AN INTERACTIVE COURSE ON SEXUALITY, GENDER, & SEX DEDICATED TO LGBT YOUTH.
BEGIN
SEXUALITIES
SEX & GENDER
SEXUAL HEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH
SUPPORT
A lesbian is a homosexual woman. The word lesbian is also used for women in relation to their sexual identity or sexual behavior regardless of sexual orientation, or as an adjective to characterize or associate nouns with female homosexuality or same-sex attraction. The concept of "lesbian" to differentiate women with a shared sexual orientation evolved in the 20th century. Throughout history, women have not had the same freedom or independence as men to pursue homosexual relationships, but neither have they met the same harsh punishment as homosexual men in some societies. Instead, lesbian relationships have often been regarded as harmless and incomparable to heterosexual ones unless the participants attempted to assert privileges traditionally enjoyed by men.
Homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" to people of the same sex. It "also refers to a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions.
Bisexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior toward both males and females, or to more than one sex or gender. It may also be defined as romantic or sexual attraction to people of any sex or gender identity, which is also known as pansexuality. A bisexual identity does not necessarily equate to equal sexual attraction to both sexes; commonly, people who have a distinct but not exclusive sexual preference for one sex over the other also identify themselves as bisexual.
Transgender/Trans: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The term transgender is not indicative of gender expression, sexual orientation, hormonal makeup, physical anatomy, or how one is perceived in daily life.
Q can mean either 'questioning' or 'queer,' Queer is a term not specific to sexual orientation or to gender identity but is more of an umbrella term that can encompass a lot of people. Anything that exists outside of the dominant narrative falls under queer. Those who use the Q to mean 'questioning' refer to people who are in the process of exploring their identity. Questioning means someone who is figuring out their gender identity and figuring out how they want to identify their sexual orientation
Representing individuals who are intersex, or people who are born with anatomy that does not necessarily fit the typical definitions of female or male, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. Intersex is a term that refers to someone whose anatomy or genetics at birth—the X and Y chromosomes that are usually XX for women and XY for men—do not correspond to the typical expectations for either sex. The “I” is distinct from the “T” for transgender people, who are typically born with a biological sex that fits the norm for male or female and then grow up to identify with the opposite gender. Intersex babies are not obviously male or female to begin with.
The "A" can either represent Asexual and/or allies depending on its use. Asexual Or “ace.” Someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction. They are not to be confused with “aromantic people,” who experience little or no romantic attraction. Asexual people do not always identify as aromantic; aromantic people do not always identify as asexual. The "A" is also used sometimes to describe allies of the community.
The "+" symbol simply stands for all of the other sexualities, sexes, and genders that aren't included in these few letters.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth need and deserve to learn in settings that are inclusive of their experiences and that give them the education necessary to stay safe and healthy. Far too many LGBTQ youth are sitting in classrooms where their teachers and textbooks fail to appropriately address their identities, behaviors and experiences.
Gender is the range of characteristics pertaining to, and differentiating between, masculinity and femininity. Depending on the context, these characteristics may include biological sex, sex-based social structures, or gender identity.
Sexual orientation is about who you’re attracted to and want to have relationships with. Sexual orientations include gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, and asexual. Sexual orientation is reported primarily within biology and psychology (including sexology), but it is also a subject area in anthropology, history (including social constructionism), and law, and there are other explanations that relate to sexual orientation and culture.
The majority of LGBTQ teens and young adults are happy, confident individuals. They thrive in every area of their life. Often, this is thanks to a safe, loving, and supportive home and school environment. Without mental health we cannot be healthy. We all experience emotional ups and downs from time to time caused by events in our lives. Mental health conditions go beyond these emotional reactions to specific situations. They are medical conditions that cause changes in how we think and feel and in our mood.
People around the world face violence and inequality—and sometimes torture, even execution—because of who they love, how they look, or who they are. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of our selves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse.
RELATIONSHIPS
STIGMA
ANATOMY
CONSENT
IDENTITY
CONTRACEPTIVES
ABSTINENCE
HYGIENE
Healthy relationships involve honesty, trust, respect and open communication between partners and they take effort and compromise from both people. There is no imbalance of power. Partners respect each other’s independence, can make their own decisions without fear of retribution or retaliation, and share decisions. If or when a relationship ends, there is no stalking or refusal to let the other partner go.
Boundaries
Consent
TRUST
Communication
THE FOUNDATIONS OF A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
You and your partner are able to find ways to meet each other’s’ needs in ways that you both feel comfortable with.
Consent can be given and taken back at any time, and giving consent once does not mean you automatically give consent in the future.
Building trust can take time and allows couples to be vulnerable with one another knowing that they can rely on the other person.
You and your partner can share your feelings, even when you don’t agree, in a way that makes the other person feel safe, heard, and not judged.
Sexual consent is an agreement to participate in a sexual activity. Before being sexual with someone, you need to know if they want to be sexual with you too. It’s also important to be honest with your partner about what you want and don’t want. Consenting and asking for consent are all about setting your personal boundaries and respecting those of your partner — and checking in if things aren’t clear. Both people must agree to sex — every single time — for it to be consensual.
