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This pride month let’s take a second to think about the underrepresented identities within the LGBTQ2S+ community. Every pride month we open up conversations about gender and sexuality, but oftentimes we see a lack of information on some identities. While we love talking about all LGBTQ2S+ identities, this pride month we want to talk about these underrepresented ones and highlight the importance of education and support for everyone.
When we talk about pride and the LGBTQ2S+ community, we often look at gay and lesbian individuals. There has also recently been more discussion on gender expression and gender identity. What we do not often touch upon is other identities and intersectionality within the LGBTQ2S+ community. While there is no way to define what these identities mean to everyone, we will still go over some of these underrepresented identities and what they mean to different people.
Firstly, it is important we speak about intersectionality within the community. Racialized and disabled queer individuals have been the backbone of much of queer activism, but they also experience discrimination and exclusion in different ways than non-racialized folks. Intersectionality is the concept that we as individuals have various social and political identities that we fall within, and these identities overlap and create a system of disadvantage and/or discrimination specific to the individual. LGBTQ2S+ individuals may find intersectionality within their queer identities, within their race, within their disabilities, etc. These identities affect how individuals can live safely and comfortably within their identities and can affect how people are accepted into the LGBTQ2S+ community or are accepted by others outside of the community.
Now, what are underrepresented identities? These are identities that are often not spoken about and are even at times excluded from the LGBTQ2S+ communities. Some examples of these identities are as follows:
- Bisexual
- Pansexual
- Demisexual
- Asexual
- Aromantic
- Biromantic
- Two spirited
- Multigendered or omnigendered
- Pangender
- And more
This only touches upon the beginning of LGBTQ2S+ identities, but gives us an idea of what we are speaking about today.
Many of these identities experience a form of erasure; for example, bi-erasure. Bi-erasure is a form of exclusion and lack of belief from both within the LGBTQ2S+ community and from those outside the community; believing a bisexual person is either gay or straight. This has resulted in exclusion in many forms. Exclusion also happens often for individuals with various gender identities or expressions, as they experience individuals denying their gender identity or expression as correct or real. This can affect these individuals in many ways, including furthering feelings of isolation as well as furthering the concern or comfort in coming out. Many of these identities are also underrepresented in media, as well as less seen and spoken about by others.
It is so important we start discussing, showing, and providing support, discussion, and education on all LGBTQ2S+ identities. Ensuring every single person feels welcome and supported will create a safer space for everyone. Take some time this Pride month to educate yourself on different identities and intersectionalities and look into activism happening in your community (check out our Pride blog from last year to learn more about Pride month activism).
Check out this link for resources and fun ways to learn more!
Need support now? Check out these resources:
LGBT Youthline
Peer Support Helpline: Text (647) 694-4275; Phone: 1-800-268-9688
Chat online: www.youthline.ca
Toronto Rape Crisis Center/Multicultural Women Against Rape
Phone: (416) 597-8808 (crisis line)
Phone: ( 416) 597-1171 (book counselling appointment)
Email: info@trccmwar.ca (for information)
Hours: 24/7
Website: https://trccmwar.ca/
Trans Lifeline
Hotline: 1-877-330-6366
Website: https://translifeline.org/
Good2Talk
Phone: 1-866-925-5454
Text: Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
Hours: 24/7
Website: https://good2talk.ca/