Beyond The Alphabet: Understanding What It Means To Be LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ encompasses a diverse and wide range of sexual orientations, gender identities and external, outward presentations that may differ from societal norms. The history of LGBTQ+ individuals spans thousands of years of diverse sexualities and gender identities, marked by periods of cultural acceptance, severe persecution and modern civil rights movements. The first recorded documentation of a same gendered couple was in 2450 BCE (Before Common Era). This illustrates that person’s identifying as LGBTQ+ is not new or simply “trendy”.

Understanding the Acronym (the letters)

  L: Lesbian; women attracted to other women

 G: Men (usually); attracted to other men

 B: Bisexual; people attracted to more than one gender

 T: Transgender; people whose internal gender identity differs from the gender assigned at birth

 Q: Queer; generally, an umbrella term for individuals who do not identify as heterosexual (“straight”) or cisgender (identifying with the gender assigned at birth). Meaning their sexual orientation or gender identity falls outside of societal norms.

The acronym is often expanded to LGBTQIA to include groups such as “queer”, intersex (biological traits not fitting typical binary definitions; having ambiguous external or internal anatomy) and asexual (persons experiencing little to no sexual attraction).

The Difference between Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Sexual orientation is who you are romantically or sexually attracted to. Gender identity is your sense of being female, male or another gender entirely (neither female nor male).

Identifying as LGBTQ+ means a person belongs to a community of individuals whose sexual orientation or gender identity differs from that of the larger society.

The research shows that being LGBTQ+ is a natural and complex part of being human, influenced by a mix of genetics, biology and personal development rather than a choice.

Large genetic studies confirm that there is no single “gay gene”. Thousands of genetic variations work together to influence sexual orientation.

Research indicates that early biological factors, such as hormone exposure in the womb, may help shape brain development.

Scientific studies state that sexual orientation and gender identity is largely innate and cannot be changed by the way a person is raised or conversion therapy.

Coming Out (Disclosure)

The coming out process is an on-going, personal journey of awareness, understanding, accepting and sharing sexual orientation or gender identity. The process is unique for everyone with individuals experiencing phases in fluid ways. The process includes; self-discovery (recognizing emotions, attractions or identity), safety and assessment (evaluating the environment; physical and emotional safety and financial independence) before disclosures; disclosure (deciding when, how and to whom you want to share; often starting with trusted friends, family and supportive others); and integration (blending private and public life into a cohesive, authentic sense of self).

Issues the LGBTQ+ Community Faces

Legal Rights: discrimination, healthcare disparities and global safety. More than 60 countries maintain laws criminalizing consensual same gendered relationships. Numerous states and federal measures target gender-affirming care. Changes in federal government administrative policies have rolled back recognition and protections in the United States.

Mental Health: LGBTQ+ individuals have elevated rates of depression, anxiety and suicide attempts (due to a lack of family, community and societal support).

Healthcare: there is a fear of discrimination or lack of provider cultural competency leading many individuals to avoid or delay medical care.

Economic Instability: LGBTQ+ experience higher rates of poverty and housing insecurity.

Hate Crimes: LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of assault, often leading to fatalities.

How You Can Support

Educating Yourself; learn the basics; read about the history; learn the terminology; respect how they would like to be identified (preferred name, preferred pronouns).

Listen: with care, without judgment.

Respect: privacy (ask before sharing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity with others).

Intervene: stop bullying or harassment if you see it in school, on campus, at work or in public.

Support: organizations that promote safety, inclusion and advocacy (such as The Trevor Project and The Human Rights Campaign).

Attend Events: be a visible support by participating in local Pride events and community gatherings.

Conclusion

The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and wide-ranging. Sexual orientation and gender identity are separate entities; a person can identify as transgender and have a same-gendered sexual orientation or be attracted to an opposite gender. The process of coming out is a unique and personal journey and includes self-discovery, safety and assessment; disclosure and integration. LGBTQ+ individuals face issues of discrimination; health care disparities and safety. Ways to support the LGBTQ+ population include educating yourself; respecting a person’s identity; listening with care and without judgment; intervening when you see bullying or harassment; supporting organizations that promote safety, inclusion and advocacy and being a visible support by participating in community events.

About Lindner Center of Hope

Lindner Center of Hope is a nationally recognized mental health treatment center specializing in OCD disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders and residential psychiatric care. Through specialized clinical programs and evidence-based treatment, the Center provides comprehensive mental health care for individuals across the lifespan.

Resources

The Trevor Project (provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth; 866-488-7386. You can also text “START” to 678678

Trans Lifeline peer support and crisis hotline 877-565-8860

 LGBT National Hotline peer support, coming out help and local links, 888-843-4564

Equality Ohio the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy and legal aid organization, 855-LGBT-Law

988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline call or text 988 any time for free mental health support

Trans Ohio trans-led advocacy, support and legal aid organization, email: [email protected]

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital transgender Health Center offers comprehensive pediatric services, family resources and support advocacy, 513-636-4681

Caracole local (Cincinnati) offers HIV+ confidential support, group support, case management, medical care and resources, 513-761-1480