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is how you, in your head, experience and define your gender/
SEX
is the physical traits that you're born or develop that we classify as assigned sex at birth
ATTRACTION
is how you feel drawn to other people sexually or romantically.
EXPRESSIONS
is how you present gender, through actions or clothing and how they are viewed through social expectations.
Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly known as STDs, are primarily contracted when one romantic partner transfers the disease-causing agent to the other partner during intercourse. Although STDs are quite common, they are difficult to catch unless you get up close and personal with someone else. Knowing how to prevent or treat STDs can help you safeguard your reproductive and overall health. STD and STI both are essentially stand for the same thing. The distinction is that an STI doesn't always mean you have an STD. The following are some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.
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CONDOMS
A male condom is a covering worn over the penis to stop sperm getting into the womb. Condoms are most commonly made of latex but other types are available.The condom is the most common form of male contraception. They can be bought by people of any age from a variety of shops, including pharmacies, and supermarkets. You can also get them for free in many places, including contraception clinics and sexual-health clinics.
WHAT IS A CONTRACEPTIVE?
Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy and some prevent stds. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways: Preventing sperm from getting to the eggs.
PERFECT USE VS. TYPICAL USE
Many contraceptive methods are affected by human error such as forgetting to take your pill. They may be very effective with “perfect use” but the effectiveness of certain methods as “typically used” is likely to be lower. Perfect use of a contraceptive method is when it is used correctly all the time. Typical use is what generally happens in real life. It takes into account human error.
PERFECT USE: 95%
TYPICAL USE: 82%
THE PILL
The contraceptive pill (often just called ‘the pill’) is the most popular form of female contraception. It’s a tablet containing lab-made hormones that you take once a day. The hormones make changes to your body that stop you getting pregnant.
PERFECT USE: 99%
TYPICAL USE: 81%
TYPICAL USE: 91%
VAGINAL RING
The vaginal ring is a piece of circular plastic that you place in the vagina. The ring works in the same way as the combined pill, releasing progesterone and oestrogen.You put the ring in place for 21 days then remove it for 7 (when you’ll bleed) and then replace it with a new ring.
CONTRACEPTIVE COIL
The contraceptive coil is a long-acting reversible method of contraception. It is a plastic, T-shaped device fitted in the vagina by a doctor or nurse. There are two types of coil: the intrauterine device (IUD) and the intrauterine system (IUS).
DIAPHRAM
PERFECT USE: 94%
A diaphragm is placed inside the vagina to cover the lowest part of the womb (the cervix) to stop sperm getting in. It’s made of a soft silicone and is shaped like a shallow cup. It must be used with spermicide (commonly a gel or cream) which slows down the movement of sperm.
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
The contraceptive patch is the same thing as the contraceptive pill but in the form of a plaster-like patch worn on the skin. It provides the same protection against pregnancy.The patch can be worn on different places around the body. You need to change it once a week.
IS IT ALRIGHT TO HAVE SEX WITH SOMEONE THAT IS PASSED OUT?
IF SOMEONE IS WEARING TIGHT SKIN REVEALING CLOTHES IT'S OK TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM?
YOU'VE HAD SEX WITH SOMEONE BEFORE, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE SEX WITH THEM AGAIN?
NEXT QUESTION
CORRECT
Someone that is passed out can't give consent.
What someone wears does not give you the right to touch or force yourself on them.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve hooked up before or even if they've said yes earlier and then changed their mind.
DONE
WRONG
HERPIES
NEXT
Genital herpes is a common viral STD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that “one out of every six people aged fourteen to fourty-nine years old have genital herpes.” People can contract the virus through any kind of sex, and though it cannot be cured, medications can suppress outbreaks of the genital sores that are the hallmarks of the condition. Initial symptoms of genital herpes include fever, the development of genital sores, vaginal discharge in women, pain, itching, and lethargy. The primary phase of the disease and its symptoms tend to be more intense than subsequent outbreaks.
CHLAMYDIA
PREV
Chlamydia is the most common STD. Many people who get this disease are asymptomatic or do not experience any symptoms for weeks or even months. This delay in symptoms is likely why chlamydia spreads so easily -- people are unaware they have it, so they do not take precautions. Both men and women can contract chlamydia. In women, the infection reaches the cervix and, if left untreated, can damage the reproductive system, making pregnancy difficult. Symptoms include abnormal discharge and burning during urination. In men, chlamydia affects the penile urethra, causing symptoms such as pain or swelling in the testicles, and discharge from the penis. Fortunately, chlamydia is curable with medication designed specifically to kill the infection. Latex condoms are effective for reducing transmission.
GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea, also known as the "clap," is a bacterial STD. In many instances, infected people are unaware they have gonorrhea. Some may be asymptomatic or not experience symptoms for weeks. Common symptoms in men include discharge, painful urination, and pain or swelling of a testicle. Women experience pain during intercourse, increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, and pelvic pain. This STD can also affect other areas of the body, like the throat and rectum. If left untreated, this STD can lead to infertility in both men and women, as well as other complications. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for gonorrhea.
