Understanding 2SLGBTQIA+ 101

You have decided to take the journey and learn new understanding about 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, but how are you going understand it all, let alone get all the letters right? Don’t worry, we’ll help you understand how to approach these questions, give you some working definitions, and highlight some areas of special importance.

In this section we will learn about:

Postures for Learning
What is 2SLGBTQIA+?
Trans & Non-Binary Identities

Postures For Learning

Perhaps the best posture to hold when approaching a difficult and complex topic is to be curious. Being curious not only allows us to ask questions we might not otherwise ask and hear answers why might otherwise not be willing to hear, it is also an act of vulnerability. Being willing to take the risk of curiosity is a critical first step to understanding and connection.

Listen to Dr. Julie Pham explain how we can foster curiosity as a practice:

For many of us, the journey this 101 will guide us on will be difficult, uncomfortable, and challenging. Starting with the right posture- a posture of humility, curiosity, and openness– will help make that journey easier.

What is 2SLGBTQIA+?

When exploring gender and sexuality, one of the most common things you will notice is the use of initialisms to represent the various identities represented outside of cisgender & heterosexuality. At the Rainbow Well, we try to use 2SLGBTQIA+, meaning: Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual, with the “+” signifying the inclusion of other identities not specifically mentioned.

We choose to put 2S first to acknowledge that indigenous expressions of sexual and gender minorities predate (and often stand apart from) the concepts of LGBTQIA+ as we understand them. It is also done in solidarity to the work of anti-colonialism.

However, it should be noted that there are many different initialisms that people use for various reasons. Don’t let this confuse or overwhelm you. It simply reflects the diversity of perspectives, contexts, and emphasis. Here’s a quick and easy primer:

The Rainbow Well use the following simple definitions for 2SLGBTQIA+ identities to help you get started. Of course, there are going to be many more terms that might be entirely new to you. While these terms often change in meaning, shift with context, and more terms are added regularly, The Rainbow Well has created a glossary of terms that you might find helpful to have on hand as you explore. Open/download it here.

Two Spirit

A term specific to some Indigenous North American communities, describing individuals who fulfill traditional gender-variant roles with unique cultural and spiritual implications. These roles, which can include specialized work, gender variation, spiritual aspects, and relationship dynamics, vary across different cultures. Two Spirit identities encompass more than gender identity and sexual orientation, holding significant and diverse meanings within Indigenous contexts. They are unique to the cultural and spiritual traditions of Indigenous North American peoples and should not be appropriated by those outside those communities.

Lesbian

A term typically used to describe women and some non-binary individuals who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to women. While it commonly refers to someone who identifies as a woman and is primarily attracted to people of the same gender, the identity is also embraced by some non-binary individuals. This inclusion often occurs when they feel a connection to womanhood and have a primary attraction towards women. The term acknowledges a spectrum of experiences within the realm of same-gender attraction.

Gay

Refers to men and some non-binary individuals who experience emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction towards men. While “gay” is sometimes applied broadly within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to encompass various forms of same-gender attraction, it’s important to be aware that such broad usage can lead to the erasure of distinct identities and experiences within the community.

Bisexual/Bi

A sexual orientation describing individuals who are attracted to more than one gender. This attraction does not have to happen concurrently, in the same way, or to the same degree. Bisexuality involves a capacity for emotional, romantic, and/or physical attraction to people of the same and different genders, including non-binary and genderqueer people.

Transgender

An umbrella term used to describe individuals whose internal self-awareness of gender differs from the societal or cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. This term includes not only trans women (assigned male at birth) and trans men (assigned female at birth) but also encompasses those who identify with genders beyond the woman/man binary, such as non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, or multiple genders. Being transgender is about one’s internal understanding of their gender identity, which may or may not align with their birth-assigned sex.

Queer

A term used to describe a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions that don’t fit into normative concepts. While “queer” is embraced by many for its encompassing and flexible nature, it’s important to note that not everyone accepts this term due to its historical use as a pejorative. The stigma attached to its past usage means that its acceptance varies among individuals, particularly across different generations.

Intersex

This umbrella term encompasses a range of natural bodily variations that do not conform to traditional definitions of male or female. Intersex traits can include differences in chromosomes, hormone levels, and reproductive or sexual anatomy, both externally and internally. Historically, many intersex individuals have undergone medical procedures in infancy or early childhood aimed at aligning their sex characteristics with societal norms, often without their consent. Despite being relatively common, the existence of intersex people has been largely overlooked, limiting public awareness and discussion of intersex issues. It’s important to note that “hermaphrodite” is an outdated and offensive term previously used to describe intersex individuals.

Asexual/Asexuality

A spectrum of sexual orientations for people who experience little to no sexual attraction, recognizing asexuality as a spectrum with varied experiences. Unlike celibacy, which is a choice to abstain from sexual activity, asexuality is a natural orientation. Some asexual people may engage in sexual activities and can experience different levels of attraction, including romantic, physical, and emotional, which are distinct from sexual attraction and can vary independently.

Plus/+

Symbolizes the inclusion of identities beyond those explicitly listed in initialisms such as 2SLGBTQIA+. It represents a broad spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities not specifically mentioned. The “+” emphasizes that all these identities, though not individually named, are equally important and integral to the community. This inclusiveness acknowledges the diversity and evolving nature of gender and sexual identity.

Trans & Non-Binary Identities

While no one identity or expression is more important than another, often some groups experience more risk and threat than others. In our current social climate, this is sadly true for transgender and non-binary folks. Recent trends indicate a concerning rise in anti-transgender and nonbinary discrimination. This upsurge is evident in various forms, including legislative efforts aimed at restricting the rights and public participation of transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Alongside this, there has been a notable increase in both organized and spontaneous acts of violence against these communities. This escalation in discrimination and violence underscores the growing challenges and risks faced by transgender and nonbinary people.

Thus, we want to give some special attention to understanding these unique and beautiful identities here. Take a few minutes to watch this introduction to the realities of sex and gender:

How does gender relate to being a Christian? The answer to that is as varied as the number of people who have taken that journey. However, listen to one transgender Christians journey for a perspective on faith, gender, and sexuality: