Transcript Reflections on Sex, Gender and Sexuality

Reflections on Sex,
Gender and Sexuality
Lyndsey Hampton, R. Psych.
Carolyn Claire, R. Psych.
"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing
its best, night and day, to make you like everybody else
means to fight the hardest battle which any human being
can fight; and never stop fighting."
E.E. Cummings
Agenda
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Clarify language
Inviting conversations and becoming an ally
Honoring identities while deepening identity
exploration
Highlights from a rural Alberta initiative
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We would like to respectfully acknowledge
all gender and sexual diversities that may be
represented in this audience today and trust
that this time will be one of learning from
each other.
Quiz
It is only since the late 1800's in western society that
individuals have taken on gender identities that are
different than their assigned sex.
True or False?
Quiz
A person cannot know that they are gay until they have
started going through puberty.
True or False?
Quiz
The diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder adheres to
gender stereotypes and those who do not conform to
gender norms are vulnerable to the diagnosis of
mental illness.
True or False?
Sex
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Sex: refers to the person’s genitalia and is usually,
but not always, identified at birth as either male or
female
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Many different notions of sex: chromosomes, hormones, etc.
Inter-sexed: a general term used for a variety of conditions
in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual
anatomy that does not seem to fit the typical definitions of
female or male.
Sex spectrum
Female
XX chromosomes
Estrogens
Vagina
Ovaries/Uterus
Intersexed
Male
XX, XY, XXY, XO
XY chromosomes
variation
Androgens/Testosterone
micropenis, clitoral penis
Penis
variation
Testis
Gender
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Designation of feminine/masculine or man/woman
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Cisgender: congruency between assigned sex and gender
identity
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Transgender / Trans-Identified: individuals with
identities that transgress dominant cultures expectations
for males or females.
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Gender queer
Two-spirited
Third Gender
Other differently gendered persons
Gender spectrum
Sexual Orientation
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Sexual Orientation: self-perception of one’s sexual
preference and emotional attraction
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Heterosexual/Straight
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Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Bi-Curious, Queer
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Experienced through the person’s gender identity
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We choose people who validate our preferred identity
Common Assumptions
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Sex  Gender  Sexual Orientation
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Male genitals  Boy - Masculine attributes  Will like
women
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Female genitals  Girl - Feminine attributes  Will like
men
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Heteronormativity: refers to the perspective that privileges a
normative congruency between sex, sexuality and gender
expression.
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Sex
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Gender
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Sexual Orientation
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Case Study 1.
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In pairs identify:
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3 potential counsellor biases or assumptions
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3 practices to invite Matti into an affirming
conversation supporting the exploration of his
identity
How to become an Ally?
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Language
Queer material
Markers – i.e. stickers, buttons, etc.
Start GSA
Introduce queer topics
Identity Development
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Marcia – Identity Status of Psychological Identity
Development
1. Identity Diffusion
2. Identity Foreclosure
3. Identity Moratorium
4. Identity Achievement
Case Study 2.
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In pairs identify:
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How can we honor a chosen identity while
encouraging depth of identity exploration.
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What could be potential barries to this?
Allies in Rural Communities
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Benefits to community-based GSAs, both for the
individuals involved and for their communities
Privacy
Meet youth from other schools
Meet glbt adults and adult allies who can act as
mentors
Allies in Rural Communities
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“Community-based GSA provides opportunities
for GLBT youth and adults to meet in a healthy
atmosphere…(p.107)”
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“Youth members can also play a greater role in
decision making in a community alliance…(p.107)”
OUTSide the Box
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Reflections from a Rural Alberta queer youth group
What made this work?
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Counsellors in school
Support of established youth program
Direct referrals from mental health program
Parental consents not required
Activities
Why is it important
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Quotes
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“I found that because of Outside the Box I
have had an extra place to go to meet with
people that I have something in common with.
It is a place I can learn and express my
interest with. I’ve also been glad that
everyone has been so accepting and open
minded.”
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18 year-old member of 2 years
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“The world. All of earth along with all of the
things occupying it (even though I never
come).”
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16 year-old member for 1.5 years
Best practices
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Address own biases and assumptions
Co-develop strategies to deal with the stigmatization
and discrimination:
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Narrative therapy – creating an alternate life story shaped
by resiliency, strength and resourcefulness
Social Constructionist therapy – examining and
challenging society’s messages regarding gender
Affirm client’s experiences and expression of sexual
and gender diversity
Best practices
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Encouraging clients to examine dominant gender
norms that are taken for granted and are
pathologizing .
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Collaborate with client to forge healthy accepting
relationships and a sense of community in their
journey to self-acceptance
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Follow your client’s lead; not all issues stem from or
lead back to gender or sexual diversities.
Resources
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Share emails
Provincial/national/international resources
Readings