Lyndsey Hampton, R. Psych.
Carolyn Claire, R. Psych.

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting."
E.E. Cummings

 Clarify language
 Inviting conversations and becoming an ally
 Honoring identities while deepening identity exploration
 Highlights from a rural Alberta initiative

 We would like to respectfully acknowledge all gender and sexual diversities that may be represented in this audience today and trust that this time will be one of learning from each other.

It is only since the late 1800's in western society that individuals have taken on gender identities that are different than their assigned sex.
True or False?

A person cannot know that they are gay until they have started going through puberty.
True or False?

The diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder adheres to gender stereotypes and those who do not conform to gender norms are vulnerable to the diagnosis of mental illness.
True or False?

 Sex: refers to the person’s genitalia and is usually, but not always, identified at birth as either male or female
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Many different notions of sex: chromosomes, hormones, etc.
Inter-sexed: a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.

Female Intersexed Male
XX chromosomes
Estrogens
Vagina
Ovaries/Uterus
XX, XY, XXY, XO XY chromosomes variation Androgens/Testosterone micropenis, clitoral penis variation
Penis
Testis

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Designation of feminine/masculine or man/woman
 Cisgender: congruency between assigned sex and gender identity
 Transgender / Trans-Identified: individuals with identities that transgress dominant cultures expectations for males or females.
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Gender queer
Two-spirited
Third Gender
Other differently gendered persons

 Sexual Orientation: self-perception of one’s sexual preference and emotional attraction
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Heterosexual/Straight
Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Bi-Curious, Queer
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Experienced through the person’s gender identity
 We choose people who validate our preferred identity

 Sex

Gender

Sexual Orientation
 Male genitals  Boy - Masculine attributes  Will like women
 Female genitals
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Girl - Feminine attributes
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Will like men
 Heteronormativity: refers to the perspective that privileges a normative congruency between sex, sexuality and gender expression.

Sex

↓
Gender
↓
Sexual Orientation
↓
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↓ ↓
↓
↓
↓
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 In pairs identify:
 3 potential counsellor biases or assumptions
 3 practices to invite Matti into an affirming conversation supporting the exploration of his identity

 Language
 Queer material
 Markers – i.e. stickers, buttons, etc.
 Start GSA
 Introduce queer topics

 Marcia – Identity Status of Psychological Identity
Development
1.
Identity Diffusion
2.
3.
4.
Identity Foreclosure
Identity Moratorium
Identity Achievement

 In pairs identify:
 How can we honor a chosen identity while encouraging depth of identity exploration.
 What could be potential barries to this?

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 Benefits to community-based GSAs, both for the individuals involved and for their communities
Privacy
Meet youth from other schools
Meet glbt adults and adult allies who can act as mentors

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“Community-based GSA provides opportunities for GLBT youth and adults to meet in a healthy atmosphere…(p.107)”
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“Youth members can also play a greater role in decision making in a community alliance…(p.107)”

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Reflections from a Rural Alberta queer youth group
What made this work?
 Counsellors in school
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Support of established youth program
Direct referrals from mental health program
Parental consents not required
Activities
Why is it important
 Quotes

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“I found that because of Outside the Box I have had an extra place to go to meet with people that I have something in common with.
It is a place I can learn and express my interest with. I’ve also been glad that everyone has been so accepting and open minded.”
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18 year-old member of 2 years

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“The world. All of earth along with all of the things occupying it (even though I never come).”
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16 year-old member for 1.5 years

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Address own biases and assumptions
 Co-develop strategies to deal with the stigmatization and discrimination:
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Narrative therapy – creating an alternate life story shaped by resiliency, strength and resourcefulness
Social Constructionist therapy – examining and challenging society’s messages regarding gender
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Affirm client’s experiences and expression of sexual and gender diversity

 Encouraging clients to examine dominant gender norms that are taken for granted and are pathologizing .
 Collaborate with client to forge healthy accepting relationships and a sense of community in their journey to self-acceptance
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Follow your client’s lead; not all issues stem from or lead back to gender or sexual diversities.

 Share emails
 Provincial/national/international resources
 Readings