GLBTIQ Issues

Definitions:

Gay
Males who are emotionally, socially, and sexually attracted to same-gendered individuals. The term "gay" can also refer to the GLBTIQ community as a whole.

Lesbian
Women who are emotionally, socially, and sexually attracted to other women.

Bisexual
The experience, regardless of sexual identity, to be emotionally and sexually attracted to both same and other gender individuals. Bisexuals are attracted to, and fall in love with the person first, not the gender.

Transgendered
A person whose physical sex is incongruent with the gender they feel, internally experience, and define for themselves. Transgendered persons represent a large spectrum of gender identity. A transgendered person's sexuality is not reflective of their gender identity.

Intersex
Individuals who are born with both male and female genitalia.

Queer
A blanket term for GLBTIQ persons. Can be used derogatorily to define this population.

What is homophobia?

Homophobia is an intense irrational fear of same sex relationships that becomes overwhelming to the person. Also can be defined as a fear of intimate relationships with persons of the same sex. You do not have to be gay, lesbian, bisexual transgendered, intersex, or know someone who is to be negatively affected by homophobia. Though homophobia actively oppresses gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals, it also hurts heterosexuals.

What is heterosexual privilege?

Heterosexuals have the ability to live without ever having to think twice about their sexuality, do not have to face discrimination for their sexual preference and do not have to confront homophobia. Heterosexuals can openly display affection, such as hand-holding, without fears of being oppressed. Heterosexuals also have privileges such as marriage and other legal privileges that members of the GLBTIQ community continue to fight for.

What is an ally?

Allies are straight individuals who choose to work support GLBTIQ individuals and work towards social justice. Allies work to develop an understanding of people who are different from them. They are committed to personal growth and can acknowledge and articulate how patterns of oppression have operated in their lives. They know that they are responsible for humanizing or empowering their role in society, particularly as their role relates to responding to people who are different.

How to create a gay friendly campus environment?

• Confront GLBTIQ jokes—jokes can demean people and perpetuate stereotypes. By confronting such jokes, you can help ensure safety and inclusiveness of everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Include GLBTIQ examples—Providing these examples allows everyone to be part of the campus environment.
• Never out someone—If someone has confided their GBLTIQ status to you, respect that they felt comfortable to share this with you. Realize that they may not have this level of comfort with everyone. Give people the opportunity to come out, but don't force it.
• Challenge heterosexism—Heterosexism and policies that discriminate against the GLBTIQ community hurt everyone. Be supportive of everyone on campus.
• Place symbols of support—Such Symbols (PFLAG, SafeZone, rainbow stickers, etc) increase awareness, demonstrate appreciation, and create a more inclusive environment.
• Don't assume heterosexuality—Including everyone helps create a more inclusive environment. Assuming heterosexuality, or two genders, excludes members from the GLBTIQ community, perpetuating discrimination.
• Gender non-specific language—Use words like partner, instead of husband, wife, boyfriend, and girlfriend.