_20240612102428.png?w=930&q=100)
Written by: Nisha Sheen (she/her) and Krista Stephenson (she/her)
Why do we celebrate pride?
Pride Month, observed in June, is dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and culture, and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
Pride Month is marked in June to honour the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, recognized as a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the US. Pride is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, marked with parades, concerts, and festivities.
Pride is also a time for protests, marches, and remembrances. During Pride, we commemorate years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. We also hold memorials for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
We celebrate Pride Month as the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continues to strive for equality, safety, and acceptance for all!
What does 2SLGBTQIA+ stand for?
The language we use to describe sexual orientation and gender identity is ever growing, is the expression we use to describe the community.
- 2S – Two-Spirit
- Two-spirit us used by some Indigenous peoples to describe their gender, sexual, and spiritual identity
- Being Two-spirit is a fluid identity and each tribe and Indigenous person has their own understanding of what it means to live and be Two-spirit
- The identity is specific to being Indigenous
- L – Lesbian
- The adjective used to describe people who are physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to people of the same sex
- Is most often used to describe female-identified people who are attracted to other female-identified people
- G – Gay
- The adjective used to describe people who are physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to people of the same sex
- Is most often used to describe male-identified people who are attracted to other male-identified people
- Can sometimes be used as an umbrella term for a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community
- B – Bisexual
- Used to describe people who are physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to the same, other, or more than one gender
- Is not necessarily a “50/50” split
- T – Transgender
- Having a gender identity or expression that is different than the sex assigned at birth
- An umbrella term that can encompass non-binary, gender nonconforming, and more
- Gender identity is different than sexual orientation; transgender people may be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer, or other
- Always use the term “transgender” or “trans,” in favour of some harmful or outdated terminology such as “transgendered”
- Q – Queer
- An umbrella term which encompasses a variety of sexual orientations and gender expressions
- Queer has been reclaimed by some 2SLGBTQ+ people to describe themselves; however, it is not a universally accepted term even within the 2SLGBTQ+ community
- Sometimes, the Q in 2SLGBTQ+ can also mean someone who is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity
- I – Intersex
- An umbrella term used for a variety of situations in which a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the boxes of female or male
- There are many different ways someone can be intersex
- Intersex people can have any gender and sexuality
- A – Asexual
- Lack of sexual attraction to others and/or low or absent interest in sexual activity
- Asexuality exists on a spectrum; there are many ways to identify within what is commonly known as the “Ace” community
- Asexual people may still desire emotionally intimate relationships
- + - Plus
- It can be hard to represent an entire community who have different lived experiences with one acronym
- The plus is often seen as a symbol to represent self-identifying members of the community are not included in the 2SLGBTQIA acronym
- The plus can include pansexual, agender, genderqueer, and more
For more, visit egale.ca
What do all the colours of the Pride flag mean?
The original Pride Flag was created in 1978 after activist Harvey Milk asked artist Gilbert Baker to design a symbol of gay pride. The notable rainbow flag has 6 colours, each representing an important value of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
In 2018, the rainbow pride flag was redesigned by non-binary American artist Daniel Quasar to the Progress Pride Flag, which includes prin, blue, and white stripes to represent the transgender community, and black and brown stripes to represent people of colour, who are often overlooked in mainstream the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement. Sometimes, the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag, which includes the yellow background and purple circle of the intersex pride flag, is also used.
- Red: Represents life and passion
- Orange: Represents healing
- Yellow: Represents sunlight, stimulating new ideas
- Green:- Represents nature, prosperity, and growth
- Indigo: Represents serenity
- Violet: Represents spirit
- Pink, White, and Blue: Added to the Progress Pride Flag to represent the transgender community
- Black and Brown: Added to the Progress Pride Flag to represent people of colour
- Intersex flag: Added to the Progress Pride Flag in 2021 by Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK
Numerous pride flags have been created to represent the gender and sexual diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Various sexual and romantic orientations, gender identities, and subcultures can be represented with their own flag. You can learn more about these flags here.
How do I ask someone for their pronouns?
Using the correct pronouns for someone is important because it’s the easiest way to acknowledge and affirm someone’s identity and how they want to be described.
