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I s s u e 10

LGBTQ+Paws: Providing awarenes for wildcat students 2017-2018 PAWS Staff

Cameron Wehr ‘18 Aida Raza ‘18 Alice Bibaud ‘19 Andy Braham ‘19 Sami Linden ‘19 Alec Marcellin ‘19 Alex Niles ‘19 Justin Quan ‘19 Renin Surucu ‘19 Tatum Jenkins ‘19 Rachel Lowenbraun ‘20 Charlotte Brezoczky ‘20 Kathleen Wehr All artwork by Alice Bibaud and Sami Linden Our staff would like to thank the Los Gatos High School Ad- ministration for their support. A huge thank you goes out to our advisor Kathleen Wehr, and our editors Renin Surucu, Cam- eron Wehr, and Sami Linden for pioneering this issue Table of Contents

Introduction...... 1

What Is LGBTQ+...... 2

Timeline...... 5

Understanding spectrum...... 9

Coming out...... 11

Stereotypes + Misconceptions...... 13

Language + insensitivity...... 17

Pride...... 19

Sources...... 21 Introduction by PAWS Staff

“I AM HUMAN”: The rally cry of millions of LGBTQ+ Americans and millions more worldwide. Beyond any- thing, beyond labels of sexuality and gender, people of the LGBTQ+ community wish to be addressed as noth- ing less than equal in the workplace, in marriage, and in every other facet of society. However, many LGBTQ+ people still consistently face throughout their everyday lives, from demeaning jokes and stereo- types to the denial of their basic human rights. Many feel the need to conceal their identities, and as a result they become hidden in plain sight. Seeing the LGBTQ+ student population at LGHS and in the world at large, we, the PAWS staff, decided to highlight the LGBTQ+ community and the struggles they face, both in realizing their own identities and in con- fronting the subsequent societal pressures. Our goal: to foster solidarity and acceptance for people of all sexu- alities and genders. 1 What is LGbtq+ By cameron wehr and alex niles Since the late 1960s, the label really a necessary part of LGBTQ+ movement has normal- the modern identity; the right to ized sexual and gender expres- be undefined is implicit in the sion beyond the heterosexual “Q” of the acronym. In this arti- and norm. Same-sex cle, we will explain the meanings marriage is now legal in the Unit- of some common terms that will ed States; rights are appear in the rest of the issue. at the forefront of public policy; Despite their prevalence, and, in some states, individuals it is important to remember that may choose to identify as non- these labels are not confining. binary on birth certificates and Individuals should always be driver’s licenses. With this prog- able to choose and use whichev- ress, it is imperative to under- er labels they feel best reflects stand the basic terminology of themselves. We also would like the LGBTQ+ community in order to note that labels do not define to cherish the community as it is people; they simply describe and also address the problems a specific aspect of the overall that it faces every day. person. The whole basis of the LGBTQ+ is the umbrella LGBTQ+ community is to fos- acronym for the community of ter acceptance and awareness people that identifies other than of those that fit beyond the gen- cisgender and heterosexual. The der-sexual binary. shortened acronym stands for Aside: Though we will dis- , , Bisexual, Trans- cuss other non-binary gender gender, or Questioning, and sexual identities within this and beyond; however, there are issue, we will address the col- many more categories and sub- lective non-heterosexual and categories by which many indi- non-cisgender communities as viduals may choose to identi- the LGBTQ+ community. fy. Nor is identification with any 2 Basic Terminology bel(s) best describe themselves. : One’s own per- ception of self as male, , : A person born with repro- a mix of both, or neither. Gender ductive anatomy that doesn’t seem identity can differ or be the same to fit the typical definitions of male as the sex assigned at birth. or female. This may be found at birth, during puberty, with infertility : The physical as an adult, or even, in some cas- exhibition of one’s gender identi- es, after death when autopsied. In- ty, typically referred to in terms of tersex was formerly known as her- masculinity or femininity. maphrodite; however, because of ’s negative connota- Sex (Gender Assigned at Birth): tion, use intersex. The classification of a person as male or female, usually based on Gender their external anatomy at birth. Transgender: An umbrella term for The sex appears on birth certifi- a person whose gender identity or cates. gender expression differs from their sex (the gender identity assigned to : An inherent them at birth). emotional, romantic, or sexual at- traction to someone else. : More common among older generations, the term de- Queer: A term that younger gener- scribes those who permanently ations have revitalized to describe change their physical anatomy via anyone outside of the cisgender hormones or surgery. Unlike trans- or heterosexual norm. Due to its gender, transsexual is not an um- divisive past and current, alleviat- brella term and is clarified only by ed connotations, the term should asking the individual. only be used to self-identify or to quote someone who self-identi- Trans*: An umbrella term that con- fies as queer. tracts transgender or transsexual.

