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

https://youtu.be/CVgmMXMuz6s

What Does it Mean to you to be Trans?

In this video, Galen, Corey, and Olivia share what they feel being a trans person means to them. They discuss how they identify, the difference between gender euphoria and dysphoria, and which pronouns they use.

What Does Gay Mean?

What Does Lesbian Mean?

What Does Questioning Mean?

What Does Transgender Mean?

What Does Bisexual Mean?

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

What Does it Mean to you to be Trans?

Hi, I’m Dee – A Real Talk Comic Book

Resources

1-800-SEX-SENSE Line

FREE, anonymous telephone and email hotline where you can ask any question about sex. Staffed by medical professionals and sexual health educators. 9am to 9pm weekdays. Not seeing what you need on the Real Talk site? Call Sex Sense. They’ll help you find it.

1-800-739-7367

Options For Sexual Health

British Columbia’s largest sexual health nonprofit with information & education from a feminist, pro-choice, sex positive perspective. Also operates clinics with sexual and reproductive health care like contraception, sti & pregnancy testing etc..

Scarleteen

Sexuality and relationships info for teens and emerging adults. Articles on all aspects of sexuality, dating, love, relationships, communication, contraception etc.

Amaze

Fun, animated videos that give you all the answers you actually want to know about sex, your body and relationships. Characters in the videos are usually high school students.

Youth Clinics

Friendly spaces with free contraception & free emergency contraception, free STI testing & treatment, free pregnancy testing, and general sexual health info. Serving up to age 21 or age 24 depending on the clinic.

Womyn’s Ware

Vancouver store that sells many sexual pleasure products like sex toys, vibrators, massagers, and lubricant. They also sell safer sex supplies like condoms, and lots of books on sexual pleasure and health topics.

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.