they generally don't last more than a few months and don't involve any kind of sexual activity.

Support them no matter what. All preteens need encouragement and support when it comes to figuring out who they are. Young LGBTQ people especially need love and support as they figure out their identity.

Be clear about your values when it comes to the kind of love and respect people deserve, no matter their identity. Talk with your preteen about those values and help them understand why they're important to you.

Educate yourself and your preteen about gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression - and be a good role model. Middle schoolers may start to have lots of questions about gender and sexual orientation. Learn more about gender and sexual orientation so you can be more confident in your answers.

Live up to your values by respecting all kinds of people. Speak out against discrimination (like homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, etc.) where you see it. Act the way you want your preteen to act when it comes to standing up for themselves and others.

You're an important role model, but preteens can use more than one role model. Expose your preteen to people who defy gender stereotypes (think: female athletes, male dancers, etc), are part of the LGBTQ community, or are just different than you. This can help them see that no matter what their identity or identities, it doesn't limit the things they can do in life.

How do I talk about gender roles and stereotypes?

By the time middle school rolls around, preteens have taken in lots of information from the world around them about how men and women are "supposed" to behave. They may feel pressure to fit into these roles. But people are happier when they are free to explore their true interests.

For example, a common gender stereotype is that boys are better at science and technology, and girls aren't interested in that stuff. But in reality, many girls and women are very interested and talented in these fields. There are fewer women in these fields because they're often discouraged from exploring these interests. Another example: some people believe that being interested in fashion or costumes is a "girl" thing. But many boys and men are interested in exploring style, too, and that doesn't mean they're not boys. It doesn't mean they're gay, either.

Lots of people know that gender stereotypes are harmful for women. The false idea that women aren't as smart or strong as men has held back women for centuries. But gender stereotypes are harmful for men as well. They ask men to ignore and repress emotions in order to appear "strong." They encourage men to be aggressive and powerful which can lead to unhealthy relationships. These expectations are unfair and painful.

Here's how you can encourage your preteen to embrace and explore their true interests and fight harmful gender stereotypes:

Avoid pushing your preteen into gender stereotypes. Allow them the freedom to choose their own interests, hobbies, or areas of study, even if they don't seem to go along with your preteen's gender.

Be careful of double standards. If your preteen has a sibling of another gender, give them the same rules and hold them to the same expectations. For example, don't expect your male children to be better at math and science than your female children. Don't tolerate rough-housing with your sons if you don't tolerate it with your daughters. If you expect politeness, sweetness, or helpfulness from your daughters, expect that from your sons as well.

Talk with your preteen about their feelings - even your sons. Crying is okay, too.

Don't use phrases like "be a man," "man up," or "act like a lady." Use the words you really mean - like brave, mature, or polite.

Point out gender stereotypes in TV, movies, magazines, and books. Have conversations with your preteen about what they think about these stereotypes, and how they can be harmful to everyone.

Encourage them to make friends with people based on the things they have in common, and not their gender. It's okay if your daughter hangs out with boys, or your son hangs out with girls.

How do I talk about sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation is all about who you're attracted to. And the middle school years are when these feelings often start. It's during these years that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people start to understand their sexual orientation. Middle schoolers may also have lots of questions about sexual orientation. Learn all about sexual orientation so you can answer their questions with confidence.

Be mindful about how you talk about your kid's sexual orientation or potential future relationships. For example, don't just assume that your kid is straight - they might be, but they also might not be. You also don't want to send the message that being straight is "normal" and being LGBQ isn't.

If you and your preteen have never talked about sexual orientation, look for chances to let them know that you think people of all sexual orientations deserve respect. You can talk with them about LGBQ friends or family, or even characters on TV or celebrities as a way to say that you respect people of all sexual orientations. And don't forget to ask your preteen what they think.

If you yourself are lesbian, gay, bi, or queer, talking about your own coming out process can help your teen feel close to you, and may help them feel like they're not alone if they're questioning.

Talking about respecting lesbian, gay, bi, and queer people won't change your preteen's sexual orientation. There's no way to change a person's sexual orientation. Showing your respect for the LGBTQ community can help your teen feel comfortable if they're trying to figure out their sexual orientation, or trying to decide whether to come out to you. And if your preteen isn't LGBTQ, it sets a good example about respecting people who are different from you.

If your preteen tells you that they're lesbian, gay, bi, queer, or questioning, you may be worried about what to do next. The important thing to remember is that LGBQ people who have support and love at home are happier and healthier than those who face rejection at home.

