In the Spotlight
Mental Health Disparities in the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual, Transgender, or Gender Nonconforming Community
Definitions and Terminology
By: Carolyn Stroebe, Ph.D.
Definitions of the terms used in this article are not always, or even often, understood by the general public, nor health care professionals. Indeed, misunderstandings about Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, particularly among health professionals, can actually cause harm to those in the Queer community.[] The terms used by the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual; Transgender, or Gender Nonconforming community, including “Sexual and Gender Minority” (SGM), or Queer community, can be complex and are constantly changing, presenting challenges even within the community itself; but the motivation or intent to understand goes a long way.
People who identify as Queer or who are part the Queer community include those who differ from the majority in their (1) sexual orientation and/or (2) gender identity/expression. It is far beyond the scope of this article, but recent research reveals the demographics of those who tend to most identify with the term Queer.[] However, the author uses Queer to refers to (a.) a rejection of binary identities, (b.) a wide inclusion of nonnormative sexual and gender identities and (c.) a name for the larger community that counters the historic, pejorative use of the word and provides political unity.
Those inside and outside the Queer community use a great variety of terms using varied selections and ordering of the letters LGBTGNCQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Nonconforming Queer), or substituting literally colorful terms such as “Rainbow,” or “Lavender.” Ironically, this varied usage can make it difficult to review and fully utilize all of the pertinent research literature that exists. Currently, it is the intention of APA to use the term SGM for Sexual and Gender Minorities consistently,[] a policy this author appreciates!
Sexual orientation refers to “a person’s sexual and/or emotional attraction to another person.”[] Although research indicates that sexual orientation is on a continuum for individuals and can be fluid within one’s own life span,[] traditionally, the basic descriptions have been as follows:
- Gay men or women/lesbians = Primary attracted to one’s own sex
- Heterosexual = Primarily attracted to the opposite sex.
- Bisexual = Attracted to both sexes.
The following are useful gender terms:[]
- Gender: “a nonbinary construct that allows for a range of gender identities … (and) a person’s gender identity may not be aligned with sex assigned at birth.”
- Gender Identity: “a person’s deeply felt, inherent sense of being a girl, woman, or female; a boy, a man or male; a blend of male or female or an alternative gender.” For Transgender and/or Gender Nonconforming (TGNC) people, gender identity differs from sex assigned at birth to varying degrees, and may be experienced and expressed outside of the gender binary.
- Cisgender: “an adjective used to describe a person whose gender identity and gender expression align with the sex assigned at birth,” i.e., a person who is not Transgender or Gender Nonconforming.
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People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.
Services
Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant’s disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney’s fees.
Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF’s educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.
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