Photo by Jordan McDonald on Unsplash
Welcome!
Below you will find local and national LGBTQIA+ resources, as well as information about the history of the community, terminology and pronouns, the coming out process, and how to be an effective ally.
LGBTQIA+ LOCAL/NATIONAL RESOURCES
There are a number of resources available locally as well as nationally.
Here is an overview of the available categories:
Here is an overview of the available categories:
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YOUTH
ATHLETICS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
This includes links to athletic groups and activities in the Salt Lake area that cater to the LGBTQ+ community.
BISEXUAL Below are links to resources and information that deal exclusively with bisexual persons.
EDUCATION The following links are educational. There are links to the LGBTQ+ organizations and programs at the colleges and universities in Utah, as well as links for national education networks and educational research.
GENERAL RESOURCES These are general resources, and include links to publications, advocacy information and groups, support, education, and politics.
IN THE WORKPLACE There are many concerns about being out in the workplace. Below are links to organizations and information about LGBTQ+ and the work environment.
LEGAL HELP We hope we will never need to, but sometimes we have to talk to a lawyer. Below are national and local legal services catering to the LGBTQ+ community.
LESBIANS AND GAY MEN The following links are for Gay men and Lesbians.
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LGBTQ+ ETHNIC MINORITIES
The following links are resources for specific minority groups with the LGBTQ+ community. AFRICAN AMERICANS
TRANSGENDER & INTERSEX
Transgender and Intersexed people face many difficulties that are unique to them. Finding help or information can be difficult. Below are resources specifically for this population.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS There are many health and wellness issues present for LGBTQ+ people. These range from standard health issues to access to services for lack of insurances to concerns specific to their situation. Below are links to local health and wellness resources.
RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY Religion and religious affiliation is often an area of great difficulty for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Members are sometimes ostracized and shunned. Below are links to resources for LGBTQ+ support within the realm of religion and spirituality.
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PRONOUNS
Pronouns are how you refer to someone if you are not using their name. For example: "Nadia aced her exam." Pronouns are a way we portray our identities, so when someone ask you to use particular pronouns, they’re asking for you to respect their identity. If someone tells you their pronouns, use them! If you don’t know someone’s pronouns, don’t assume. Until you learn someone’s pronouns, use their name or gender-neutral pronouns, like “they.”
When someone refers to another person using the wrong pronouns, especially on purpose, that can lead to that person feeling disrespected and can cause dysphoria, exclusion, and/or alienation. It is never safe to assume someone’s gender and living a life where people will naturally assume the correct pronouns for you is a privilege that not everyone experiences. Choosing to ignore or disrespect someone’s pronouns is not only an act of oppression but can also be considered an act of violence. Just like with someone’s name, being mindful of – and using – correct pronouns is a way to honor and respect someone’s identity, and allows us to connect with others on a more personal level. IF YOU DON'T KNOW A PERSON'S PRONOUNS Sometimes people just don’t want to share their pronouns and that’s fine. Usually it’s safe to use they/them/theirs or person’s name unless they tell you otherwise. Try to introduce yourself with your own pronouns so that everyone you meet knows that you’re a safe person and that you won’t assume anyone’s pronouns. It also prompts them to provide pronouns without it being awkward. (Ex. "Hello, my name is Rami and I use they/them pronouns.") You can ask that person, as long as you do so politely (i.e. “Hey, what are your pronouns?”), but it is generally preferred that people come out with their own pronouns on their own terms. Knowing a person’s pronouns is not the most important thing in the world but respecting a person is, so try not to demand something of someone when they’re not comfortable giving it. |
EXAMPLES
she/her/hers She is calling. Her family is nice. That car is hers. he/him/his He is calling. His family is nice. That car is his. they/them/theirs They are calling. Their family is nice. That car is theirs. Their name is Sam. ze/zir/zirs Ze is calling. Zir family is nice. That car is zirs. Note: There are many more than these four pronouns out in the world. These are simply the most common in the US. |
LGBTQIA+ 101
Closed caption version of this video.
TERMINOLOGY For a list of common terms please click on the link below. This list isn’t meant to provide a comprehensive body of terminology, but rather to provide a snapshot of some terms that you may come across as an LGBTQ+ individual, ally, or knowledge seeker. For a list of common terms, view the terminology document. View list of Terminology HISTORICAL TIMELINE ------------------------------------------> Complete timeline of events in the 20th century to present. View Historical Timeline COMING OUT -WHAT IS COMING OUT? Coming Out refers to the process by which one accepts one’s own sexuality, gender identity, or status as an intersexed person (to “come out” to oneself and the process by which one shares one’s sexuality, gender identity, or intersexed status with others (to “come out” to friends, etc.). Coming out is often a long and difficult journey, but is one of the most important process in developing a positive self image/identity. Coming out to others is not easy, as it involves risks. It is also a life long process and recurs throughout one's life. -A LIFELONG PROCESS Coming out is not just a one-time event and does not follow a linear course. For example, each time a person meets new people or starts a new job he/she must decide whether it is safe to come out. In addition, a person might be out to some people (i.e., friends) but closeted around others. Each coming out experience is unique as reactions can be positive or negative. -WHEN SOMEONE COMES OUT TO YOU We live in a society where people are taught to believe that being "straight" is normal. Therefore, people are indirectly, and sometimes intentionally, taught that being LGBTQ+ is abnormal. This makes coming out very difficult for many people. Like anyone, people who identify as LGBTQ+ accept themselves better if they are accepted by others. So, what do you or should you do when someone comes out to you? It is difficult to know what to say and do when someone comes out to you. Below are some suggestions you may wish to follow if you ever find yourself in that position: View Suggestions |
ALLIES
You may be looking for guidance on how to be an effective and supportive ally to your LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and community. The first step is to listen: |
Many thanks to SLCC's Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center for compiling these resources.