What To Do When Guides: Sexual & Gender Identity
Navigating Sexual & Gender Identity
What do we mean when we say Sexual & Gender Identity? According to Human Rights Campaign definitions, sexual orientation is an inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people. Gender identity is one's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves.
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One's gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. Gender expression is the external appearance of one's gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine.
According to a 2018 study by the Journal of Adolescent Health, using the preferred pronouns of a transgender or gender non-conforming young person can (has been shown to) reduce their chances of suicide by 56%. Learn more about how to adopt inclusive language and understand commonly used acronyms by visiting the links below.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The following additional resources are aimed to support parents and counselors on how to better advocate for youth around sexuality and gender. Becoming familiar and comfortable talking about the multiple identities associated with sexuality and gender builds inclusivity and individual empowerment.
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APPS + ONLINE RESOURCES
Simple, accessible tools for youth advocacy as as well as current events and news articles.
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In Our Own Voice – Offers support for leadership development and community advocacy. Helping the LGBT Community Enroll in Health Insurance – Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) |
Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network: GLSEN – Resource for students and educators on policies, curriculum, and best practices. Claim Your Rights – Complaint form for educational discrimination based on class, race, ethnicity, age, disability status, gender and/or sexual identity. |
Trevor Space – Advertised as “an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24.” AVEN - Assexual Visability and Education Netowork – Online asexual community as well as a large archive of resources on asexuality. |
LOCAL / IN-PERSON PROVIDERS
Get connected with providers in Middletown who can assist and make recommendations on a person-to-person basis.
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New Horizons Domestic Violence Services – 24-hr. hotline and help for anyone experiencing domestic violence, emergency shelter, court advocacy, and community programs. Adolescent Sexual Health Awareness (ASHA), Wesleyan University – Offers sexual health workshops to Connecticut high schoolers. |
Middletown High School Gay Straight Alliance – Email staff advisor, Trevor Charles: charlest@mpsct.org Middletown Community Health Center –Offers Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Focussed Care at their center for Key Populations. |
Women and Families Center – Offers sexual assault crisis services. Queer Resource Center at Wesleyan University – Organizations and educational resources for queer and trans students and community members. |
CONNECTICUT / IN-PERSON PROVIDERS
Get connected with providers in Connecticut who can assist and make recommendations on a person-to-person basis.
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Middlesex Health – Equitable, inclusive medical care and transgender medical services. True Colors, Inc. - Hartford – Offers trainings, resources, scholarship, mentorship to CT communities. New Haven Pride Center – Offers free membership to programs, services and events at the center. PFLAG Hartford – Advertised as “The Nation’s largest family and ally organization”. |
Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective – Provides health and support services such as STD and HIV testing, support groups, and more. Out Film CT – Entertain, educate and promote community through the exhibition of LGBTQ+ film. Hosts annual festivals and monthly showings. Triangle Community Center – Offers programming focussed on health, community and learning. |
GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) Connecticut – Connecticut specific education advocacy and events. Rainbow Center at UCONN – Offers educational resources, programs and events. |
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS
If you are looking for a confidential support group to share about your experiences with peers, online support groups can be an excellent resource. See the links below for a few available groups.
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The Tribe Wellness Community – Advertised as “Peer-to-peer support group for individuals living as LGBT – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning.” |
7 Cups – Advertised as 24/7 online chat room and support group. 1 on 1 chat services are also available. |
HOTLINES & TALK LINES
Seeking immediate confidential support? 24/7 support to speak to a person trained in crisis services.
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The Trevor Project (LGBT Suicide Prevention) – 1-866-488-7386 National Suicide Prevention LifeLine |
GBLT Youth Support Talk-line – 1-800-246-7743 |
211 – Dial 211 on your phone to be connected to the United Way Behavioral Health Line |
GATEKEEPERS OF MIDDLETOWN
Gatekeepers are trusted community members that have backgrounds in local opportunities and services. Committed to the health and well-being of our community, they are everyday superheroes that will open the doors if you still have questions or don’t know where to start. Calling a Gatekeeper is free and confidential.
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Trevor Charles GSA Staff Advisor, |
Kym Banton |
Angel Roubin |
Want to learn more about Gatekeepers and view the directory? Let’s go.
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The Learning Center - East Hartford
Contact: Dr. Tina Parchin
Phone: 8605404300
