The following are some questions that the LGBTQ Center has often been asked about LGBTIQA+ issues. If you have a question and cannot find the answer on this page or in the resources section, feel free to email us.
How do I know what pronoun to use if I’m unsure?
We recommend asking respectfully rather than guessing. You could say, “I want to be respectful. What gender pronoun do you use?” It is very important to respect each person’s self-identification. Individuals may use female pronouns, male pronouns, gender-neutral pronouns such as ze or hir, or a mix of pronouns. Never use the word “it” when referring to someone.
How can I learn more about transgender and intersex communities?
You can visit the transgender and intersex identities section of our website to learn more about these communities. Additionally, you can:
- Attend our foundational and continuing education Safe Zone trainings
- Visit the LGBTQ Center’s Resource Library
- Participate in Pride and Awareness Days such as National Coming Out Day and Transgender Day of Visibility
Are bisexual people just folks who haven’t finished coming out as gay or lesbian?
No. Bisexual, pansexual, and omnisexual people are open to attraction and physical/sexual connections to people of various gender identities. This question is an example of an issue that is unique to the experiences of bi-/pan-/omnisexual folks. The stigma attached to bisexuality exists within lesbian and gay communities as well as within heterosexual communities. Some bisexual people may hide their identity from both the heterosexual and lesbian and gay communities, believing neither will accept them. Bisexual identification is often met with skepticism in the gay & lesbian communities and is seen as an attempt to avoid the stigma of homosexuality. Other common misperceptions are that bisexual people are promiscuous or are unable to be in monogamous relationships.
What is the Gender binary?
The gender binary is a social classification system that divides gender identity and gender expression into two mutually exclusive categories (i.e., male/masculine and female/feminine) with narrowly defined limits of what is appropriate for each in terms of appearance, behavior, interests, attire, professional occupations, roles, and responsibilities.
Why do you use the phrase LGBTIQA+ communities (instead of community)?
We use this term because there is no one monolithic “LGBTIQA+ community”. Everyone has multiple, intersecting identities (e.g., racial/ethnic identity, gender identity, ability status, educational background, income level, faith or religious affiliation, national origin). There are commonalities of experience among people who are marginalized based on actual or presumed sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression but to ignore the diversity of lived experience due to these intersecting identities feels disrespectful and is inaccurate.
What’s the difference between sex and gender?
Typically, people use “sex” to refer to a person’s assigned sex at birth based upon physical anatomy and chromosomes. “Gender” is typically used to refer to roles, appearance, interests, and one’s psychological sense of themselves as a gendered being. Contemporary perspectives are now examining the distinctions between ‘sex’ and ‘gender’.
“Gender identity” is the gender an individual identifies as psychologically, regardless of the sex/gender they were assigned at birth. “Gender expression” is how someone expresses their gender through appearance, behavior, or mannerisms. A person’s gender expression may or may not be analogous to their gender identity, and a person’s biological sex may or may not be analogous to their gender identity or gender expression.
What are the right terms to use?
Language is fluid and contested. Language changes over time, and different people may use the same term differently. A good practice is to educate yourself on the ways concepts and terms are used in your geographic region. You can do this by attending LGBTQIA community events, participating in Safe Zone training, or reviewing resources such as the terminology page on this website.