Here at Good Vibes Clinic, we stand in full support and allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community. We recognise the immense healing power that can come with exploring sexuality and identity. We recognise the importance of finding community, support and belonging. We recognise the stigma tied to identifying as anything other than cisgender or heterosexual. We recognise the hardships attached to historical and ongoing oppression and exclusion.
Being inclusive is an ongoing practice, and we are all learning! As we explore and are witness to different expressions of the LGBTQIA+ community, we will continue to un-learn the fixed and binary views we have unfortunately been taught thus far. To assist you along your inclusivity journey, GVC have provided some guidelines we can all follow, and incorporate into our day-to-day interactions.
Not assuming someone’s gender or sexuality
It is common for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to have a very nuanced relationship and history with their gender and/or sexuality, so making an assumption based on the length of their hair or their clothes for example, can be triggering. Using gender neutral language such as “partner” or “folks” can ease a lot of the pressure for both people in the conversation. It’s just as important to note that biological sex is not the same as gender and vice versa. The body in which we’re born into, may not align with how we feel and identify.
Being LGBTQIA+ is not a choice or a preference, it’s part of our identity, and part of who we are on a fundamental level. We’re all human and with that, we need to continue to respect each other’s experiences. Before you ask that queer or trans person about how they have sex or their body, ask yourself “would I ask a cisgender person this question?” These are just starting points to assist you with understanding the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and being able to connect or support them. If you know someone who may struggle understanding these basics, send this post to them!
Clarifying pronouns
Asking someone for their pronouns can be incorporated into asking someone their name, when you meet new people. Remembering a person’s pronouns can then be the same as remembering their name. At the end of the day, practice makes perfect! As long as we keep trying to get it right, that’s the best we can do. We are humans, and we do make mistakes. If you use someones incorrect pronouns, simply apologise, correct yourself, and move on. There’s no need to apologise again and again, and this can make for an uncomfortable interaction for everyone.
Seek Support if you need it
Studies have shown that LGBT+ people are nearly four times more likely than non-LGBT+ people to be victims of violent crime. They are also significantly less likely to access support or report the crime due to previous negative experiences or fear of discrimination.
As a community, LGBT+ people are more likely to experience poverty and stigma, and as a result, are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide. This is just the tip of the iceberg stemming from historic and ongoing oppression and exclusion.
There is a growing acceptance and understanding around LGBT+ folks and their place in the world across many communities. However, this doesn’t negate or change the discrimination many LGBT+ people experience. Check out our post on Instagram, to find state-specific support services for LGBTQIA+ folk.
The sheer diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community is what makes it so healing. Any and all expressions of gender and sexuality are valid, welcome and so needed. There’s no doubt we’ve all had a difficult year, so let’s head into this pride season with nothing but love in our hearts and our minds.
How Can You Support the LGBT+ Community?
Even if you don’t identify as any of the labels, there’s a number of ways you can support the LGBTQIA+ community this pride season! Including but not limited to:
Attending a Mardi Gras Parade or a pride event
Volunteer or donate to LGBTQIA+ led and focused organisations
Educate yourself on relevant community issues, barriers to support and the various internalised phobias we face - homophobia, biphobia and transphobia to start!
Support LGBTQIA+ artists and culture
Become an ally or advocate by listening and elevating the experiences of people in the community
Consider your company or organisation’s stance on inclusivity and encouraging change