Questioning: Anyone exploring Genderqueer: An identity for those their sexual orientation or gen- who do not identify or express their der who are not yet sure which la- gender within the

3 of male to female or masculine to also encompass any non-het- feminine. erosexual person.

Gender Fluid: A person who does Bisexual: Sexually attracted to not identify with a specific gender. both sexes; however, the term Their gender expression involves generally includes those who a mixture of masculine, feminine, identify out of the gender bina- and other characteristics. ry.

Nonbinary: Adjectival umbrella Pansexual: A person attracted term for all gender identities other to people of all gender identi- than male or female. ties and expressions.

Cisgender, or Cis: Term for those Asexual: A person incapable of who identify with their sex given to experiencing sexual attraction. them at birth. However, cis people can still have nonconforming gen- Aromantic: A person incapable der expression, expressing their of experiencing romantic at- identity beyond masculine or fem- traction. Aromantic people are inine. capable of feeling love only pla- tonically, such as between fam- Sexuality ily members. Attraction: A physical, emotional, sexual, or romantic connection to Demisexual: Sexual attraction another. only comes after forming a close emotional or romantic bond Heterosexual: Attracted to the gen- with their partner. A demisexual der opposite their own. A transgen- does not feel sexual attraction der person can be heterosexual. to outward physical character- istics. Lesbian: A female-identifying per- son who is sexually attracted to a female-identifying person. Polysexual: Attraction to many genders, but not all. The term Gay: A male who is sexually attract- is similar to pansexual but is ed to another male. The term can slightly less all-encompassing. 4 LGbtq+ Timeline

The history of the LGBTQ+ community is a long timeline of struggle and acceptance, lined with oppression, blood, and triumph. By understand- ing the long road to tolerance and more rights for individuals in this group, more people can become aware of how their actions and words affect LGBTQ+ persons around them.

1945 - People who identify as homosexual remain in concentration camps despite liberation from the Allied forces because part of the Ger- man criminal code states that homosexual relationships are illegal along with underage sex, abuse, and bestiality

December 15, 1950 - Federal and state governments investigated and dismissed thousands of employees believed to be gay or lesbian be- cause they were considered a “security threat.” This time period is often referred to as the “Lavender Scare”

1952 - Christine Jorgensen undergoes a sex change, becoming the first American to do so. She was considered to be one of the first openly trans- gender people represented in the media

July 1961 - Illinois is the first state to tear down laws that criminalize ho- mosexuality

June 28, 1969 - Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a , in New York City, creating tension in the relationship between queer individuals and the police. Protests sprung up from this event, causing fighting for three days, and the are seen as a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights

June 28, 1970 - On the one year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, peo- ple march through the streets of New York City in remembrance, creating 5 Christopher Street Liberation Day and forming what is considered the first parade

January 1, 1973 - Maryland is the first state to ban gay marriage

June 24, 1973 - A prominent gay bar in New Orleans, called the Upstairs Lounge, is intentionally burned to the ground with people inside it. 32 people died inside the building and this fire is considered as the deadli- est attack on the LGBTQ+ community in America

1975 - Minneapolis passes a law to stop discrimination against trans- gender people, becoming the first state to do so

November 8, 1977 - Harvey Milk is the first openly gay man elected to public office in California when he wins a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. During his time in office before his assassination, Milk fought against discrimination and hate against LGBTQ+ people

1978 - Gilbert Baker creates the first rainbow flag in memory of the dead and openly gay politician, Harvey Milk.

