LGBT conversation and representation is in the media more than ever! Want to be part of the conversation, but confused about terminology? We’ve got you covered!
Gender Identity is how you, in your head, think about yourself. It’s the chemistry that composes you (e.g., hormone levels) and how you interpret what that means.
Gender Expression is how you demonstrate your gender (based on traditional gender roles) through the ways you act, dress, behave, and interact.
Biological Sex refers to the objectively measurable organs, hormones and chromosomes. Female= vagina, ovaries, XX chromosomes; male= penis, testes, XY chromosomes; intersex= a combination of the two.
Sexual Orientation is who you are physically, spiritually, and emotionally attracted to, based on their sex/gender in relation to your own.
Now that you have a basic understanding of sex vs. gender identity vs. gender expression vs. orientation, consider learning more about the LGBTQ community on our campus and becoming an ally!! Head to wcupa.edu/lgbtqa for training dates and more information!
Written by Dave Parsons, Peer Educator
Wellness RAMpage 