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
Resources
Mental health problems are normal, and during a crisis it can be good to reach out for support.
A concise handout for direct support professionals on the importance of affirming and supporting sexuality – including 2SLGBTQIA+ identites.
Sometimes a relationship needs to end. It may have become unhealthy, or it may just have run its course.
The Rainbow Support Group Guidebook has lots of stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ people with intellectual disabilities, and tips for their supporters.
Gender Marvelous is a space where families of queer, gender-diverse and/or Two-Spirit children and youth come together.
This is a PDF catalogue of adapted sex toys made by and for trans folks with disabilities.
SIECCAN has put together several simpler-language print based info sheets on sexual health for people with disabilities.
News
Need to update your legal name or gender marker? Renew an expired (or soon-to-expire) BC ID, driver’s licence, or BC Services Card? Qmunity and ICBC have you covered.