October 14, 1979 - Thousands of people march to promote LGBTQ+ rights in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights

March 2, 1982 - is the first state to make discrimination based on sexuality illegal

October 7, 1988 - Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, dies five days after injuries from the head sustained from being beaten and tor- tured because of his sexual orientation. Thousands then protested out- side the US Capitol in response to this act of violence, demanding more laws to stop hate crimes and protect LGBTQ+ individuals

November 30, 1993 - President Bill Clinton enacts the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which prevents openly gay and lesbian people from joining the military, but forbids anyone from harassing “closeted” individuals

6 September 21, 1996 - President Bill Clinton enacts the Defense of Mar- riage Act, which bans federal recognition of gay marriage and narrows the definition of marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife”

December 3, 1996 - Hawaii becomes the first state to give gay and les- bian partners the same privileges as heterosexual married couples when Judge Chang rules that a state cannot take away citizens’ right to same- sex marriage

April 1997 - In Time Magazine titled, “Yep, I’m Gay,” Ellen DeGeneres comes out as lesbian and her show, Ellen, is one of the first to feature a lesbian character. A year later, her show is cancelled

1999 - The first international transgender day of remembrance takes place to honor those killed because of transgender hate crimes

May 17, 2004 - The first legal union of same-sex individuals in the Unit- ed States takes place

2008 - When Angie Zapata, a transgender female, is murdered, and her killer becomes the first person convicted of a against a trans- gender person

October 28, 2009 - President Barack Obama enacts the Matthew Shep- ard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which defines any crime committed with motives based in sexuality, gender, or disability as a hate crime

September 20, 2011 - The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is rescinded, al- lowing gay and lesbian people to openly join the military

2011 - The Obama administration declares they won’t support the De- fense of Marriage Act that banned the recognition of gay marriage in America

2012 - Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which makes it illegal to dis- 7 criminate employees based on gender, is extended to transgender peo- ple

May 9, 2012 - Barack Obama is the first US President to openly support gay marriage when he states his opinion in an interview on ABC

June and July 2014 - Laverne Cox, an actress on “,” appears on the cover of Time magazine, becoming the first trans- gender person to be featured on the cover of the publication. In July, she becomes the first transgender Emmy nominee

June 1, 2015 - Caitlyn Jenner introduces herself and discusses her jour- ney of transitioning in Vanity Fair

June 26, 2015 - The Supreme Court rules that gay marriage is legal across all fifty states

June 2016 - James Shupe becomes the first people to change their gen- der to “non-binary”

June 30, 2016 - The Pentagon announces the repeal of the ban on trans- gender people serving in the military

June 26, 2017 - President Trump announces the ban on transgender in- dividuals serving in the military through his Twitter account

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You have probably used with. This is why the LGBT com- one of the gender neutral bath- munity has seen a resurgence in rooms at school. They were in- recent years, and why there are stalled last year, around the more “uncloseted” transgender time that The “Bathroom Bill”, people in America. People are which attempted to restrict beginning to learn that gender bathroom use for the transgen- is a psychological concept that der population, was passed in is part of an individual’s identity, Alabama. The idea is that any- something that a person is not body can use them, regardless necessarily born with, like sex. of sex or gender identity. I say Additionally, like any aspect of sex or gender because they identity, gender can be elusive are not the same thing. Read: and difficult to define. This is why gender is not anatomical. It is there are people who identify as related to, but not defined by, non-binary. Something as fluid biological sex. Because of this as gender should not be ascribed disconnect, there are people to a binary form of thinking. who identify as something that The aforementioned belief is not traditionally associat- is something that the gender- ed with the sex they are born fluid population embodies. The 9 idea that a person can identify chromosomes. Genes on those as the entire spectrum is a rel- chromosomes can cause fe- atively new one, but it shows males with two otherwise nor- something about humans that mal X chromosomes to grow is important to note: it is possi- testicles, a mutation better ble to overcome the binary. known as Turner syndrome. Biological sex is not bina- Certain hormones and enzymes ry, either. It may seem that way can also alter a person’s sex: because a majority of the pop- the same lack of enzymes that ulation seems to have gender caused a population of girls in identities that aligns with their the Dominican Republic to be- biological sex, or at least ap- come male during puberty can pears to. It is easy enough to cause a male to develop an in- see someone as either a boy or sensitivity to the very hormones a girl. However, as with gender, that make up his maleness. sex is far more nuanced than There are secondary sex traits, the traditional pink and blue: like cellulite and Adam’s’ ap- it falls on a spectrum of one, ples, that also play into a per- both, neither, or somewhere in son’s sex. A grand total of one between the binary we are ac- percent of the American popu- customed to. There is a very im- lation qualifies as intersex, the portant grey area that needs to grey area between male and be acknowledged: the intersex female. Statistically speaking, population. The medical criteria seventeen of these amazing for intersexuality is a discrep- non - binary people could go ancy between internal (ovaries, to LGHS. You may know them, testes) and external genita- or you may not. Without know- lia. Lately, as more research is ing them personally, everyone done on these conditions, they can take something away from are being called disorders of their existence: the binary way sex development, or DSD’s. in which we think about gender Scientifically, it has been and sex is outdated. It is time to proven many times that sex is make room for the spectrum. not relegated solely to X and Y 10 , whenever you’re ready By Charlot e Brezoczky and Renin Surucu

