Sexual orientation and gender identity are essential aspects of an individual’s identity. Sexual orientation is a person’s romantic, sexual, emotional, or spiritual attraction to others based on gender, and gender identity is the sense of “being” a specific gender such as man, woman, genderqueer, agender, etc. Unfortunately, certain orientations and identities are stigmatized by society because they do not conform…
Category: Intolerance and Discrimination
Cissexism and Cisnormativity
With the increased amount of media attention towards transgender community, along with wider access to information regarding trans people across the globe, many people in North America and Europe have seen a dramatic cultural shift towards recognizing the struggles of trans people. However, as transgender people continue to gain affirmation of their individual and bodily…
Suicide in the LGBTQ+ Community
Disclaimer: This article discusses suicide, violence, homophobia, and transphobia. If you are suicidal, have suicidal tendencies, or are sensitive to suicide there are resources provided at the end of the article that can provide you with support. It is always okay to ask for help. Suicide rates have risen sharply in the past decade, making…
Homophobia
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, homophobia is the irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.1 However, people commonly describe homophobia as less of a fear and more of a prejudice and an intolerance toward those within the LGBTQ community.2 Whether it is believed to be an inherent and inborn quality or…
Allyship to the LGBTQ+ Community
Practicing allyship involves being supportive of or willing to help people within the LGBTQ+ community by recognizing the injustices that LGBTQ+ people face and taking tangible actions to help rectify them. The LGBTQ+ community can include individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer. Someone who practices allyship may or may not identify…