Define 2slgbtqia+
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2SLGBTQIA+: An expansion of the commonly used LGBT acronym to stand for Two-Spirit (2S), Lesbian (L), Same-sex attracted (G), Bisexual (B), Trans person (T), Queer or Questioning (Q), Intersex (I), Asexual (A), used to demonstrate the vast spectrum of sexual orientations, romantic orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions a person may hold over their lifetime (+). Two-Spirit is placed at the beginning of the 2SLGBTQIA+ acronym to acknowledge that Native people and Native identities came before any concept of the Western-defined identities in the rest of the acronym. Moreover, it brings awareness to the racism and violence Native people have faced and proceed to face.
2SLGBTQIA+ terminology is continuously evolving. As a result, it is important to note that this list is not an exhaustive list and these definitions are a starting point to understanding 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and issues. Different 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities may have broader or more specific understandings of these terms.
2SLGBTQIA+: An acronym for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Queer , Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and other people in the rainbow community.
AFAB /AMAB: Short for “assigned female at birth” and “assigned male at birth,” or usually based on the appearance of a person’s genitals when they are born. These terms are preferable to inaccurate statements like saying someone is “biologically female” or “used to be a man.”
AGENDER: A person who feels that they accomplish not have a gender identity or that their gender identity is neutral.
ALLY: Someone who fights alongside a marginalized identity group but who does not distribute that same identity. They believe in the dignity of and respect for all people and are willing to stand up in that role. For example, someone who identifies as heterosexual could be an ally for the 2SLG
“Never Give Up”
Saint Lawrence Island Yup’ik Value
If you carry out an Internet search for “gay,” “glbt,” “lgbtq,” or “homosexuality,” a lot of different terms start appearing. The number of words to describe someone’s sexual orientation and/or gender culture may seem overwhelming, but we’re here to find you up to speed. The following definitions are provided as a guide, some people may use them differently or have their own definitions for the words. We are going to define them in how they are most commonly used.
Although these terms are often together, sexual orientation and gender individuality are very different. Sexual orientation describes who you are attracted to, while gender identity describes how you view yourself. These two concepts are independent of one another, sense that your sexual orientation does not affect your gender identity, and your gender identity does not affect your sexual orientation.
Don’t worry if none of these terms completely fit you, or that you feel like one word describes you this week and another term next week. Part of creature human is change and that includes our sexual orientation and our gender presentatio
Featured Terms
Two Spirit (2S)
An umbrella term for the many Indigenous traditional identities forcefully suppressed by colonization. The term honours the fluid and diverse nature of gender and attraction and its connection to collective and spirituality. An individual may choose to operate this term instead of, or in addition to, identifying as LGBTQI.
Learn more about the Two Energy identity
Queer
An umbrella designation that may variously depict 2SLGBTQI communities, one’s partnership to a particular society, or an individual culture. It can denote same-gender attraction or reflect more complex dynamics between one’s sex, gender, and attraction experiences.
Gender Identity & Assigned Sex
Gender Identity: A person’s internal and individual life of gender. It is not necessarily visible to others and it may or may not align with what society expects based on assigned sex.
Agender
A person who experiences either having no gender or a neutral gender identity.
Cisgender
A person whose gender culture corresponds with what is socially expected based on their sex assigned at birth (e.g. A person who was assigned male at birth and identif
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