As society continues to evolve, the understanding and acceptance (or non-acceptance) of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities have become crucial aspects of social progress. The LGBTQ+ community has advocated for inclusive terminologies and recognition, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between sexual orientation and gender identity.
This article aims to provide a brief exploration of:
1. What LGBTQ+ represents and its significance
2. Why lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals should not be confused for Intersex, Transgender, and Gender Non-Conforming (ITGNC) individuals
3. The significance of recognizing the distinct experiences, choices and challenges faced by each group.
Defining LGBTQ+
The acronym LGBTQ+ represents a diverse community encompassing individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or questioning), among others. It serves as an inclusive term that recognizes and celebrates the myriad of sexual orientations and gender identities that exist beyond the societal norms of cisgender heterosexuality.
In this article I seek to differentiate between sexual orientation and gender identity as these two are the bone of contention when it comes to acceptance and non-acceptance of people or groups within the larger LGBTQ+ community. I call it larger because I carry a school of thought that LGBTQ+ community does not represent the interests of each member of the community.
Lesbianism, Gayism, Bisexuality and Queer (Questioning)
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| The rainbow flag ought not to represent ITGNC individuals but rather Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Queer (LGBQ) individuals. |
Before delving into the complexities surrounding LGBTQ+ terminology, it is important to understand the specific meanings of lesbianism, gayism, bisexuality and queer (questioning). I will hold on a little before I can define intersex, transgender and gender-non-conforming.
Lesbianism refers to women who are exclusively or primarily attracted to other women. Lesbian individuals form an integral part of the LGBTQ+ community, forging identities, relationships, and advocating for their rights.
Gayism primarily used to describe men who are exclusively or predominantly attracted to other men. However, the term has evolved to include all individuals who identify as homosexual or have same-sex attractions.
Bisexuality encompasses individuals who are attracted to both their own gender and other genders. Bisexuality recognizes the fluidity of sexual attraction and validates the experiences of those who do not adhere to binary (male or female) categories.
Queer: An umbrella term encompassing diverse sexual orientations and gender identities that fall outside the heterosexual and cisgender norms. It embraces fluidity, non-conformity, and self-identification, allowing individuals to reclaim the term and use it as an inclusive identifier. Queer and questioning may at times even go beyond human relationships and include relations between humans and other animals - bestiality and zoophilia.
These terms have played pivotal roles in the LGBTQ+ movement, contributing to the formation of cultural, social, and political identities within the community.
The Church and LGBTQ+
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| While the Church is not expected to embrace same sex relations, it should not close it's eyes to ITGNC individuals. |
The church has openly shunned the LGBTQ+ community based on the biblical fact that God intended for man and woman to procreate, a fete that is naturally impossible with same sex orientations. There are churches that have been seen to accommodate same sex marriages, but most of those churches are either led by individuals who sympathise with the LGBTQ+ community or are led by leaders who stand to benefit from declaring support for the LGBTQ+ community, or are in a region where the legislation gives them no choice.
The true Christian church of all times and all places usually denoted in the Apostles' Creed as "The Holy Catholic Church," or "The Universal Church" will never agree to same sex relations. In fact, the Christian Bible speaks of God sending burning sulfur and fire to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, a city that had so many people practicing same sex relations (See Genesis 19:24–25).
However, what the Church may not have opened its eyes to is the existence of intersex, transgender and gender-non-conforming (ITGNC) individuals who occur naturally by birth, as children of heterosexual and cisgender parents. A blessing from God to these parents.
Denying pastoral care, hope, guidance and counselling to such individuals is denying a chance for a normal life to innocent individuals. There would be no difference with denying an albino, a blind, a lame or a deaf person the same. The buck starts with splitting the LGBTQ+ community into gender identity and sexual orientation groups or communities. Gender identity occurs naturally while sexual orientation is a choice.
Intersex, Transgender and Gender-Non-Conforming (ITGNC) individuals fall in the gender identity category, while lesbians, gays, bisexual and queer (questioning) individuals fall in the sexual orientation category.
Understanding Intersexuality, Transgender and Gender-Non-Conforming Identities
Intersex Individuals
Intersex individuals, often misunderstood and overlooked, are individuals born with biological variations in their sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female. These variations can include chromosomal, hormonal, or anatomical differences that may manifest in a range of ways, including having both male and female sex organs, challenging traditional notions of gender and sex.
Intersex is an umbrella term that encompasses a diverse set of conditions or traits that exist along a spectrum. It is important to distinguish intersexuality from lesbianism, gayism, bisexuality and queer orientations to respect the unique experiences and challenges faced by intersex individuals.
Intersex variations can affect the development of internal and/or external reproductive and sexual organs, secondary sex characteristics, or chromosomal patterns. This can result in a wide range of physical presentations and experiences, including ambiguous genitalia, atypical hormone levels, or differences in gonads or chromosomes. It is important to note that intersex is not a disorder or medical condition but a natural and normal variation of human diversity.
Intersex individuals may discover their intersex status at birth, during childhood, or later in life. The experience of being intersex varies widely, as individuals may have different feelings, needs, and choices regarding their bodies, identities, and medical interventions. Intersex individuals often face unique challenges related to social acceptance, medical treatment decisions, and access to accurate information and support.