Coming out is more than just telling someone how you feel, it is a process of accepting who you are and being ready enough to share it with trusted ones.

“As soon as I said it. And as soon as I came out to that first person.. It was. It was so relieving.” “It’s just so nice to be able to say whatever you want and not be afraid.” -Connor Franta

For some it is a matter of either staying closeted or risking deep-rooted relationships with loved ones who may completely be supporting or the complete opposite.

“And I asked him, Dad do you still love me?”-Troye Sivan

Coming out is not information to gossip about. Someone’s identity belongs to them and them only.

“When people out other people, that is the most disrespectful thing you can do. That is that person’s journey to say, when they decide, if they decide, they want to tell people that’s their choice.” -Colleen Ballinger (Miranda Sings)

Especially in conservative areas or in an unsupportive and prejudiced family, coming out can be viewed as a disruptive and wrong when it is actually someone’s truth.

“It’s a really, really hard thing to be silenced and it’s deeply bruising to fight against your identity and to mold yourselves into shapes that you just shouldn’t be in. As someone who identifies as a black bisexual woman, I’ve been through it and it hurts and it’s awkward and it’s uncomfortable.” -Amandla Stenberg

It’s hard for most of the cis population to accurately grasp the struggles of someone hiding their identity as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

“People don’t realize what it’s like to act 24 hours a day. I’d go home and I was still acting. People who are so judgmental about those who are gay or different don’t realize that acting 24 hours a day is the most exhausting thing in the world.” -Colton Haynes

Statistics: 4 in 10 LGBTQ+ youth say the community they live in is not accepting of LGBTQ+ people 2x as likely to say they have been physically assaulted in schools 26% say their biggest fear is not coming out and being accepted 92% hear negative messages about their identity

With 9 in 10 LGBT youth out to their close friends, young people are relying on close friends to be un- derstanding and supportive. Be brave if you are considering coming out and be a friend to those who may want to share their true identity with you.

11 “Every gay person must come out. As difficult as it is, you must tell your immediate family. You must tell your relatives. You must tell your friends if indeed they are your friends. You must tell the people you work with. You must tell the people in the stores you shop in. Once they realize that we are indeed their children, that we are indeed everywhere, every myth, every lie, every innuendo will be destroyed once and all. And once you do, you will feel so much better”

Coming out: -When a person appreciates and accepts their gender or sexual orientation and shares it with others. -This can happen anytime a person is ready whether it is during a person’s teen years or a lifelong pro- cess.

Why this can be difficult: -not everyone will be encouraging and accepting -relationships with people can change permanently in negative ways -end up losing the support system of friends, family, co-workers -harassment and discrimination may be inflicted on the individual and in many cases harassment and discrimination has no legal protection

What not to say to someone coming out: -It’s just a phase -Are you sure? -But you had/have a relationship with the opposite sex -You’re too womanly/manly to be __ -I love gay people! -Do you really want to be __ -Going to church will fix you -You’re just confused, depressed, or seeking attention

How people might react to a person coming out: -Shocked -Angry -Disbelief -Scared -Uncomfortable -Concern for them -Supportive -Flattered -Honored -Disgusted -Feeling they’re coming on to you -Not sure what to say or do

