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Introduction

Sex: based on biological classification at birth, being that of male, female, or intersex 

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Gender: how one perceives their own gender identity; can differ from one's gender expression

The acronym LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and beyond) can be misleading in that it combines the ideas of sexual orientation with gender identity within one thought. This being said, despite this combined acronym, the experience of those within minority sexual orientation groups does not directly correlate with that of transgender identities and intersex identities. 

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Gender Identity: perception of one's own gender and gender expression

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Sexual Orientation: indicates the relation one has with the sexual and romantic attractions to others  

Transgender Terminology

Transgender: An umbrella term for those whose gender identity does not align with one's assigned gender at birth 

 

Examples of other Terminology

The examples given mean vastly different things for different people and this uniqueness is important to recognize when working with individuals who identify as such:

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- Non-Binary: broadly defined as a gender identity that does not alight within the gender binary

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- Gender Fluid: when one's gender identity is not fixed; can identify as masculine, feminine, or neither based on the feelings of the time, very personal to the individual

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- Agender: when an individual does not identify with a specific gender; not identifying with a specific gender

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Pronouns

- Pronouns are based on the preference of the individual being discussed 

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Common Pronouns

she/her/hers                        he/him/his                    they/them/theirs

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- Some individuals also use pronouns sets such as she/they, he/they, they/he, they/she, or a combination of she/he/they

           - For many individuals who use these pronoun sets, this means that they prefer an alternation between these pronouns but again, it is preferred to ask the individual's preference as to how to utilize their pronouns

           - Examples of this: "She watched the movie with their friends." or "They get bored when reading books about history but he really enjoys books about the supernatural."

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Not everyone who identifies as non-binary or genderqueer considers themselves trans. This is a deeply personal choice and the terminology used for those within this community should be respected based on preference. 

Workplace/Healthcare Inclusivity

Trans Identities and Mental Health

Gender Dysphoria: "psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one's sex assigned at birth and one's gender identity" (APA)

      - Experienced by some transgender individuals

      - Can often start in childhood but can also occur later in life -- puberty can also cause this to intensify 

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Ways to Help Decrease Symptoms of Gender Dysphoria 

  • Social affirmation (changing one's name and pronouns)

  • Legal affirmation (changing gender on legal documents) 

  • Medical affirmation (hormone treatments, puberty blockers)

  • Surgical affirmation (vaginoplasty, facial feminization surgery, breast augmentation, masculine chest reconstruction/top surgery)

These choices are based on the individual's desires within their transition and choosing not to do any of these does not make the person any less trans.  â€‹

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DSM-5 Diagnosis For Adolescents & Adults

"A marked incongruence between one's experienced/expressed gender and assigned gender, of at least six months' duration, as manifested by at least two or more of the following:

  • A marked incongruence between one's experienced/expressed gender and primary and/or secondary sex characteristics (or in young adolescents, the anticipated secondary sex characteristics)

  • A strong desire to be rid of one's primary and/or secondary sex characteristics because of a marked incongruence with one's experienced/expressed gender (or in young adolescents, a desire to prevent the development of the anticipated secondary sex characteristics)

  • A strong desire for the primary and/or secondary sex characteristics of the other gender

  • A strong desire to be of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one's assigned gender)

  • A strong desire to be treated as the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one's assigned gender)

  • A strong conviction that one has the typical feelings and reactions of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one's assigned gender)

The condition is associated with clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of function." 

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Definitional Elements

1. Affirmative: (In context to self-affirming results in therapy) Affirmative results in a therapeutic setting would include comprehending the validity of one's own identity and a boost in self-esteem in regard to that same identity (McNulty Counseling, 2019). The hope is to feel confident that one's identity is not a hindrance to one's life nor the lives of those around them (McNulty Counseling, 2019). Affirmation of identity will ideally lessen symptoms of severe mental illness and increase quality of life. 

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2. Gender Non-Conforming: This term has been coined in recent gendered developments within the larger LGBTQ+ community. This term is often used under the umbrella term, transgender, which describes someone who feels as though their assigned sex at birth deviates from or does not align with the gender identity they feel within themselves (Nadal et al., 2012). The term gender non-conforming alludes to an individual who does not identify within the gender binary. For the purposes of this site, we refer to these individuals as TGNC (transgender & gender non-conforming). These individuals can also be categorized as gender diverse.

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3. Therapy: (In context to LGBTQ+-specific counseling) Conducted by a counselor that is knowledgable and informed on issues related to LGBTQ+ identities. According to Clarity Clinic, a therapy office that provides LGBTQ+ therapy, the sessions typically do not focus on the specific LGBTQ+ identity itself, but rather explores the challenges that one may encounter in daily life (n.d.). Since daily experiences can be greatly influenced by these identities, being knowledgeable on the topics, and marking oneself as such when marketing their practice will be important to LGBTQ+ people who are seeking treatment. 

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4. LGBTQ+: This acronym has commonly been used to describe members of a community who do not identify within the confines of the labels "heterosexual" and/or "cisgender" (one who identifies as the gender the were given at birth). This term has been used to describe those people as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and/or other sexualities/gender identities not represented by the corresponding letters (i.e., the +) ("Defining LGBTQ", 2020). 

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5. Age/Age Cohorts: For purposes of our research project, we are designing this website for TGNC individuals, regardless of age group, and professional mental health clinicians. We wish to offer resources and education to TGNC individuals in need of affirmative therapeutic services, as well as guidelines and codes of ethics for mental health professionals seeking to learn methods of allyship towards this vulnerable community. 

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