Here are some ways to be a supportive parent to your LGBQ preteen:

Tell them you love them. And that you believe them, respect them, and are happy they trusted you enough to come out to you.

Use the same word your teen uses to describe their sexual orientation. Make note of the word your teen uses to describe their orientation and use only that word. And if your teen doesn't want to use a label to describe their orientation - even if they're in a same-gender relationship - that's okay, too.

If you suspect your preteen is LGBQ, don't pressure them to admit it. Some people don't question their sexual orientation until later in life. Others figure out their sexual orientation while they're young but don't feel ready to come out for many years - and that's okay.

Don't assume it's just a phase - but be aware that sexual orientation can be fluid for some people, and labels sometimes change. No matter what, the important part is that you accept and believe what your preteen says about their own sexual orientation.

Do respect your preteen's wishes about who they want to come out to. Some people choose to come out to everyone in their lives and some prefer to tell only a few people. It's up to them to decide. Encouraging your preteen to hide their sexual orientation sends a message that you think there's something wrong with them. Outing them to someone without their permission can make them trust you less. Do your best to support your preteen in their choices about being out.

Do help them figure out how to come out to people. Discuss different ways they might come out to different people, and how they'd handle things if it doesn't go very well. This is a skill your preteen will need to have throughout life, so helping them now will show you love them and are there for them. Role playing these coming out conversations with your preteen can help them better prepare for different possible reactions.

There are things you can do to help your preteen feel more accepted outside your home, too. Check out how to create a safe space for your LGBTQ preteen.

How do I talk about gender identity?

Gender identity is the gender you feel inside and how you show your gender through your looks and behavior. It's a feeling that begins early in life, long before your kid gets to middle school. It's important to keep talking about gender roles and stereotypes through middle school, too.

Learning all about sex and gender can help you answer questions your preteen may have about transgender and gender nonconforming people.

Let your preteen know that you respect people no matter what gender identity they have. Learn about the right words to use when talking about transgender and gender nonconforming people.

Transphobia is the fear and hatred of transgender and gender nonconforming people. It's the belief that transgender and gender nonconforming people are delusional, doing something against nature, or trying to trick people. Transphobia is extremely dangerous. Transgender and gender nonconforming people - especially people of color - often face discrimination and violence.

You can play an important role in preventing discrimination and violence. Talk with your preteen about how it's important to respect the identities of transgender and gender nonconforming people. Let them know that it's never okay to bully someone because of how they express their gender. You can even teach them how to help stop bullying.

You can help your preteen grow into an adult who stands up for what's right. Respecting people of all genders - including people who are transgender or gender nonconforming - makes the world a safer place for everyone.

While we don't know for sure how many people are transgender, recent research shows that about 1% of people in the U.S. identify as transgender, more than 1.5 million people. If your preteen is transgender or gender nonconforming, they really need your love and support. Having a supportive family makes them more likely to live safer, happier lives.

Here are some basic dos and don'ts when it comes to supporting your trans or gender nonconforming preteen:

Do tell your transgender or gender nonconforming preteen that you love them. They need to hear this from you and know that you see who they are and love them for who they are.

Do use the gender pronouns and name your preteen wants. Changing your name and pronouns (like from "he" to "she") to match your gender identity is a common part of coming out. "He/him/his/himself" and "she/her/hers/herself" are not the only gender pronouns around, either. Many gender nonconforming people use "they/them/theirs/theirself," "ze/zir/zirs/zirself," or others.

Get to know trans-related terms and language.

Don't use words like transgendered, transvestite, tranny, or he-she - they're outdated and can be hurtful. Ask family members, friends, and teachers to not use these words either.

Don't assume it's just a phase. Middle school isn't too young to know your gender identity. Most actually start realizing this when they're toddlers.

Don't act like it's a mental health condition. Trans and gender nonconforming folks aren't delusional and don't need mental health counseling. However, they may suffer from mental health conditions like depression and anxiety as a result of not being accepted, believed, or because of bullying they may experience.

Do respect your preteen's wishes about who they want to come out to. Some people choose to come out to everyone in their lives and some prefer to tell only a few people. It's up to your preteen to decide. Encouraging your preteen to hide their gender identity sends a message that you don't approve of them. Do your best to support them in their choices about being out.

Do help them figure out how to come out to people. Discuss different ways they might come out to people, and how they might handle things if it doesn't go well. This is a skill your teen will need to have throughout life, so helping them now will show you love them and are there for them. Take turns role playing having coming out conversations, switching off being your child and the person they're coming out to. Practicing having these conversations can make your preteen much more prepared to deal with different reactions.