It is crucial to respect the rights and autonomy of intersex individuals, including their right to self-determination, bodily autonomy, and access to comprehensive healthcare that is sensitive to their unique needs. Intersex advocacy organizations have been instrumental in raising awareness, challenging harmful practices, and advocating for the rights of intersex individuals, including the protection of their bodily integrity and legal recognition of their identities.
Transgender Identities
Transgender identity refers to individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender identity is an internal, deeply-felt sense of being male, female, or another gender, which may or may not correspond to the sex assigned based on external genitalia at birth.
Transgender individuals may identify as a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth. For example, someone assigned female at birth who identifies as male is a transgender man, while someone assigned male at birth who identifies as female is a transgender woman. Some individuals may identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming, meaning they do not exclusively identify as male or female, even when they have male or female genitalia.
It is important to note that gender identity is distinct from biological sex or sexual orientation. Transgender individuals may have a variety of gender expressions and may also undergo a process of transitioning, which can involve social, medical, and legal changes to affirm their authentic gender identity. Transitioning may include hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, changes in presentation, and legally changing their name and gender marker.
Transgender individuals often face unique challenges, including societal stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare and legal protections. It is crucial to respect and affirm transgender individuals' self-identified gender and support their rights to live authentically and without discrimination. Supporting transgender individuals involves creating inclusive environments, advocating for legal protections, and educating oneself and others about transgender experiences and identities.
Transgender rights and visibility have become significant topics in the ongoing struggle for ITGNC equality. Efforts to promote transgender inclusivity and acceptance seek to create a society that respects and values the diverse experiences and identities of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
It is essential to differentiate transgender experiences from lesbianism, gayism, bisexuality and queer/questioning, as gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation. Transgender individuals may however identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or any other sexual orientation within the diverse spectrum of human experiences.
Gender Non-Conforming Individuals
Gender-non-conforming (GNC) individuals are individuals whose gender expression, behaviors, or identity do not conform to societal expectations or norms associated with the binary understanding of gender. They may express themselves in ways that challenge or transcend traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
Gender non-conformity can manifest in various forms, including clothing choices, hairstyle, mannerisms, interests, and preferences that may be considered atypical for their assigned gender. For example, a person assigned female at birth who prefers to wear traditionally masculine clothing and engage in activities typically associated with masculinity would be considered gender non-conforming.
It is important to note that gender non-conformity does not necessarily indicate a person's gender identity. Some gender non-conforming individuals may identify as cisgender (identifying with the sex assigned at birth), while others may identify as transgender, non-binary, or another gender identity that does not conform to the traditional male/female binary.
Gender non-conforming individuals may face challenges related to social acceptance, discrimination, and understanding from society at large. They often navigate spaces that enforce rigid gender norms, and their identity and expression can be subject to scrutiny or pressure to conform.
Recognizing and respecting the identities and experiences of gender non-conforming individuals is essential to promoting inclusivity, understanding, and equality. Affirming their right to self-expression and supporting their autonomy helps create a more inclusive society that embraces the diversity of gender expression and identity.
It is important to note that gender non-conforming individuals are not synonymous with transgender individuals. While some gender non-conforming individuals may identify as transgender, others may not. Gender identity is a deeply personal and individual experience, and each person's gender journey is unique.
Challenging Misconceptions and Stereotypes
Confusing lesbianism, gayism, bisexuality and queerness with intersex, transgender, or gender non-conforming identities perpetuates misconceptions, stereotypes, and erasure of specific experiences. Each group faces distinct challenges related to societal acceptance, healthcare access, legal protections, and more. Recognizing and respecting these differences helps combat harmful assumptions and fosters a more accurate understanding of the diverse experiences within the ITGNC community.
Choice versus Nature
While lesbianism and gayism are as a result of individual choice, people who are intersex, transgender or gender-non-conforming may not have a choice. They either carry conflicting chromosomes or the level of hormones produced in their bodies conflicts the standards for the gender they were assigned at birth. There are a few who may make choices on which gender they take, but it is most often than not as a result of conflicting
Advocating for Inclusive Terminology
Using inclusive terminology, such as ITGNC, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the unique experiences of intersex, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals. This umbrella term reflects the evolving understanding of gender and recognizes the diverse identities and expressions that fall outside the traditional binary construct. Employing inclusive language fosters a culture of acceptance, encourages self-identification, and affirms the autonomy of individuals in defining their own experiences.
Promoting Intersectionality, Solidarity and Emphasizing the Importance of Visibility
Recognizing the distinctions between lesbianism, gayism, bisexuality, queerness, and ITGNC identities helps us acknowledge that individuals' experiences are shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, class, and more. By embracing diverse identities and experiences, we foster a more inclusive community that acknowledges the multiple dimensions of privilege and oppression.
Acknowledging the specific challenges faced by intersex, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals helps to amplify their voices, experiences, and needs. Recognizing their unique struggles is a crucial step towards dismantling systemic discrimination and advocating for policies that protect and affirm their rights.
The Cutting Edge: Distinctions
In conclusion, it is essential to differentiate lesbianism and gayism from the experiences of intersex, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals. As a matter of fact, lesbians and gays need to distance themselves from ITGNC individuals. Understanding the distinct challenges faced by each group contributes to a more accurate representation of the ITGNC community.
By using inclusive terminology like ITGNC, we promote understanding, respect, and visibility for those whose identities transcend traditional gender and sexual orientation norms. Recognizing and valuing these distinctions fosters a more inclusive society, working towards equality and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, or intersex status.
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