The best way to respect everyone’s pronouns is to ask how they wish to be addressed. You can do this by offering your pronouns first to create a welcoming space for others to share theirs. For example: “Hi, my name is Jane, I use she/her pronouns. How can I help?” Remember, not everyone will feel comfortable sharing their pronouns.
You can use the gender-neutral pronouns they/them/theirs when referring to any person whose pronouns you don’t know yet or weren’t able to determine. For example: “I think they need help with the task, can you go ask them how you can assist?”
You can help create an inclusive space by sharing your own pronouns in your email signature, course materials, social media bio, or when introducing yourself to someone new.
What does it mean if someone uses, She/They, They/He, or Ze/Zir pronouns?
While traditional gender pronouns such as she/her, he/him, and they/them are the most common, they do not fit everyone’s gender identity – someone’s internal and individual sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum.
Some people feel more comfortable being identified with pronouns such as She/They, They/He, or even neopronouns such as Xe/Xem or Ze/Zir.
These pronouns offer inclusion and accuracy for someone who may identify outside the male/female gender binary. Each of these combinations acknowledges the complexity of their gender identity and allows for flexibility in how they are addressed.
In the case of She/They or They/He, it may vary from person to person, but often means that you can use a mix of both. For example: “I met her the other day, they were very nice,” or “They gave a presentation in class, he’s very knowledgeable.”
If you are unsure how someone would like to be addressed, it’s okay to ask. You can find more information and resources online, such as through the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and Ontario Human Rights Commission.
What are some ways I can make my course/classroom more inclusive to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?
- Educate Yourself – Seek information and keep yourself updated about 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, terminologies, and experiences to create a more inclusive environment. There are many resources online (some of which will continue to be shared this month!), and you can learn through SLC’s Libraries and Learning Centres or Positive Space training.
- Use Gender-Inclusive Language – Respecting and acknowledging the gender identities of all people removes assumptions. Normalize the practice of sharing pronouns by adding yours to your email signature, name tag, course material, and social media bios. Avoid using gendered terms like ‘guys’ and ‘ladies and gentlemen’ by replacing them with inclusive terms like ‘folks’ or ‘everyone.’
- Create Safe Space and Provide Support – Set clear guidelines for respectful communication and behaviour. Offer visible support by displaying symbols in the classroom such as pride flags and posters. You can take Positive Space training through SLC to receive skills and tools to foster more inclusive spaces for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
- Create Inclusive Course Content – Incorporate topics related to 2SLGBTQIA+ community in your course content to reflect the diversity of human experiences. Provide activities and projects that allows students to participate and engage without any limitations based on gender expectations. Be sure to use diverse images and examples in your course materials.
- Offer Resources – Provide sources and access to resources specifically tailored for 2SLGBTQIA+ students (some resources listed below)
- Advocacy and Allyship – Promote 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and visibility through curriculum inclusion, community service, policy advocacy, and research initiatives. Advocate for inclusive practices, such as inclusive language, pronouns, and gender-neutral dress codes and restrooms, to ensure safety and comfort. Offer mentorship, spread awareness and education, and challenge discrimination and prejudices whenever encountered.
What resources are available for me to learn more/provide support?
Egale
Egale is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and issues. They improve and save lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. You can find tons of resources and workshops on their website, such as Affirming Adults: A Guide to Supporting Gender Diverse Children and Youth and What should you do when a 2SLGBTQI young person comes out to you?
Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity
CCGSD has resources and programming that can be used to uplift gender and sexual minorities, as well as give them tools to wider populations in building allyship. Check out their Resources Page for resources for teachers, organizations, community members and more.
Wisdom2Action
Wisdom2Action specializes in community engagement, creative facilitation, research and evaluation, knowledge mobilization and equity, diversity and inclusion. Find a number of resources on their page, including 5 Ways to Create Safer Spaces for Youth in Physical and Health Education Classrooms.
LGBT YouthLine
Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through telephone, text and chat services. Call 1-800-268-9688, text 647-694-4275, or live chat on their website.
Their resources include a list of Indigenous and Two-Spirit Resources and Self-Care Resources
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a support network run by and for trans people. Call their hotline, connect with peers for online gaming, or find other services, resources, and support.