LGBTQ Cultural Competency

1. LGBTQ Cultural Competency B.J. Caldwell, education@aidsguelph.org

2. Agenda • Webinar Guidelines • Getting to know you • Language • Labels • Who is homophobic? • Privilege • Resources

3. Webinar Guidelines • Please use the chat box to ask questions and to answer questions we ask you (Ask questions anytime!) • If you are having audio issues, let us know. We do have a teleconference audio option for emergencies • Safe Space • Respect yourself and each other

4. Getting to know you • Poll Questions

5. What is LGBT Cultural Competency? • Cultural competence is a framework for working in cross-cultural situations. • By being culturally competent, people have the ability and willingness to interact effectively with individuals and groups of the same and different cultures. • Cultural Competence can also be defined as “an individual’s ability to respect each person’s uniqueness” (Fustiet al, 2003). • This same framework can be applied to diversity related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

6. Language • The first step is learning the language • The second step is using the language • The third step is getting comfortable with the language

7. LGBTT2IAQQA..: Welcome to the Alphabet Soup

8. LGBT³IQ = ? • What does the ‘L’ stand for? LESBIAN What does ‘Lesbian’ mean? A woman who loves another woman emotionally, spiritually, physically, romantically, and sexually.

9. LGBT³IQ = ? What does the ‘G’ stand for ? Gay (male) What does ‘Gay (male)’ mean? A man who loves another man romantically, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and sexually.

10. LGBT³IQ = ? What does the ‘B’ stand for? Bisexual What does ‘Bisexual’ mean? A bisexual is a person who loves both men and women romantically, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and sexually.

11. LGBT³IQ = ? What does ‘T³’ stand for? Transgender Transsexual Two-Spirit What do they mean?

12. Transgender: • An ‘umbrella’ term which unites the transsexual, transgender, cross-dressing, and gender bending community. • Also indicative of persons who live a gender that does not correspond with that which was assigned to them on the basis of their sex.

13. Transgender (examples) • (gay/straight) cross dressers • Drag queens/drag kings • ‘Masculine’ women • ‘Feminine’ men • Gender ‘benders’, Gender queers (those that merge the characteristics of male and female)

14. Transsexual: • A person who is biologically one sex, but emotionally, behaviourally, and spiritually another • They may be in the process of changing their body through surgery and/or hormones (although this can be cost prohibitive and is not required to be ‘considered’ transsexual) • The psycho-social stress (and societal stigma) of having a body that doesn’t fit with the “mind” can be devastatingly hard to come to terms with.

15. Video Break • Check out the following video: • http://youtu.be/3YVpMHkCgxg (YouTube)

16. Two-Spirit: • Has a number of meanings in different contexts…. • With the advent of gay liberation, 2-spirit means Aboriginal people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. ‘2-Spirit’ is usually preferred because it is more culturally relevant to Aboriginal LGBs. • Historically, it refers to Aboriginal persons who “maintain a balance by housing both the male and female spirit.” A rich history that was all but lost with the forced entry of Europeans and their values.

17. LGBT³IQ = ? • Intersex • “Intersex” is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. Or a person may be born with genitals that seem to be in-between the usual male and female types—for example, a girl may be born with a noticeably large clitoris, or lacking a vaginal opening, or a boy may be born with a notably small penis, or with a scrotum that is divided so that it has formed more like labia. Or a person may be born with mosaic genetics, so that some of her cells have XX chromosomes and some of them have XY.

18. Intersex • Intersex is a socially constructed category that reflects real biological variation • some forms of intersex signal underlying metabolic concerns, a person who thinks she or he might be intersex should seek a diagnosis and find out if she or he needs professional healthcare

19. Intersex • If you ask experts at medical centers how often a child is born so noticeably atypical in terms of genitalia that a specialist in sex differentiation is called in, the number comes out to about 1 in 1500 to 1 in 2000 births. But a lot more people than that are born with subtler forms of sex anatomy variations, some of which won’t show up until later in life.

20. Intersex

21. LGBT³IQ = ? What does the ‘Q’ stand for? Questioning What does Questioning mean? Anyone who is unsure of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

22. LGBTT2IAQA • Asexual • Ally • Pansexual

23. LGBT³Q = ? Is there another word for this Alphabet Soup? QUEER I thought that was a ‘bad’ word?

24. Word Reclamation • Minority groups (or some within the group) have historically ‘reclaimed’ words that the majority have used to oppress them. • By reclaiming the word as a positive, the minority group has taken away a tool in the arsenal of the majority.

25. Why reclaim ‘Queer’ ? • The word queer has been reclaimed for two reasons: • There is, as yet, no other word that encompasses the alphabet soup of LGBT³IQ • By reclaiming a negative word as a positive self-identifier, it takes some of the ‘sting’ out of the word when some idiot yells it at them and it also adds to a sense of pride and empowerment **Please note: Just as in the case with other reclaimed words, ‘queer’ is not accepted or reclaimed by every LGBTIQ person.

26. Labels: The Good/The Bad • Labels can be both freeing and very restrictive and so they must be used with caution.

27. Labels: The Good/The Bad • Some people are not so happy with labels • The label may often be a “best fit” rather than an “exact fit”. (Kinsey/Klein Model) • Sexuality and Gender as a continuum • People feel pressured to label themselves..and once they “choose” a label they feel confined and having to come out again with a different label can be stressful and traumatic for the individual. • Shades of Gay - Video

28. Sexual Orientation vs. Gender Identity • Sexual Orientation: •Who you are attracted to…. • Gender Identity: • A deep inner feeling that a person has about whether she/he is male or female, neither, or both.