How to help someone who comes out to you: -Remember that the person has not changed -Don’t assume the hardships this person or other members of LGBTQ+ (closeted or not) are going through -It is ok to ask questions as long as they are not rude -Do your research on the LGBTQ+ community -If shocked, don’t let this shock negatively affect your relationship with this individual -Consider it an honor that they have trusted you with this information -Clarify the level of confidentiality this individual wants from you

12 Stereotypes + Misconceptions By Aida Raza and Rachel Lowenbraun

Socioeconomic Status Present-day stereotypes tend to associate much of the LGBTQ+ community with an image of undisturbed prosperity. Gays and have especially been assigned this heir of wealth— think millions of views on coming out videos, cos- mopolitan lifestyles, flourishing urban neighborhoods, and artisanal cheeses. However, this supposed “gay affluence” is a glaring exaggeration. The fact of the matter is that LGBTQ+ Americans face much greater financial challenges in com- parison to their straight counterparts. And there are more than just some LGBTQ+ individuals who are poor, as adults in this community experience disproportionately high poverty rates. A report released by UCLA’s Williams Institute found that 29 percent of LGBTQ+ adults, approximately 2.4 million people, experienced food insecurity in the past year, while such was true for only 16 percent of Americans nationwide. One contributor to this unfortunate reality is the fact that LGBTQ+ people face two prongs of socioeconomic challenges: those associated with their sex, race, ethnicity, age, and disability (take the wage gap for women and greater impov- erishment among people of color, for instance) and those associated with their nonconformist sexual orientation and gender identity. This results in a higher risk of homelessness at a young age, public harassment and discrimination, inabili- ty to marry, and other issues unique to this demographic, many of which are not addressed in federal law. As much political progress that the LGBTQ+ community has made over the past decade, it still lags behind the rest when it comes to eco- nomic matters and general public treatment. No matter how strong the urge is to generalize, understanding LGBTQ+ diversi- ty is key to breaking down the myth of affluence and combating the community’s hardships. Becoming familiar with the many races, genders, ages, and countless other characteristics beyond “LGBTQ+” thereby plays an essential role in being a respectable ally of the community. Nature vs. Nurture Acknowledging as an inherent condition would make as unjustifiable as racism, which is why anti-gay activists have neglected to do so. Instead, they largely insist that nonconformist sexual orientations are behav- iors that can be changed, that they are simply “phases” fueled by naiveté. Despite the ambiguity regarding the exact causes of sexual orientation, today’s sciences acknowledge that a complex mixture of biological, environmental, and possibly hormonal factors dictate such matters. As early as 1994, the American

13 Psychology Association has cited research to confirm that “homosexuality is not a matter of individual choice” and that “homosexual orientation is in place very early in the life cycle, possibly even before birth” (SPLC). Many anti-gay rights activists also claim that people become gay because they were sexually abused as children, or because their parents failed to properly model sex-roles. According to such individuals and their supporters, the psy- chological trauma and deviations that stem from such experiences would be enough to trigger the “mental disorder” that is homosexuality. On the topic of misconceptions about lesbians, blogger Nikki Dowling brings up an explanation to illustrate the absurdity of such an assumption: A lesbian wouldn’t ask a straight woman if she has had a poor relationship with her moth- er or has been sexually assaulted by a lesbian. With that same logic, a straight woman shouldn’t assume the opposite of an LGBTQ+ individual. The lack of accurate studies that link sexual orientation or identity with parental role-modeling or childhood sexual abuse serve to debunk the aforementioned myth. In fact, The American Psychiatric Association noted that “sexual abuse does not appear to be any more prevalent among children who grow up and identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual than in children who grow up and identify as heterosexual.”. Sexuality as a Binary Experience A common assumption about the LGBTQ+ community is that bisexual people “cannot make up their minds,” and that they are greedy for not choosing one gender to be attracted to. However, emerging research and vocal young adults worldwide have clarified that sexuality is not a simple enough matter for peo- ple to categorize their affection towards exclusively men or women. Leading figures in the study of sexual development, including Cornell psychologist Ritch Savin-Williams, continually testify to the fact that sexuality exists along a spectrum with degrees of and homosexuality. Whether an indi- vidual identifies as straight, bisexual, or gay, they lie somewhere on the spec- trum, not simply perched on one of three notches. Femininity (and the Lack of it) One of the most prevalent stereotypes regarding the LGBTQ+ community says that all are feminine, while lesbians are not. Popular media tends to perpetuate such notions by portraying recurring looks, mannerisms, and life- styles among the gays and lesbians in its productions. Gay men appear as flamboyant, fashion-obsessed, patrons of Broadway shows with a profession- al hairdressing career. Many lesbian woman are thought to wear their hair short, prevalently invest in baggy clothes, and ride to their sporting events in their Subaru Outbacks or Jeep Wranglers. While there are distinguishable gay and lesbian individuals who fit the afore- mentioned stereotypes, many tend to forget about those who don’t fit these molds. In other words, many of the most masculine gay men or feminine lesbi-

