9 Sexual Identities: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Considerations for Leaders

Groundwork

• Queer is a term people often use to express a spectrum of identities and orientations that are counter to the mainstream. Queer is often used as a catch-all to include many people, including those who do not identify as exclusively straight and/or folks who have non-binary or gender-expansive identities. This term was previously used as a slur, but has been reclaimed by many parts of the LGBTQ+ movement (Brittanica, 2022) LGBTQ+ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accurately reflect the diversity of the community. Rather, LGBTQ community or LGBTQ+ community are recommended (GLAAD, 2022)
• Sexual Orientation is the scientifically accurate term for an person’s enduring physical, romantic and/ or emotional attraction to another person. Sexual orientations can include heterosexual (straight), lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, asexual, and other orientations. Avoid the offensive term “sexual preference,” which is used to inaccurately suggest that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is voluntary and “curable.” People need not have had specific sexual experiences to know their own sexual orientation; in fact, they need not have had any sexual experience at all (GLAAD, 2022)
• Sexual Fluidity is the notion that sexuality can change over time and in different situations (WebMD, 2022).

Theoretical Frameworks/Models

• Queer Theory, LGBTQ Nation, 2022 (First Section)
• Queer Identity Development Models (Baylor Box for Baylor Students Only)

Language Matters (Choose at Least 1)

• APA Antibias Guide, Sexual Orientation,2022
• An Ally’s Guide to Terminology, GLAAD, 2022

Intersections & Institutions (Choose at least 2)

• Orientation & SES/Residential Systems: Homelessness and Housing Instability AMong LGBTQ Youth (Trevor Project, 2022)
• Orientation & RSPW: Q Christian Resources & Theology 101 (Retrieved 2023) OR Gay and Lesbian Vaishnava Association, or KESHET (Jewish Queer Inclusion), OR Muslims for Progressive Values-LGBTQ, OR
• Orientation and Orientation: Bisexual-Erasure (GLAAD, 2022)

Stories & Celebrations (Choose at least 3)

• Queer Freedom: How Can We Be Both Held and Free? (We Can Do Hard Things Podcast, 2021)
• House Passes Bill to Protect Same-Sex Marriage (CNN, 2022)
• Broadcast TV Now Features Record Number of LGBTQ Characters, (THR, 2022).

References

Bisexual erasure. (2015, September 17). GLAAD. https://www.glaad.org/accordionview/bisexual-erasure

Gardner, C. (2022, February 17). GLAAD: Broadcast TV Now Features Record Number of LGBTQ Characters. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/lgbtq-tv-characters-glaad-report-2022-1235094632/

GLAAD Media Reference Guide—LGBTQ Terms. (2022, February 24). GLAAD. https://www.glaad.org/reference/terms

GLAAD Media Reference Guide—Transgender Terms. (2022, February 22). GLAAD. https://www.glaad.org/reference/trans-terms

Glossary of Terms. (n.d.). Human Rights Campaign. https://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms

Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth. (2022, February 3). The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/homelessness-and-housing-instability-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/

An Ally’s Guide to Terminology: Talking About LGBTQ People & Equality (2020). Movement Advancement Project. MAP’s Talking About LGBT Issues series. https://www.lgbtmap.org/allys-guide-to-terminology

Nation, L. (2021, October 4). What is queer theory & why is it important? LGBTQ Nation. https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/10/queer-theory-101-matters/

Sexual orientation. (2019). Https://Apastyle.Apa.Org. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/bias-free-language/sexual-orientation

‎We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle: QUEER FREEDOM: How can we be both held and free? on Apple Podcasts. (2021). Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-freedom-how-can-we-be-both-held-and-free/id1564530722?i=1000527944855

Wilson, D. D., Clare Foran, Kristin. (2022, December 8). House passes bill to protect same-sex marriage in landmark vote sending it to Biden | CNN Politics. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/08/politics/same-sex-marriage-vote-house/index.html