[LGBT] [Sexual Orientation] [Gender Diversity]
The terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ are often thought of as interchangeable however we need to separate them to understand gender diversity. ‘Sex’ is assigned at birth in the UK by reference to physical characteristics only – the sex assigned is binary, that is, the person is assigned either ‘female’ or ‘male’. However it is important to note that a binary understanding of ‘sex’ has always led to difficulties, for instance a person born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions having to be forced into one or other of the norms often by ‘corrective’ surgeries which take no account of the other factors that ‘gender identity’ can.
‘Gender identity’ is a person’s innate sense of being a man, a woman, or outside of these genders and is seen in a person’s self-representation. If this corresponds with the ‘sex’ assigned at birth, that person can be known as ‘cis’ or ‘cisgender’. If this does not correspond with the sex they were assigned at birth and the gender they were raised at, the term most commonly used is ‘trans’. This is an umbrella term drawn from the terms transgender and transsexual.
Coming out as trans is a lifelong and difficult process, this guide for young people and parents may be useful to pass on:- http://cdn0.genderedintelligence.co.uk/2013/01/21/17-05-54-booklet2013FINAL3.pdf
A useful list of definitions covering both gender diversity and sexual orientation can be found here:- https://www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/glossary-terms#a
A useful source of information if you would like to find out more about supporting others is:- ‘Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students and Staff in Further and Higher Education’ by Dr Matson Lawrence and Dr Stephanie Mckendry (2019). Also the website:- https://www.trans.ac.uk/ is a fantastic resource for supporting both students and staff who identify as trans or transgender.
Tips have been provided on the LGBT section, however please consider these three considerations for learning and teaching as priority:-
- Ask yourself, is gender relevant to the conversations/text you share with others? Try to use vocabulary that is gender neutral.
- Pointing out that you have been mis-gendered is difficult for individuals, make it easier by accepting the correction without fuss and moving forwards quickly.
- Every person is an individual – listen to them for guidance on how to talk to them and respect their identity.
The video below is one answering the question ‘How to talk and listen to transgender people’ which you may find useful to view…