29. Sexual Orientation vs. Gender Identity • SO and GI are two separate phenomenon. • For ex. • A male transsexual (born biologically female) (male gender identity) can be heterosexual, bisexual, or gay. • It is important to understand the difference between who someone is attracted to, and how they identify as male, female, both, or neither. • It is also important to understand the difference between the above and sexual behaviour!!

30. Poll Question

31. Answer: We ALL are

32. The Riddle Scale • Homophobia: • Clinical Sense: an intense fear of same sex relations that overwhelms • Common Usage: fear of intimate relations with persons of the same sex • Riddle Scale – Four homophobic levels and four positive levels of attitude (still partially homophobic) that span the spectrum of homophobia • A testament to the pervasive nature and indoctrination that occurs while growing up.

33. Acknowledges that being LGBTQ in our society takes strength, willingness to examine own attitudes, values, and behaviours ADMIRATION Views LGBTQ people with genuine affection and delight, willing to be allies and advocates NURTURANCE Heterosexuality is seen as more mature and certainly preferred, any possibility of “becoming straight” should be reinforced PITY Value diversity and see LGBTQ persons as a valid part of that diversity, willing to combat homophobia in self and others APPRECIATION Homosexuality is seen as a crime against nature. LGBTQ people are sick, crazy, immoral, sinful or wicked REPULSION Characterized by statements: “You are not a lesbian to me, you’re a person!” or “That’s fine with me as long as you don’t flaunt it (still implies there is something to accept) ACCEPTANCE Work to safeguard the rights of LGBTQ people, are aware of the homophobic climate and irrational unfairness SUPPORT Homosexuality is a phase of adolescent development that most people “outgrow” TOLERANCE

34. Oppressor and Oppressed • Most people are oppressed / targeted in some aspects • And the oppressor / dominant in other aspects. Race / Racism Gender / Sexism Class / Classism Sexual Orientation / heterosexism Gender Identity & Gender Expression / transphobia Disability / Ableism Religious Belief / Religious Oppression

35. PRIVILEDGE Daily, relentless, and unearned advantage that members of a dominant group receive = unearned privilege Members of the dominant group are usually completely unaware of these privileges; Members of the targeted group are usually VERY aware of these privileges as they don’t get them We must all become more aware of our own, unasked for privileges if we are to truly address these inequalities

36. Heterosexual Privilege These dynamics are but a few examples of this privilege. Can you think of some examples of heterosexual privilege? LGBTQ people have a range of different experiences, but cannot count on most of these conditions in their lives. On a daily basis, as a heterosexual person...

37. On a daily basis, as a heterosexual person... I can be pretty sure that my roommates, hall-mates, and classmates will be comfortable with my sexual orientation. If I pick up a magazine, watch TV, or play music, I can be certain my sexual orientation will be represented. When I talk about my heterosexuality (such as in a joke or talking about my relationships) I will not be accused of flaunting or pushing my heterosexuality on to others I am not accused of being abused, warped, or psychologically confused because of my sexual orientation

38. On a daily basis, as a heterosexual person... I am never asked to speak for everyone who is heterosexual People don’t ask me why I made my choice of sexual orientation People don’t ask why I made my choice to be public about my sexual orientation I am guaranteed to find sexual health education literature for couples with my sexual orientation Whether I rent or go to the movies, I can be sure I will not have trouble finding my sexual orientation represented I am not identified by my sexual orientation

39. “As a white person, I realized I had been taught about racism as something that puts others at a disadvantage, but had been taught not to see one of its corollary aspects, white privilege which puts me at an advantage” -- Peggy McIntosh

40. Referrals go a long way • As a SP, being aware of local/regional resources is easy and essential. • Try to get pamphlets, posters or other resources from these agencies (often provided free) to have as handouts if needed • What referral points are you already aware of in your community?

41. LGBT Youthline - Ontario • Youthline.ca (online forum, email responses, resources) • askus@youthline.ca • 1.800.268.9688 • Sunday to Friday 4:00pm – 9:30pm • Peer support – all staff are queer identified

42. OUTline – Guelph/Wellington, Regional • 519.836.4550 • Monday – 3:30-6:00pm • Wednesday – 6pm-9pm • Friday – 1pm-3pm • Coming Soon: instant chat support • Provides crisis and referral resources • Peer Support – all staff are queer identified

43. www.qlinks.ca – Guelph and surrounding area, regional • Website with a queer community calendar • Great for adults and youth • Queer-specific health related information • Qlinks Blog • In Crisis links for the region

44. Pride and Prejudice Youth Groups • Currently running in Owen Sound (through the AIDS Committee of Guelph/Wellington) • If you are interested in starting one up in your community, please let me know (education@aidsguelph.org) • We provide training and resources (“Meetings in a Box”) • Two facilitators are required for each group; one of them MUST be queer-identified

45. When in doubt • Call your local AIDS Service Organization • Check out online • Look for a local PFLAG meeting

46. The next webinar • Feb 12th/2013 • Safe Spaces for Service Providers • Examines various strategies to make your workplace/organization more welcoming and supportive for LGBT persons • Provides ideas and resources to assist you in making changes • Don’t forget to advertise the webinars for queer youth (aidsguelph.org for more info)