|
Sexual
orientation- A person's
emotional, physical, and sexual attraction and the expression of that
attraction. Although a subject of debate, sexual orientation is probably one
of the many characteristics that people are born with. Most people become
aware of their sexual orientation during adolescence.
Homosexuality-
A sexual orientation in which a person feels physically and emotionally
attracted to people of the same gender
Heterosexuality- A sexual orientation in which a person
feels physically and emotionally attracted to people of the opposite gender.
Bisexuality- A sexual orientation In which a person feels
physically and emotionally attracted to people of both genders.
Transgender
identity- The experience of
having a gender identity that is different from one's biological sex. A
transgender person may identify with the opposite biological gender and want
to be a person of that gender.
Sexual
minority- A person who may
identify as homosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, or
transvestite. All gay and lesbian youth are members of a sexual minority,
but not all sexual minority persons are gay.
"Coming out"- Also, "coming out of the closet" or "being
out", this term refers to the process in which a person acknowledges,
accepts, and in many cases appreciates her or his lesbian, gay or bisexual
identity. This often involves the sharing of this information with others.
The process of coming out to oneself and to others occurs for different
young people (and adults) in a variety of places and ways.
Homophobia- The fear, dislike, and hatred of same-sex
relationships or those who love and are sexually attracted to those of the
same sex. Homophobia includes prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and
acts of violence brought on by fear and hatred. It occurs in schools on
personal, institutional, and societal levels.
Internalized
homophobia- The fear and
self-hate of one's own homosexuality or bisexuality that occurs for many gay
and lesbian individuals who have learned negative ideas about homosexuality
throughout childhood. Once gay and lesbian youth realize that they belong to
a group of people that is often despised and rejected in our society, many
internalize and incorporate the stigmatization of homosexuality and fear or
hate themselves.
Heterosexism- The assumption that all people are or should
be heterosexual. Heterosexism excludes the needs, concerns, and life
experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual people while it gives advantages to
heterosexual people. It is often a subtle form of oppression which
reinforces realities of silence and invisibility for gay and lesbian youth.
Invisibility- The constant assumption of heterosexuality
renders gay and lesbian people, youth in particular, invisible and seemingly
nonexistent. Gay and lesbian people and youth are usually not seen or
portrayed in society, and especially not in schools and classrooms.
Compiled with the help of
the following resources: "Assessment of Services for Sexual Minority Clients
Provided by a Human Service Agency ", DCYF. 1993, "Definitions", The Medical
Foundation, 1993, "Gay and Lesbian Adolescents", Ritch C.Salvin-Williams,
1990, "Lesbian and Gay Adolescents", Dennis A. Anderson. 1994. Note: some
definitions taken from Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price by Warren J.
Blumenfeld. |