Don't accuse your preteen of being "over sensitive." Transgender and gender nonconforming people have the right to express when something someone says is hurtful, and it's a good thing when young people stand up for themselves.

Do talk with your preteen about their health care options, like puberty blockers.

There are things you can do to help your preteen feel more accepted outside your home, too. Check out how to create a safe space for your LGBTQ preteen.

How do I create a safe space for my LGBTQ preteen?

A safe space is a place where your LGBTQ preteen can be themselves without feeling threatened for who they are. That means no tolerance of homophobic or transphobic bullying, harassment, or violence. It's a place where the people around them - especially the people in charge - agree that negative behavior and attitudes toward LGBTQ people is unacceptable.

Home needs to be a safe space for your preteen to grow, explore their interests, and work towards their hopes and dreams - no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity is. To do this for your LGBTQ kid, you can:

Ask them what they need from you to feel supported.

Look for signs of depression or anxiety, and get help from a therapist or counselor if you think they're struggling.

Ask them about their friends and welcome their LGBTQ friends into your home.

Ask them about their crushes, how they're handling them, and definitely ask about any relationships they're in.

Make it known that homophobic or transphobic speech - including jokes - isn't acceptable.

Let your preteen read books and watch TV shows and movies with LGBTQ characters, and let them explore online LGBTQ communities. ( But be sure to talk about how to stay safe online.)

Let them wear the clothes they want to wear.

Doing well in school is hard when you're worried about being hurt or bullied, or when you don't feel respected by your teachers, coaches, and mentors. When it comes to making school a safe space for your preteen, you can actually do a lot.

Ask your preteen about their experiences at school - whether they feel safe, if they're ever bullied or harassed, if they know other LGBTQ students, and if the school has any LGBTQ student groups.

As your preteen gets older and starts going places without you, you may find that there are places that aren't safe for your preteen if they're out, or dress in nonconforming ways. Making rules about where they can go and what they can wear isn't the solution, because it can just reinforce that it's their fault and something is wrong with them. Keep an open dialogue with your preteen about their safety so you can help them navigate those spaces and figure out what's best for them. Telling them "I want you to be able to express yourself how you're most comfortable, but I want us to figure out together how you can do that safely," will show them that you love and respect them and that you're there to help figure out challenges with them.

Check out these other resources for more support on parenting an LGBTQ kid:
Gender Spectrum Human Rights Campaign My Kid is Gay National Center for Transgender Equality Welcoming Schools
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Teaching My Middle-Schooler About Gender Identity

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Who am I? What am I into? Middle school is when your preteen starts asking these questions and exploring their identity in all kinds of ways. The preteen years are when your kid better understands who they are in relation to other people. They may start comparing themselves to their peers, older teens, and famous people.

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ANALYSIS: This is a resource article that provides books for adults who want to understand the minds of transgender and non-binary children. In the books listed in the article, adults and educators specifically can learn about students who identify as transgender or non-binary, therefore becoming a better resource for the children in their classroom. One specific book mentioned is "Supporting Transgender and Gender Creative Youth: Schools, Families, and Communities in Action" by Elizabeth Meyer and Annie Pullen Sansfacon, which addressed many of the issues that teachers face in teaching non-cisgendered students. The voices of educators and LGBTQ+ experts are present in the book, but the voices of students are not. Teacher biases, gender and sexual orientation are just a few of the social justice issues highlighted in the books listed in this article.
https://welcomingschools.org/resources/gender-identity-and-children-books-to-help-adults-understand

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Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family. Amy Ellis Nutt. 2015. Captures the inspiring true story of identical twins, one of whom is transgender, and a family's journey to acceptance.

The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation. Jodie Patterson. 2019. Witness an African American mother reshaping her attitudes and beliefs, as well as those of her community, to meet the needs of her transgender son and opening the minds of everyone in her family. An intimate portrait and an exquisite study in identity, courage, and love.

The Gender Creative Child: Pathways for Nurturing and Supporting Children Who Live Outside Gender Boxes. Diane Ehrensaft and Norman Spack. 2016. A comprehensive resource that explains the interconnected effects of biology, nurture, and culture to explore why gender can be fluid, rather than binary. A guide through the rapidly changing cultural, medical, and legal landscape of gender and identity.

Nonbinary: Memoirs of Gender and Identity. Micah Rajunov and Scott Duane (Editors) 2019. First-person narratives show us a world where gender exists along a spectrum, a web, a multidimensional space. Nuanced storytellers break away from mainstream portrayals of gender diversity, cutting across lines of age, race, ethnicity, ability, class, religion, family, and relationships.

A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns. Archie Bongiovanni. 2018. (Teen - Adult) A fun comic guide that explains what pronouns are, why they matter, and how to use them. They also include what to do if you make a mistake. For adults and teens. Also see A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities.

Raising My Rainbow: Adventures in Raising a Fabulous, Gender Creative Son. Lori Duron. 2014. A frank, heartfelt, and brutally funny account of her and her family's adventures of distress and happiness raising a gender-creative son. Whereas her older son, Chase, is a Lego-loving, sports-playing boy's boy, her younger son, C.J., would much rather twirl around in a pink sparkly tutu. Based on Duron's popular blog.

Raising Ryland: Our Story of Parenting a Transgender Child with No Strings Attached. Hillary Whittington. 2016. Hilary first told Ryland's story in a short video for the teachers in his new school as he began kindergarten. The video soon went viral. In this moving account, you are now taken on the path of his parents as they transform their understanding of gender and learn take the many steps needed to support the life of their child.

Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story. Jacob Tobia. 2019. A memoir about what it's like to grow up not sure if you're (a) a boy, (b) a girl, (c) something in between, or (d) all of the above. Written with the fierce honesty, wildly irreverent humor, and wrenching vulnerability that has made them a media sensation.

Supporting Transgender and Gender Creative Youth: Schools, Families, and Communities in Action. Elizabeth Meyer and Annie Pullen Sansfaçon (Editors) 2014. Specifically addresses issues and challenges in education, social work, medicine, and counseling as well as recommendations that are relevant for parents, families, practitioners, and educators alike.

The Trans Generation: How Trans Kids (and Their Parents) are Creating a Gender Revolution. Ann Travers. 2019. Based on interviews with transgender kids, ranging in age from 4 to 20, and their parents, and over five years of research in the US and Canada, The Trans Generation offers a rare look into what it is like to grow up as a trans child.

The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals. Stephanie A. Brill & Rachel Pepper. 2008. A comprehensive guidebook on gender variance from birth through college. What will happen when your preschool son insists on wearing a dress to school? Is this ever just a phase? How can parents advocate for their children in elementary schools? What are the current laws? What do doctors and therapists recommend?

The Transgender Teen. Stephanie A. Brill and Lisa Kenney. 2016. A comprehensive guidebook that explores the unique challenges that thousands of families face every day raising a teenager who may be transgender, non-binary or gender-fluid. Covers topics relating to physical and emotional development, social and school pressures, medical considerations, and family communications.

Transgender Children and Youth: Cultivating Pride and Joy with Families in Transition. Elijah C. Nealy. 2017. A comprehensive guide to the medical, emotional, and social issues of transgender kids. It covers topics from family life to school and mental health issues, as well as the physical, social, and emotional aspects of transition.

What We Will Become: A Mother, a Son, and a Journey of Transformation. Mimi Lemay. 2019. A mother's memoir of her transgender child's odyssey, and her journey outside the boundaries of the faith and culture that shaped her. A powerful testament to how painful events from the past can be redeemed to give us hope for the future.

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Transgender & Non-Binary Children-Books to Help Adults Understand

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Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family. Amy Ellis Nutt. 2015. Captures the inspiring true story of identical twins, one of whom is transgender, and a family's journey to acceptance. The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation. Jodie Patterson. 2019.

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After putting together this linked text set, I've realized how important it is for me that my future students never have to go through what I went through when coming to terms with my sexual orientation. As a bisexual woman, I grew up attracted to both men and women, and was constantly trying to excuse it with insecurity, desire for friendship, and the fact that I was still growing, changing and coming to terms with who I was as a person. Even though the US has made some great steps toward equality among genders and sexual orientation, there is still a long ways to go, and as someone who had to come out to her family and society, the work we still have to do is very apparent; it's almost palpable. My first essential question was how the LGBTQ+ community is treated differently than their cisgendered, heterosexual peers in society and in the government, which I was not surprised that I had so much information on. The steps that we still have to take as a nation are painted across the media in big block letters: Equality for all. My second essential question was how we can help our students understand their own freedom to explore their gender identity and/or sexual identity. A lot of the texts that I used focused on how educators can be helpful, but I realized that not a lot of my sources had to do with parents or other adults in society and how they can be allies. I would like to research this more, and I think I focused mainly on effectively teaching these social justice issues from an educator's viewpoint because I feel that my teachers didn't do enough to teach me.