LGBTQ+ Identities
When it comes to gender and sexual identity, there has been an explosion of labels that some find confusing. Terminology is changing to express a broad spectrum of identities beyond male/female, man/woman, and gay/straight.
Dee
Who is Dee?
Hi! I’m here to help you explore the vast spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities. It’s a big world out there, and for a long time, we’ve tried to lump everyone into just a handful of categories: man or woman, gay or straight. We now know it’s more complex than that, factoring in all four core elements: biological sex, gender identity, gender expression and attraction. Let’s get started...
The infinite variety in human identity
For a long time, people have used pairs of opposites to make sense of the world—black or white, nature or nurture, gay or straight, boy or girl. Human beings and the world we inhabit just aren’t that simple.
The "+" in LGBTQ+
Explore the history and meaning of the LGBTQ+ acronym.
What’s in a name?
There has been an explosion of terms used to explain gender identity and sexual identity. Learn why some feel many terms are needed.
What Is Intersectionality?
If you had just one word to describe yourself, what would it be? That's the challenge posed to Mengjue Jiang. Watch this video to learn her response.
Intersectionality explained
Watch this video to learn more about intersectionality and how it helps us understand different experiences, including experiences of discrimination.
Digging into intersectionality
Get the scoop on the history of intersectionality and why it's at the forefront of efforts to achieve LGBTQ+ equity today.
Double jeopardy
Explore the experiences of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults who identify as LGBTQ+, including challenges around safety, security and well-being.
Beyond the binary
The term “non-binary” is used a lot these days. Learn more about identities beyond the categories of man/woman, gay/straight, and male/female.
Gender beyond he and she
Nonbinary gender identities have been around for a long time. They have recently begun to be recognized in the US and other western countries.
It’s a learning process for everyone
Actor Asia Kate Dillon talks with Ellen DeGeneres about what it means to be female and nonbinary.
A spectrum of sexual orientations
Researchers have been measuring a spectrum of sexual orientations for over 70 years.
Variety in our bodies
Our bodies come in all shapes and sizes.
The script has flipped
If you ask Gen Z, the future is non-binary.
The "Q" in LGBTQ+
Dig into the many meanings of the word "queer."
Who identifies as queer?
What was once an offensive term has been reclaimed by some Americans.
Q is for questioning
Explore a meaning for the "Q" in LGBTQ+ that is often overlooked.
Conflicting opinions
People in the LGBTQ+ community have strong and conflicting opinions on the meaning and use of the term 'queer.'
Love and Family
Explore themes of love and family in the LGBTQ+ community.
Holding fast to love
Six longtime couples share how they weather the ups and downs of life together, finding great joy and opportunities for growth along the way.
Family Ties
Who do we count on when times are rough--and who do we share our joys and triumphs with? Families are vital to the LGBTQ+ community.
"Chosen Family"
Musical artists Elton John and Rina Sawayama celebrate chosen families in a powerful performance.
Crucial connections
Chosen families mitigate loneliness and nourish hope in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Love and Marriage
Learn how interracial marriage paved the way for same-sex matrimony.
LGBTQ+ History
Explore key themes and milestone events in LGBTQ+ history.
Making History
LGBTQ+ Black pioneers and trail blazers have helped shape our world.
“It’s About Your Rights and Freedom”
Explore the history and meaning of LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations.
Fighting back
Learn what happened when the patrons of the mafia-owned Stonewall Inn decided to fight back against violence and harassment.
LGBTQ+ history through the ages
Think LGBTQ+ history starts with Stonewall? Think again!
Understanding the Pride flag
Did you know that each of the colors in the rainbow flag has a special significance for the LGBTQ+ community?
The first Gay Olympics
Learn how an early effort to expand outlets for gay athletes became a smashing success.
Ripple Effects
The LGBTQ+ community faces discrimination on multiple fronts, with significant and lasting impacts.
2023--A Year in Review
Explore groundbreaking findings about laws and policies impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
Ripple effects
Our communities are losing some of their most talented residents.
A hard truth
Most people agree that discrimination is wrong. But do we fully understand the harm it creates?
Violent victimization
LGBTQ+ persons are at significantly higher risk of being victims of violent crime than non-LGBTQ+ persons.
Lending a hand
The American Psychiatric Association offes tips for supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ people
Addressing concerns
Are bathrooms becoming unsafe? Is fairness in sports in peril? Explore commonly expressed concerns--and fact-based responses--relating to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
LGBTQ+ at Work
Learn about the experiences of LGBTQ+ persons in the workplace.
A changing workplace
Explore changes occurring in today's workplace as more people identify as nonbinary.
LGBTQ+ at work
Learn about the experiences of LGBTQ+ persons in the workplace and what organizations can do to create a more inclusive environment.
What follows DEI?
DEI is under attack. Pluralism may offer a way forward.
Understanding the Community
Learn about the people who make up the LGBTQ+ community.
Celebrating the ordinary
Amy Schneider's historic run on 'Jeopardy!' won't be forgotten anytime soon, not the least because she made being LGBTQ+ seem so ordinary.
LGBTQ+ millennials
Check out the findings from a 2018 survey of young millennials conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago. Some of the results might surprise you, including the fact that Latinos in this generation are the most likely to identify as LGBTQ+.
Finding the words
It's not easy to affirm your identity when existing terms are non-existent, stereotypical or offensive. Learn about ongoing efforts to fill the gaps in LGBTQ+ terminology in many Asian languages.
Who identifies as Latinx?
Get the scoop on the meanings and origins of Latinx, a term added to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary in 2018.
By the numbers
How many U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+? Explore the latest findings from Gallup.