14 ans may not be open about their sexual orientation and/or may not be assumed by others as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. This is why it is important to take into account that gender expression does not determine sexual orientation. Most LGBTQ+ individuals are impossible to differentiate from straight, gen- der-normative individuals. Drag Kings + Queens To counter the lack of distinction between transgender individuals and cross- dressers, LGBTQ+ group GLAAD explains: “Transgender women are not cross- dressers or drag queens. Drag queens are men, typically gay men, who dress like women for the purpose of entertainment. Be aware of the differences between transgender women, cross-dressers, and drag queens. Use the term preferred by the individual.” This distinction is very important to LGBTQ+ and trans advocates because it helps show the permanence of someone’s trans identity. Being trans isn’t a matter of dressing up in different clothes… And while some trans people enjoy dressing up in exotic outfits to entertain others, the act of dressing up in clothes that match one’s gender identity reflects only one part of what it means to be trans. Similarly, crossdressers or drag queens and kings do not necessarily identify with a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth. Some may be straight and cisgender individuals who only dress up for the sake of entertain- ment and individualistic expression. What cross-dressing means can vary a lot from individual to individual. Long story short, being a or king is not a synonym for being trans- gender, it is an act or show of self expression. While select drag kings and queens may be in the entertainment industry, the trans community as a whole is not crafted for the same purposes; trans individuals dress in accordance with their gender identity as part of who they are, not as a hobby. HIV Given the high rates of HIV among members of the LGBTQ+ community, HIV has often been viewed as a “gay” or “LGBTQ+” disease. The truth, however, is this disease is not just confined to LGBTQ+ people. Individuals of any sexual orien- tation, gender identity, or gender expression can acquire HIV. Falsely holding the LGBTQ+ community responsible for the transmission of HIV simply perpet- uates discrimination against HIV victims and members and LGBTQ+ individuals alike. The LGBTQ+ individuals that have contracted this disease have not entirely done so on their own accord, anyways. The homelessness and financial instability that results from anti-LGBTQ+ bias and discrimination simply drives such peo- ple to ways of life that facilitate the spread of HIV. Take sex work as a last resort for many transgender women, for instance. A 2015 survey of more than 27,000

15 transgender people revealed that HIV diagnosis rates were “five times higher among those who have participated in sex work at any point in their lifetime” than among those who have not. Another reason for the spread of HIV has been the anti-LGBTQ+ bias that has prevented many from receiving proper treat- ment for HIV. A 2014 Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that 15% of the gay and bisexual participants received poor treatment from a medical professional as a result of their sexual orientation. Evidently, the LGBTQ+ community is being systematically blamed for an issue that was not entirely of their making. Transitioning Contrary to the belief that transitioning is as simple as one surgery, the person- al, legal, and social adjustments that accompany this process have potential to make it long and complicated. Some others, on the other hand, may go through some of these changes while forgoing medical procedures entirely. A recent National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 61 percent of trans re- spondents have medically transitioned, and only 33 percent said they had sur- gically transitioned. Procedures such as hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries may not be as prioritized by one trans individual as another, which is notably due to a variety of reasons: desire, cost, and discrimination. Some medical changes that trans individuals may experience include, but are not limited to: hormone therapy, gender reassignment surgery, and even facial reconstructions. Financially speaking, a number of these procedures tend to add up, especially because healthcare doesn’t automatically cover just about any of these costs. The aforementioned procedures cost $1,500 a year, up- wards of $30,000, and from $25,000 to $60,000, respectively. On top of that may also be the traveling costs associated with reaching a good physician out- side of one’s neighborhood. Such a price tag, while fulfilling to many, can make this prospect of transitioning seem unattainable to those questioning their gen- der identity. Taking such a circumstance into account, a lack of medical proce- dures should not delegitimize a trans person’s motives and self expression whatsoever. Depending on geography, the technicalities behind transition, ranging from legal to medical, can be particularly tricky. In a national survey, 19% of trans and gender nonconforming people said they were refused care because of their gender identity or expression. On top of this, states across the nation have all sorts of varying requirements and rules for allowing people to pursuing things as simple as changing the gender marker on their birth certificates and driver’s licenses. These legal difficulties are just one of many examples that demon- strate trans people can’t just go through a simple medical procedure to reach the status they want in society. Some must face hurdles for years because laws and social rejection can make it difficult for trans people to fully complete their journeys.

