October is LGBTQ+ History Month
Right off the bat, you may be wondering what LGBTQ+ History Month even is.
Well, LGBTQ+ History Month is a celebration (lasting the month of October) of the history of the LGBTQ+ community (pretty self explanatory name).
It celebrates how important rights movements were to the progression of acceptance and equality of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in society, and how far along with gaining rights the community has come.
It was created in the 1990s by a teacher, intended to recognize LGBTQ+ icons and ordinary people alike.
Each day in October is taken to celebrate a different LGBTQ+ icon.
However, to be able to celebrate all of these fantastic role models, we must be able to understand how different sexualities and orientations identify.
Let’s Bust Some Myths about LGBTQ+
There are a great number of ideas about the LGBTQ+ community and those in it that have little to no basis in fact. Below we will discuss a few of these, and talk about the facts.
“Ohhh do you want to get with me or something?”
This is an extremely common question that is asked when someone finds out that another person of the same sex identifies with the LGBTQ+ community.
Just because someone is attracted to the same sex (or multiple sexes) does not mean that they are attracted to EVERYONE of that sex.
People in the community have types and preferences just like you do, and chances are, you do not fall into that category.
“It doesn’t matter how you refer to them.”
Terminology MATTERS. Using preferred pronouns and terms makes people feel validated and seen. We will cover the correct terms a little more in the next section.
“It’s just all gay.”
Often, the entire community is thrown under the umbrella “gay” label. However, there are a multitude of different sexualities that simply are not known or talked about.
If someone in your life identifies with the LGBTQ+ community, take the time to learn about their specific orientation and identity.
“Your gender is what’s in your pants.”
There is a difference between gender identity and assigned at birth gender.
Assigned at birth is the gender that the doctors at the hospital deemed a person.
Gender identity is what they deem themselves, and therefore, what they should be referred to as.
Appropriate and Inappropriate Terminology
Keeping with the correct terms is key to being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Trying to use the preferred wording when referring to and about members of the community helps members feel comfortable and respected.
The terms are ever changing.
The ways that we refer to members of the LGBTQ+ community expand with time. Trying to keep up with and using these terms shows our support and acceptance of those who we are using them for.
With this in mind, keep up with the terminology as best you can; it means more than it seems to.
Gender Identity
Gender identity is considered to be the core sense a person has of being a woman, a man or neither. This can also change over time.
Masculine- and Feminine-Presenting
One of the most prominent examples of this terminology is how one presents.
Feminine presenting is when one shows and expresses their gender in a more feminine way, and masculine is the opposite.
However, it is possible to be a mix of the two, fifty fifty, or more of one than the other. However, no matter how one presents, be sure to ask how they identify so as to not accidentally misgender someone.
These are only a couple of example of appropriate terminology. We encourage you to continue to learn what is appropriate and approach learning from a place of curiosity.
The Therapists at JS Therapy Group Are LGBTQ+ Allies
The therapists and counselors at JS Therapy Group are LGBTQ+ advocates and allies. We are here to support you and help you work through your mental health needs. Just reach out to us:
Meet with one of our caring counselors
Start feeling like you
Additional Services Offered At JS Therapy Group
There are several services that we offer: couples and marriage counseling, premarital counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment for children, play therapy/ therapy for children, teen therapy, family therapy, addictions counseling, anxiety treatment, and depression treatment.