Gender Expression- Aspects of behavior and appearance that affect, or are intended to affect, how others perceive one’s gender · Gender-The different, culturally specific, social norms of behavior and appearance that are expected of males and females. · Lesbian- Women whose primary sexual orientation is toward other women · Gay-Men whose sexual orientation is toward other men · Bisexual-Someone whose primary relationships can be with men and women · Transgender-Someone whose self-identification as male, female, both or neither does not match the gender assigned to them at birth. · Heterosexism - The belief that heterosexuality is superior and normal · Homophobia- Irrational fear of or aversion to LGBT people. · Biphobia- Irrational fear of or aversion to people perceived to be bisexual. Does your partner… · Threaten to out your personal identity/information if you leave? · Take advantage of you because you were rejected/unaccepted by friends or family when you came out? · Pressure you into sexual acts to ‘prove’ you are queer enough? · Project internalized transphobia by reinforcing CISSEXISM/Gender norms in the relationship? Ex: You’re only a man if your chest is flat or only a woman if you have curves. · Intentionally refer to you by your deadname or with the wrong pronouns to trigger your dysphoria? · Threaten to trash talk you to the often small and over lapping LGBTQ community so you have no access to support? · Threaten you that you could have you child taken away when it’s already hard enough for LGBTQ+ parents to be validated/ supported?
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 www.translifeline.org The first U.S. suicide hotline dedicated to transgender people. Trans Lifeline is entirely staffed by trans-identified volunteers. Network/ LA Red Hotline – 1-800-832-1901 (Toll-Free) Confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and/or transgender (LGBQ/T), as well as those in SM/kink and polyamorous communities GMVP (Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project) - 1-800-832-1901 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564 The Trevor Project – Youth LGBTQ Resource – 1-866-488-7386 The Aids Leadership Foothills Alliance – 828-999-8744 HIV/HepC/STD testing, condoms, Harm Reduction supplies, link to community resources. All services are free of charge. HERE ARE SOME OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA THAT PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION ON THE QUEER AND TRANS EXPERIENCE: