Guest Video from Minus 18: Trans 101

If we live with a disability – or support someone with a disability – we may notice some folks feeling awkward or uncomfortable around people with disabilities. Often these folks are worried about unintentionally using outdated words, or accidentally offending a person with a disability. And in many ways it’s great they’re thinking about how not to cause harm. But that fear of offending can also lead some folks to avoid people with disabilities. This can create barriers to connection.

Many folks also feel awkward around trans and nonbinary people. Often they are worried about unintentionally using outdated words, getting pronouns wrong, or otherwise accidentally offending someone. This can also create barriers to connection. In this guest video from Minus 18, some trans and nonbinary youth talk about the basics of trans identities, why pronouns are important, why it’s ok to make mistakes, and what to do if you mess up.

Want more?

Minus 18 – An Australian initiative supporting LGBTQIA children and youth.

Minus 18’s YouTube Channel.

Seeing my Body as Nonbinary – A comic by a nonbinary artist, discussing their journey towards self – love.

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Why We Talk About…

Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

Everyone – even someone who will never have sex – has a sexual orientation. Sex is about what people do, but sexual orientation is about what people are. It includes things like what kind of person we feel sexually & romantically attracted to – if we’re attracted to anyone this way. Words like straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and asexual describe some sexual orientations.

When we were born, the doctor probably said “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” Gender Identity is about how well we feel these words (boy, girl, man, woman) fit us right now. Do some words feel like they describe us better than others? Do none of them feel right? Words like male, female, cisgender, transgender, and gender fluid describe some gender identities.

This stuff can be fascinating. It can be complicated. We may wonder: Can gender identity or orientation change? Do I need permission to be gay? Are some sexual orientations and gender identities better than others? What does LGBTQ mean? What’s with the Pride Parade anyway?