PFLAG Jackson Information and Resource Directory
A RESOURCE GUIDE AND INFORMATION FOR GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDERED INDIVIDUALS, THEIR PARENTS, FRIENDS AND FAMILIES.
The resource guide is itended to give access to accurate information regarding Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues, their parents, educators and other care providers. This information is intended for referral purposes only and is not an exhaustive list. PFLAG does not license, endorse or recommend any particular referral. Only you can determine whether the quality and nature of the services and materials listed here are appropriate for you.
We believe all of the organizations listed in this guide to be appropriate resources that enrich and foster the positive growth and development of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender youth.
In the interest of brevity, the terms "gay" and "gay lesbian" have been used occasionally in this Guide. Unless specifically noted otherwise, we have intended these terms to include bisexual and transgender persons as well,
TERMINOLOGY
BIOLOGICAL SEX
Assignment at birth, usually by a doctor, as male or female based on biological appearance. Actual genetcic makeup (e.g. XY chromosome - male, XX chromosome = female) requires a test.
BIPHOBIA
Fear or hatred of bisexuals or bisexuality.
BISEXUAL
Someone whose predominant physical or sexual attraction to both sexes.
CIVIL UNION
Formal recognition of committed same-sex relationships only recognized by the State of Vermont. Similar to, but not the same as, marriage. Civil Unions confer many of the same rights, benefits, and privleges enjoyed by opposite-sex marriages such as estate planning or medical decisions.
"Coming Out"
A process of identifying first to oneself, then to others, one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP
A child or legal contract recognizing a partnership or a relationship between two people which confers limited benefits to them by their employer.
DRAG
Dressing as teh opposite sex predominantly for performance. Drag is an exaggeration of gender and not part of transgender. Drag is a popular form of entertainment or costume.
"Ex-Gay"
A person who has once identified as a homosexual but now say they are not pursuing sexual relationships with people of the same-sex. Most "ex-gays" went through "reparative therapy" or "transformation ministries" to change their sexual orientation. Few say their homosexual attraction has changed. Most of the mental health and religious establishments oppose "reparative therapy"
GAY
Perferred term for homosexual. Can apply to men and women, mostly men.
GAY PANIC DEFENSE
Justification offered for assualt/murder of a homosexual because they allegedly made a sexual advance on the assailant. Assailant charges the advance felt threatening.
GENDER
Gender is a social construct and is largely atificial. It is a persons' sense of being male or female based on their behaviour or how they express what many consider to be "male" or "female" traits.
GENDER IDENTITY
A person's deepest most innate sense of maleness or femaleness.
GENDER IDENTITY DISORDER (GID)
A controversial DSM-IV diagnosis given to transgender or other gender-variant people. Because this term labels people as "disordered" it is considered offensive. Usually given to children who don't obey expected gender expression. Replaces the outdated term "gender dysphoria."
HETEROSEXISM
Promoting heterosexuality as superior or assuming that all people are heterosexual.
HETEROSEXUAL
Someone whose predominant physical or sexual attraction is to the opposite sex ("Straight")
HOMOPHOBIA
Fear or hatred of homosexuals or homosexuality.
HOMOSEXUAL
Someone whose predominant physical or sexual attraction is the same sex.
"In the Closet"
Being secret about one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
INTERSEX
Person born with a body not clearly male or female. May be caused by any of several dozen medical conditions, including genetic or chromosomal anomoles which interfere with sexual differentiation during gestation. Preferred over "Hermaphrodite."
LESBIAN
Preferred term for homosexual women. Can only apply to women.
MASCULINITY/FEMINITY
Sex role stereotypes, that differ in each culture, assigned to men and women.
QUEER
Traditionally a pejorative term for homosexuals or bisexuals, this term has been appropriated by some gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to describe themselves. Some value the term because of its defiance and inclusiveness. Avoid term unless intent is clearly not offensive.
SEX REASSIGNMENT SURGERY (SRS)
SRS refers to genital alteration, and is only one part of transition. Not all transsexuals choose or can afford SRS. This is preferred term to "sex change operation."
SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
What we do sexually and with whom. Most people pursue sexual behaviour with person(s) that they are attracted to. Sexual behaviour is not always an accurate indicator of sexual orientation.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
The pattern of a person's emotional, physical, sexual and psychological attraction to someone of a particular sex. This is the proper scientific social and legal term.
SEXUAL PREFERENCE
Indicates feelings that are more fluid and changing than orientation. Preference can be for tall, short, blonde, or other traits of a partner or practice. Avoid this term. See "Sexual orientation."
SODOMY LAWS
Laws that prohibit consensual, adult, private, non-commercial sex. In Michigan it refers to anal sex with either a man or a woman even with marriage. Used mostly against gays and lesbians.
TRANSGENDER
Umbrella term for all gender variant people including those whose biological sex is different from their gender identity.
TRANSITION
The process of altering one's sex. Includes physical acts but can also include changing legal documents.
TRANSPHOBIA
Fear or hatred of transsexuals or transsexualism.
TRANSSEXUAL
A person who takes some measure to physically alter their sex to be more like the opposite sex. This may include hormones, implants, surgery, etc.
TRANSVESTITE
Someone who wears clothing that is typically worn by the opposite sex. This may happen for simple comfort or sexual purposes. Most transvestites are heterosexual. (Cross Dresser)
GENERAL INFORMATION
RESOURCE Directory
TITLE IX
Know Your Rights: Legal protection for GLBT Education Employees
Tell me the (Whole) Truth - School supplies to Get REAL Sex Education
Healthy Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students Project
Send E-Mail to: pflag_jackson@yahoo.com
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