A helpful place to start in learning more about gender and sexuality is to become more familiar with terminology used to describe diverse identities. Many well intended individuals are often hesitant to engage in conversations with others around gender and sexuality out of fear that they may use a term incorrectly and inadvertently offend someone.
In this conversation we define terms related to sexual orientation including gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, heterosexual, asexual, and demisexual. We also define terms related to gender including sex, gender identity, gender expression, cisgender, nonbinary, genderfluid, and transgender.
Individuals can be an ally or advocate by supporting others as they come out through simple actions such as using their pronouns, asking sincere questions, and providing a safe space for individuals to share their experiences.
Mental health services are free for currently enrolled ISU students at Counseling & Testing Service. Appointments are free for students at the ISU Health Center as well. To learn more about counseling services for currently enrolled ISU students or general mental health resources, visit the ISU’s Counseling and Testing Service website: https://www.isu.edu/ctc/.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, please talk with a mental health or health professional. Call or text the suicide prevention lifeline at 988, or visit a local crisis center. If you have immediate life threatening concern for yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to your closest hospital emergency room.
The Trevor Project, for LGBTQ folks: 1-866-488-7386, or text 678678, https://www.thetrevorproject.org
Trans Lifeline’s Peer Support Hotline: 1-877-565-8860, https://translifeline.org/
