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LGBTQ+ is an inclusive term that represents the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities beyond heterosexual and cisgender norms, advocating for equality, acceptance, and rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other identities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting individual self-identification and experiences within a sociocultural and political context that has historically marginalized these communities.
Relevant Degrees
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Queer Theory is an intellectual movement that challenges normative definitions of gender and sexuality, advocating for the fluidity and diversity of identities beyond binary frameworks. It critiques the social and cultural constructs that enforce rigid roles and emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in understanding the complexities of identity.
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Gender identity is an individual's deeply-held sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It is a complex interplay of biology, culture, and personal experience, and can encompass a wide range of identities beyond the binary understanding of male and female.
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Sexual orientation refers to an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to men, women, or both sexes, and is a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a spectrum that includes identities such as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and others, highlighting the diversity and fluidity of human sexuality.
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Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, class, and other identity markers, overlap and interact to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. It highlights the importance of considering multiple dimensions of identity to fully understand the complexity of social inequalities and systemic oppression.
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Heteronormativity is a cultural bias that presumes heterosexuality as the default or normal sexual orientation, often marginalizing and stigmatizing non-heterosexual identities and relationships. It manifests in societal norms, laws, and institutional practices that reinforce traditional gender roles and the binary gender system.
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Cisnormativity is the assumption that being cisgender, where one's gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth, is the default or norm, often marginalizing transgender and non-binary identities. This societal norm can lead to systemic discrimination and invisibility for those who do not conform to cisgender expectations.
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Gender dysphoria is a psychological condition where an individual experiences significant distress or discomfort due to a mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. It is important to approach Gender dysphoria with sensitivity and support, as it can impact mental health and overall well-being if not appropriately addressed.
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Coming out is the process by which individuals disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to themselves and others, often as a means of embracing their authentic selves. This process can be complex and ongoing, influenced by personal, cultural, and societal factors, and it can significantly impact an individual's mental health and social relationships.
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Minority stress refers to the unique, chronic stressors that individuals from marginalized groups experience due to their minority status, which can negatively impact their mental and physical health. This stress arises from external factors like discrimination and prejudice, as well as internal factors such as identity concealment and internalized stigma.
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LGBTQ+ rights encompass the legal, social, and cultural protections and equality for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual and gender minorities. These rights aim to eliminate discrimination and promote acceptance, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals have the same freedoms and opportunities as everyone else in society.
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Gender fluidity refers to a gender identity that is not fixed and can change over time or depending on the situation. It challenges the traditional binary understanding of gender by embracing a more dynamic and individualized experience of identity.
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Pansexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by the potential for attraction to individuals regardless of their gender identity or biological sex, emphasizing a focus on the individual rather than gender. It challenges traditional binary notions of gender and sexuality, promoting inclusivity and fluidity in human attraction.
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Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by the attraction to more than one gender, often encompassing both same-gender and different-gender attractions. It challenges the binary understanding of sexual orientation, advocating for a more fluid and inclusive view of human sexuality.
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Non-binary is a gender identity that does not fit strictly within the traditional binary understanding of male or female. It encompasses a spectrum of gender experiences and expressions that may include elements of both, neither, or a unique combination of male and female identities.
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Gender diversity acknowledges and values the variety of genders that exist beyond the traditional binary concept of male and female. It encourages inclusive practices that accommodate and respect all gender identities, fostering an equitable environment in societal, professional, and academic settings.
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