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So maybe you do not identify with the LGBTQ community, and do not have prior experience with talking to a member of the community. Maybe you do not know the right word or phrase to use in a conversation, or worry that whatever word you are using is incorrect or offensive. Maybe you are on the other end of the spectrum, where you simply do not care what phrase you use, as long as it gets a point across. Regardless of intention, what you say matters and makes an impact whether it is on the entire community as a whole or just one specific person. Before you throw in a name or phrase as- sociated with the LGBTQ+ community, understand that whatever comes out of your mouth is permanent. Each word you use has history which could be extremely offensive to any member of the community. Simply put, LGBTQ+ people are as ordinary as any other group. Once you realize this, the answer to the question of how to talk to them becomes clear: treat them just as individuals and forget any presupposed ideas stem- ming from their LGBTQ+ identity. Let’s say that you hear about a new stu- dent coming to join your sophomore ceramics class, his name: Thaddeus. You have heard a few things about Thaddeus from your friends who know him from Algebra 2, such as he likes soccer, speaks Portuguese at home, goes to your church, and happens to be gay. What one of these attributes should change the way you talk to him in class? Are all of these things equal- ly mundane and insignificant? The answers are none and yes. One’s gender or should have almost zero implications in the way others treat them on a day to day basis. Unless you see some future dating potential in that classmate, their identity is of nearly no significance to you. The problem begins when you start treating a normal person who has the boring and ultimately minimal situation of possessing same sex attrac- tion as being something “other”, something of significance. From what I have heard from LGBTQ+ folk, the most hurtful part of hearing “gay” as an insult stems from the word, increasing its significance and decreasing its normality. In theory, making something feel important sounds great. But this artificial importance forces gay individuals to confront their identity on a daily basis. Most of you reading this right now are straight, meaning you do not have to think, rethink, ponder, question, and lament about which gender you do or don’t like. Obviously, using “gay” as an insult has the surface ef- fect of equating something bad or obnoxius with homosexaulity, but the long term effect of creating doubt and uncertainty in the minds of gay people is far worse.

17 On the less extreme end, any means of not educating yourself or avoiding ed- ucating yourself is to put frankly, insensitive. The word “gay” and many more have a long line of history behind them and when you don’t recognize that, you hurt the LGT- BQ+ community. So take the time, do some research, and find out what you are say- ing really means.

Here are some words we hear frequently and why you should no longer use them: Wrong: Sexual preference Right: Sexual orientation When you use the phrase “sexual preference,” it implies that whomever you are talking about had a choice about how they identify themselves. You are simply saying that they chose to feel that way or chose to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community when it is actually not a choice at all. By saying that person had a choice, you are also sending a message that they could choose to feel something else, that they could choose to be “normal.” Sexual orientation, on the other hand, recognizes that a per- son’s sexual identity is something apart of their core, something they cannot change it on any level. Wrong: Homosexual Right: Gay, Lesbian In the 1900’s, homosexual was used as a clinical term to discuss and diagnose a “disease.” It was introduced after people used the word “” as a strong insult. In a time when society understands that this is simply not a disease or nega- tive aspect of a person, it is important to stray away from clinical terms and use more conversational, modern terms. In addition, homosexual is commonly used by an- ti-gay activists who add a negative connotation to it. As a result, it is viewed as of- fensive and insulting to a gay person, and it is much better to stick to saying “gay” or “lesbian.” Wrong: Using gay as an insult As explained in the article above, “gay” is frequently thrown around as an insult or comment with a negative implication. And even if you do not have any negative feel- ings towards the LGBTQ+ community, calling something “so gay” still offends them. The dictionary definition of the word gay is actually lighthearted and carefree. So the next time you call something gay in a negative way, realize you are actually just call- ing it cheerful and lively. Wrong: Special rights Right: Equal rights When discussing the rights the LGBTQ+ community has, it is important to stick to saying “equal rights” rather than “special rights.” Special rights implies that this community is separate from the rest of society, and that they require their own set of rights separate from any other people. On the contrary, when you say equal rights, you acknowledge the desire the community has to feel accepted as the same as every other person on the planet.