HPV
Human papillomavirus or (HPV) is on the road to becoming less common thanks to the recent development of a vaccination. The virus is linked to cervical cancer and can also cause genital warts. Some strains of the virus cause no symptoms at all. Medical professionals recommend both male and female eleven to twelve year-olds get vaccinated for the virus.
SYPHILIS
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread by contact with syphilitic sores known as chancres. The sores can be painless and can occur on the genitals or in the mouth. Historically, syphilis was associated with serious or even life-threatening complications and damage to the brain, heart, and other organs. Fortunately, the infection is now curable, especially in the early stage. One course of antibiotics is typically enough to stop the disease, but more may be required if it has progressed. The main symptom is sores where the bacteria entered the body.
MG
Although many people have never heard of mycoplasma genitaliun, the STD is quickly surpassing gonorrhea in prevalence, especially in teenagers. Mycoplasma genitalium, also referred to as MG, can cause cervicitis in women. The problem with this STD is that there is no diagnostic test for it as for other common STDs. In many cases of bacterial vaginosis infections, healthcare providers simply suspect its presence and prescribe antibiotics.
CRABS
Crabs are pubic lice that are typically spread by human contact. People contract them by coming into contact with infested clothing, towels, or bedding. Crabs live on genital hair and occasionally may be found on other coarse body hair such as the armpits or even eyebrows. The most common symptom of crabs is itching. The bites of the tiny bugs can cause pale blue spots. Occasionally, a bite may become affected. Over-the-counter creams can eradicate crabs, and prescription medications can address more stubborn cases.
HIV / AIDS
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and is the virus that leads to the development of AIDS. The virus is transmitted via bodily fluids like semen, vaginal secretions, and blood. HIV weakens the body’s immune system, leaving it vulnerable to infection and disease. Some people with HIV develop AIDS, but not everyone. While there is currently no effective cure for HIV/AIDS, drugs can suppress the virus, allowing people to lead long, healthy lives.
HEPATITIS
Although there are various forms of hepatitis, hepatitis B or HBV is the strain most associated with sexual transmission. HBV infections can damage the liver and lead to serious diseases such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Symptoms of HBV include fever, dark urine, joint pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, and fatigue. There is a vaccine for HBV, but condoms can also prevent transmission. People with acute infections may not require treatment, but it’s essential to see a doctor, as many people will develop chronic HBV that requires life-long treatment.
You can get tested for STDs at your local Planned Parenthood health center, a doctor’s office, and health clinics. You may be able to get free STD testing. If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new partner, or for any reason are worried you have been exposed to an STI, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested
Cisgender: Someone whose gender identity matches what they were assigned at birth. Derived from the Latin prefix 'cis-', meaning 'on this side of' (the opposite of 'trans-'), the term describes most of the population and has come into popular usage with the increased awareness of different gender identities.
Agender : is a term which can be literally translated as 'without gender'. It can be seen either as a non-binary gender identity or as a statement of not having a gender identity.
Bigender: is a gender identity which can be literally translated as 'two genders' or 'double gender'. Bigender people experience exactly two gender identities, either simultaneously or varying between the two. These two gender identities could be male and female, but could also include non-binary identities. For other identities for those who experience multiple genders, please see multigender.
Genderfluid: A person who is genderfluid prefers to remain flexible about their gender identity rather than committing to a single gender. They may fluctuate between genders or express multiple genders at the same time.
Nonbinary: Genderqueer, also known as non-binary, is a category of gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine—identities that are outside the gender binary and cisnormativity. Genderqueer people may express a combination of masculinity and femininity, or neither, in their gender expression.
LGBTQ individuals are almost 3 times more likely than others to experience a mental health condition such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder. This fear of coming out and being discriminated against for sexual orientation and gender identities, can lead to depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, thoughts of suicide and substance abuse.
3x
Mental Health Conditions
Prejudice & Stigma
The effects of this double or dual stigma can be particularly harmful, especially when someone seeks treatment.Often termed “minority stress,” disparities in the LGBTQ community stem from a variety of factors including social stigma, discrimination, prejudice, denial of civil and human rights, abuse, harassment, victimization, social exclusion and family rejection.
The LGBTQ community is at a higher risk for suicide because of lack peer support and face harassment, mental health conditions and substance abuse. For LGBTQ people aged 10–24, suicide is one of the leading causes of death. LGBTQ youth are 4 times more likely and questioning youth are 3 times more likely to attempt suicide.
Suicide
The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists
GLBT National Help Center
RESOURCES
Center for American Progress
Pride Institute
LGBT Organizations in The U.S.
AL
AR
CA
CO
FL
GA
HI
IA
IN
IO
KS
IL
KY
ME
MA
MI
MN
LA
MS
NJ
NY
NC
ND
MO
OH
OR
PA
TN
TX
OK
UT
DC
WI
WA
This is a comprehensive list of LGBT organizations in the United States. 35 states have at least one organization that helps lgbt youth. List does not include those organizations that are affliated with a political party. Hover over any individual state to see a list of organizations.
Equality Alabama
Center for Artistic Revolution
Californians Against Hate
Courage Campaign
EQCA (Equality California)
Los Angeles LGBT Center
