What is Sean's Legacy?
We are a nonprofit organization, and our mission is to provide a safe space full of support, supplies, and inspiration to keep you going! Sean drives the inspiration behind our organization. He has inspired us with his charismatic personality; however, he lost his struggle at the age of thirteen. Through his effect on our lives, we strive to relay his message and provide support to the LGBTQ+ community. We want everyone to have a positive environment to learn, thrive, and grow.
This intro blog entry is here to welcome, set the pace, and orient you to the organization and some terms on the start of your journey. Wherever you are on your growth timeline, we are here for you every step of the way. The following are some introduction terms to get started:
LGBTQ+ background and information:
LGBTQ is an acronym used about youth and adolescent and the letter breakdown is as follows:
L: Lesbian (adj., noun) –refers to someone who is female and expresses sexual and physical attraction to other females.
G: Gay (adj.) – is a generalized term that refers to a person who is emotionally and sexually attracted to someone of their own gender (this term is more frequently used to describe men).
B: Bisexual (adj.) – refers to someone who is sexually and emotionally attracted to people inclusive in their own gender as well as people outside their gender.
T: Transgender (adj.) – (trans) referencing someone who is born outside of their gender assigned at birth with a disconnect to their sex labeled at birth and how they self identify.
Q: Queer (adj.) – a generalized term that is used to describe gender orientation as it occurs outside of traditional societal norms. (This term is not always accepted in the community due to past negative connotations)
Here are some additional key terms and concepts:
Sex: This is typically labeled as “male” or “female” organs, but is relative to the bodies anatomy or the sex organs genetically established. Keep in mind that the body you’re born with does not always coordinate with how you define yourself mentally. There is always room for flexibility!
Sexual Orientation: This term is used loosely to define who someone is attracted to physically or sexually. Mostly this term applies to everyone regardless of where their interest lies. Here is the breakdown within this term:
Heterosexual – Someone who is attracted to the opposite sex or gender
Gay or Lesbian – Someone who is attracted to someone of the same gender
Bisexual – Someone who is attracted to both sexes or genders
Pansexual or Omnisexual – People attracted to someone independent of their sex or gender (sex or gender does not influence who they are attracted to)
Asexual – Someone whose attraction is low or non-existent to any sex or gender
Gender Identity: This is associated with how you identify yourself (purely internal). Whether that is female, male, or of another alternative identification.
Cisgender- describes someone whose gender correlates with their sex designated at birth. So, for example, this would be someone who identifies as female and when born was designated as female.
Transgender – (trans) someone who identifies their gender differently than the sex they’re assigned or associated with at birth.
Gender Fluid or Gender Creative – these terms allow for a range under this gender identification that is more flexible.
Gender Expression: This term refers to your expression of gender towards others as an individual, through clothes, mannerisms, or interests. Society has deemed what they believe as "feminine" or "masculine" behavior, and this term describes how gender influences you. Gender expression does not have to be all-inclusive or exclusive and can mix between feminine and masculine qualities.
Questioning: is a term used to describe someone who is not quite sure where they fall on the scale of gender or sexual identity (and that is total okay!!).
Transitioning: This term applies to people who are making a transition between their gender identity. The transition can apply to medical changes, internal perception, or their outward expression.
Coming Out: An important part of the self-journey, where the individual's established gender identification of sexual orientation is expressed to others (family, friends, coworkers, or anyone necessary). This can be a stressful time, and having and developing a support system along the way is important. Stay strong, there is nothing more important than your happiness and wellbeing. You must feel comfortable with when, where, and who you bring into your circle.
Additionally, there are many other terms when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. It is not necessary to feel that each term is all-inclusive or that you need to fall solely into one category. What is important is finding what feels right for you. It may feel hard and overwhelming sometimes, but we want to be your guide as you establish and define who you are.
Intro to Pronouns:
Establishing pronouns can provide a more inclusive environment and work against previously set societal gender norms. For example, someone who identifies as a woman can identify as “she or her,” or men can use “him or his." Some common gender-neutral pronouns can include they/them/theirs and Ze/Hir/Hir. Ze is pronounced like zee and replaces she or he. Hir is pronounced like here and replaces her/him/his/her.
These pronouns allow for reference to an individual without assigning them a particular gender. It is best upon introduction to establish how you or someone else would like to be referenced.
It is never okay to refer to someone as "it" or "he-she," for this has negative connotations. If you are ever unsure, talk to the individual privately to address what makes them comfortable or to express how you feel most accepted.
Overall, we want to design this space for you to use during your journey. Each topic discussed will work to guide you and help you through times of personal growth. Positivity, knowledge, and acceptance are what you will find here at Sean’s Legacy. We hope to see you grow and connect and allow us to be that guiding light.
Keep an eye out for our next blog entry topic: The LGBTQ+ Community Background and History!
Stay strong, positive, and courageous!
Until next time,
Aliccia Koznecki, on behalf of Sean’s Legacy
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help or guidance:
You are not alone! Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Anytime (24/7): 1-800-273-8255
References:
https://uwm.edu/lgbtrc/support/gender-pronouns/
https://www.glsen.org/article/pronouns-resource-educators
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/lgbtq-youth/key-terms-and-concepts
https://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/LGBT-Glossary_March2016.pdf