18 Pride By Alec Marcel in and Justin Quan

People try to stand out. Sometimes, Pride celebrates gay and transgender there is nothing better than walking into a organizations, movements, rights, visibility, room where you feel diff erent. However, and self-affi rmation. When you see that f ag when a society exists that does not ac- f ying, you see the complete embodiment of cept a person’s diff erences, this same pride. Each color represents meaning: red for room, though seemingly full, can feel like life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, an awfully lonely place. Because of this, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for the idea of Pride, and the LGBTQ+ com- serenity, and violet for spirit. These are not munity coming together and proving that ideas specif c to any one person, they are those who feel diff erent are actually the beautiful rights that exist for all. This is where same as anyone else, is very special for the idea of pride can connect to us all, as it all involved. Acceptance can come from truly is promoting acceptance for everyone. anywhere and from anyone, which is why Some may question the purpose of Pride is a nationwide movement support- LGBTQ+ Pride, but there are clear hardships ed by millions of people. Most important- that the LGBTQ+ community have faced ly, it’s something everyone can be a part and continue to endure that necessitate a of. movement toward equality. In the past, non- Gay pride does not necessarily en- conformist sexuality and gender were char- tail a f amboyant parade, or even a crowd acteristics that were sharply criticized by of people celebrating in public. It is simply most of society. Even today, there are twelve any person, no matter their sexual pref- countries, like Iraq and Iran, where being gay erence, standing against any kind of dis- is punishable by death. Although the Unit- crimination against the LGBTQ+ commu- ed States legalized gay marriage in all f fty nity. It is advocating that no matter who states in 2015, LGBTQ+ relationships are or what a person identif es as, they are still a crime in seventy-four other countries. loved and appreciated in society. Rather Following the Orlando nightclub shooting, a than pushing diff erences under the rug, hate crime against gay people resulting in for- 19 ty-nine deaths, Pride parades also served President Trump commemorates this Pride as a method of remembrance for the vic- month is yet to be seen. Last year, the pa- tims while strengthening the movement rade for San Francisco Pride consisted of against homophobia and other forms of 270 contingents, attracting over 100,000 fear and ignorance. Criticizers of LGBTQ+ spectators, and the numbers are expected Pride often cite the lack of “straight pride” to grow this year at the 2018 San Francis- events, but in reality, heterosexual and co Pride happening June 23-24, 2018. cis culture is represented in everyday life. All in all, Pride is a call to action for all LGBTQ+ pride helps curtail the disparity of us. The fact that people can love whom- in representation. Pride has furthered the ever they chose, be whoever they identify movement towards justice for the LGBTQ+ as, and personally f nd their own place on community, and it continues to rally sup- the spectrum is a beautiful cause worthy port against homophobic and transphobic of celebration. Though we still have a long policies. way to go towards accepting the LGBTQ+ Today, many events exist which cel- community, we have come from a point of ebrate LGBTQ+ pride: holidays, parades, zero acceptance to a national movement of and campaigns. June is National Pride acceptance and legislation towards rights. Month, and it holds many opportunities The next step is to continue to support for people of all sexualities and gender to Pride in whatever way possible, because unite and display their pride to a large au- as long as people like us stand up for what dience. However, in 2017, President Trump is right, we as a society will continue to failed to offi cially recognize LGBTQ+ Pride move in the right direction. This is a move- Month, breaking the tradition restarted by ment that includes everyone and benef ts President Obama during his eight years in everyone, and if people of all genders, ori- offi ce. Despite this, the LGBTQ+ commu- entations, and creeds join in, it will never nity still displayed their pride, and whether be stopped.

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