Sexual 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?

Let’s have a conversation!

Videos

Hi, I’m Dee – A Real Talk Comic Book

Since childhood, people have been using words for Dee that don’t seem right. Now Dee is learning more about other people who don’t fit the words “woman”, or “man”, or “girl”, or “boy”. There are some obstacles, but Dee is figuring things out, and has big hopes for the future.

What Does Transgender Mean?

What Does Questioning Mean?

What Does Lesbian Mean?

What Does Gay Mean?

What Does Body Image Mean?

What Does Bisexual Mean?

What Does “Having Sex” Mean to You?

Hi, I’m James – A Real Talk Comic Book

Resources

1-800-SEX-SENSE Line

A free, anonymous telephone and email info hotline where you can ask any question about sex.

Options For Sexual Health

British Columbia’s largest sexual health nonprofit, with lots of info and services on their website.

Scarleteen

A sexuality and relationships website for teens and emerging adults.

Amaze

A website with animated sex-ed videos on lots of crucial topics.

Youth Clinics

Friendly spaces for youth, often offering: free contraception, STI testing & treatment, pregnancy testing & general sexual health info.

Womyn’s Ware

Vancouver store that sells many sexual pleasure products like sex toys, vibrators, massagers, and lubricant.

Chronically Queer

A place where LGBTQIA2S+ identified people living with chronic health conditions and/or disabilities can share what is happening in their lives.

Meetings 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

Link for all online meetings: https://zoom.us/j/4823554390

(All upcoming meetings are online until further notice.)

abOUT Group

abOUT is a friendship & support group for LGBTQIA2S+ folks labelled with intellectual disabilities. They operate a Facebook page and have occasional events.

Qmunity

A non-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives. Hosts social, support & advocacy groups. (NB. Some folks have noted physical access barriers at Qmunity sites. Please contact them to confirm whether your access needs can be met.)

The Health Initiative for Men

A local non-profit society for gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit and queer (GBT2Q) men. Supporting sexual, mental, and social health. Monthly events.