GAY There Is No Right Or Wrong Way of Being Which Diverse Sexual and Gender Identities Are Included, Valued and Celebrated As a Result of Our Active Commit- Gay
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The Rainbow Resource Centre envisions a society in GAY There is no right or wrong way of being which diverse sexual and gender identities are included, valued and celebrated as a result of our active commit- gay. Gay men can be effeminate or mascu- ment to promote and maintain dignity, human Male-identified line, quiet or outspoken, flamboyant or re- The Rainbow Resource Centre is a non-profit, freedoms and human rights. served, liberal minded or conservative. community-based charitable organization that individuals that have serves as the central agency offering support, What’s most important is to be yourself. information, counselling, referrals, library, and emotional, physical and/or public awareness on issues related to sexual How do you know? Subtle or strong orientation, gender diversity, and anti-homophobia sexual attractions to other indications, like sexual feelings or attractions education. male-identified to a person of the same-gender may appear out of nowhere causing a person to question CONTACT US individuals. their sexual orientation. Others may not have to question this attraction because they General Inquiries: (204) 474.0212 Ext. 201 - Adapted from the Trans-Academics “LGBRRSQI Terminology.” ‘just know.’ [email protected] http://www.trans-academics.org/lgbttsqiterminology.pdf (2006). fax: (204) 478.1160 Questioning your sexual orientation is Counselling: (204) 474.0212 Ext. 201 Gay also refers to a state of being happy, completely normal and natural, along with [email protected] the uncertainty and fear that comes with it. upbeat, or buoyant: Address: 170 Scott Street “I’m having a gay ole time.” Those questioning their sexual orientation Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0L3 can feel different from others - they may feel Unfortunately, gay has been alienated or excluded in conversations sur- The Rainbow Resource Centre is open: substituted for ‘stupid’ in the popular insult rounding crushes, partners, or assumed het- Monday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm erosexual. Tuesday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm “that’s so gay.” Wednesday 10:00 pm to 5:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm “Homosexual” is a clinical term once and There is no test that will indicate if a Friday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm still is in use to refer to gay individuals. person is gay or not. An individual must (closed weekends and statutory holidays) figure it out for themselves. Some use the term gay as an Please visit our website: umbrella term that encompasses the www.rainbowresourcecentre.org lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, intersex, queer, and questioning communities; i.e. “The Gay Community.” For individuals who want to learn more . 2012 WHERE ARE THEY? COMING OUT: HOMOPHOBIA/HOMONEGATIVITY: Nine Circles Community Health Centre: (204) 940.6000 or 1.888.305.8627 Gay individuals are everywhere – in every (Toll free in Manitoba) Coming out is an expression people use The irrational fear, dislike, hatred, aver- community, job industry, culture, age group, STI Info: (204) 945.2437 or Toll free when they voluntarily disclose their sexual sion, intolerance, and ignorance of ho- religion, and socioeconomic position. They 1.800.782.2437 orientation and/or gender identity to others. mosexuality and of lesbian, gay, bisexu- participate in life the way they choose; for www.ninecircles.ca It is a process that generally occurs on three al, transgender, Two-Spirit and queer some, being gay is only a small part of their levels: personal (with ones self), private (LGBTTQ) individuals. identity. SERC (Sexuality Education Resource Centre): (family and friends), and public (at work or (204) 982.7800 (Winnipeg) in the community at large). Every coming Although homophobia has always existed, it (204) 727.0417 (Brandon) Conforming to stereotypes may bog you out experience is different. For some, it may is only recently that we were able to give it a The Facts of Life Line: (204) 947.9222 or down, so be yourself. A person’s sexual be very positive and for others, it may be name, and, especially, that we came to realize Toll free 1.800.432.1957 orientation is invisible, only you and very negative; or it could be a combination that it constitutes an unacceptable attitude in www.serc.mb.ca those you choose to tell will know you of both. a civilized society, which can be equated to are gay. Outwords Inc. (local LGBTT* magazine): sexism or racism. Adapted from the National Day Against Homophobia www.homophobie.org, (2006). www.outwords.ca While some folks may come out, others There is no rush to categorize, identify, choose to remain “in the closet” because of or label oneself. Each individual discovers COMMUNITY RESOURCES: fear of discrimination, lack of support, their own sexual orientation at their own and/or fear of rejection. The best time to pace. Some may embrace and others may Local Links: National and International Links: come out is when you are ready. If you deny their attractions. choose to disclose your sexual orientation gAy&E: gay social group that participates in Get It On: with anyone, be sure it is someone you trust, Winnipeg’s arts, culture, and entertainment sce- www.getiton.ca Unfortunately, homophobia often makes it someone who is a good listener, who will ne. For more info. email: [email protected] difficult to acknowledge this part of one respect confidentiality, and will be encourag- COLAGE (Children of Lesbians self. However difficult it may be, it is im- ing. Gay Fathers of Winnipeg: and Gays Everywhere): portant to note that denying ones sexual www.colage.org www.gayfathersofwinnipeg.com orientation may lead to increased mental Remember, you are not alone in this. and physical health risks including self- Klinic Community Health Centre Egale Canada: Coming out is a life-long journey. There are loathing, decreased self-esteem, isolation, 24 Hour Crisis Line: www.egale.ca resources available in depression, self-destructive behaviour, such (204)786.8686 or 1.888.322.3019 (Toll free) your community as as substance abuse, and unsafe or risky sex- TTY 784.4097 PFLAG Canada: well as people who www.pflagcanada.ca ual behaviour. In extreme cases, denial and www.klinic.mb.ca are willing to shame may result in attempted or complet- support you. Men’s Resource Centre: GLSEN: ed suicide. Intake phone line: (204) 956.9528 or (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) 1.866.672.3422 (Toll free) www.glsen.org Whatever the risks, disclosure of ones www.elizabethhill.ca/mrc.html sexual orientation is up to the individu- al and should only be done when they are RAY (Resource Assistance for Youth): comfortable and feel safe to do so. 24 hour help line: 1.800.668.4663 www.rayinc.ca .