Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning RESOURCE GUIDE

Transcription

1 Office of Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning RESOURCE GUIDE

2 The University of Central Missouri is committed to supporting a diverse campus community. In fulfillment of that commitment, this resource guide will help start conversations to create an inclusive, student-centered campus community.

3 SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES LGBTQ Group Hosted by the UCM Counseling Center, this group will present an opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning individuals to explore life challenges. LGBTQ Mentoring This MAPS program pairs undergraduate students with faculty, staff and graduate students to help students come to terms with their sexuality or gender identity and facilitate personal growth for the mentor and mentee. LGBTQ Resource Collection The collection is a growing number of books, movies and other resources in the MAPS office related to gender, sexual orientation and the LGBTQ community. The materials are available for free checkout to UCM students, faculty and staff for up to four weeks. Safe Zone Training Safe Zone is offered jointly by the Counseling Center and MAPS. This program offers information and training to faculty, staff and students who want to learn more about supporting LGBTQ individuals on our campus. For more information, or to sign up for a training, visit ucmo.edu/safezone or contact safezone@ucmo.edu. UCM Prism This student organization is for any student no matter where they identify along the gender and sexuality spectrum. For more information and the most current meeting times and places, search University of Central Missouri Prism on Facebook. Contact the Counseling Center at or visit Humphreys 131 to join the LGBTQ Group or learn more about Safe Zone Training.

4 COMMONLY USED IDENTITIES Ally A member of the majority who supports equal rights for those of the minority. Bisexual/Bi A person who has sexual and/or emotional relationships with or feelings towards both men and women, not necessarily at the same time. Gay A term most often used to describe a man who is attracted to and may form sexual and/or romantic relationships with another man. Lesbian A term used to describe a woman who is attracted to and may form sexual and romantic relationships with another woman. Pansexual A term used to describe someone who is attracted to and may form sexual and/or romantic relationships with someone regardless of that persons gender-identity or genitalia. Transgender A person whose self-identity does not conform to conventional notions of male or female sexes. Two Spirit/Twin Spirit A term of reverence in Native American communities traditionally referring to people who display both masculine and feminine sex or gender characteristics.

5 COMMONLY USED TERMS Androgyny Displaying physical and social characteristics identified in this culture as both female and male to the degree that the persons outward appearances and mannerisms make it difficult to determine their biological sex. Cisgender Someone who identifies with the gender they are assigned at birth. Gender A socially constructed system of classification that describes qualities of masculinity and femininity to people. Outing Publicly revealing the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of an individual who has chosen to keep that information private. Sex The biological (anatomical, hormonal or genetic) traits used to categorize someone as either male or female. Transitioning The process a transgender individual undergoes to publically change their gender expression to match their gender identity. Transitioning often includes changes in name, clothing and appearance, and may include anatomical changes. Queer A reclaimed word, often used by individuals who wish to challenge norms of sexuality and/or gender expression as well as to defy identities and labeling. Terms to be used carefully or avoided: Language is ever changing with words shifting from derogatory, to being reclaimed and used for empowerment. Always ask a person how they identify themselves before labeling. Dyke: Traditionally used as a slang term for lesbian, dyke has been reclaimed by some lesbian groups such as Dykes on Bikes. Fag/Faggot: Almost always used derogatorily fag refers to a less masculine or gay man. Homosexual: Because of its clinical history, homosexual can be used to say that gay or lesbian people are somehow diseased or psychologically/ emotionally disordered. Tranny, He-She, She-Male, etc.: These terms are almost always offensive and do not validate identities or respect individuals as people.

6 PRONOUNS: A HOW-TO GUIDE Subject 1 laughed at the notion of gender binary. Object They tried to convince 2 that asexuality does not exist. Possessive 3 favorite color is unknown. Possessive Pronoun The pronoun card is 4. Reflexive 1 thinks highly of e/ey em eir eirs eirself he him his his himself [name] [name] [name] s [name] s [name] s self per per pers pers perself she her her hers herself sie sir hir hirs hirself they them their theirs themselves ve ver vis vers verself zie zim zir zers zirself Adapted and borrowed with permission from UW-Milwaukee LGBT Resource Center

7 This pronoun list is not an exhaustive list. It is good practice to ask which pronouns a person uses.

8 Contact us! Office of Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support University of Central Missouri Dockery 212 Warrensburg, MO Fax: ucmo.edu/maps To view the University of Central Missouri s Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Statement, visit ucmo.edu/nondiscrimination.