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Redlining
Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward and publisher of Colorlines, defined it as "the complex interaction of culture, policy and institutions that holds in place the outcomes we see in our lives."
Examples of this is can be found in all aspect of life, such as the housing market. Black people make up nearly half of the homeless population, despite making up only 13% of the population, according to a Department of Housing and Urban Development report presented to Congress in January. This has to do to redlining. Redlining refers to 20th century practice used by banks and real estate to determine which areas would get loans to buy homes. Neighborhoods which had BIPoC were outlined in red and deem the riskiest. Because of this it was fundamentally impossible for Black or Brown people to get loans. It was a legal way to enforce segregation.
Racism vs Modern Racism
Racism is often understood thought as blatant over the top hostile behaviors. But over the years its evolved into subtle in many cases almost innocuous behaviors. Modern Racism does not express nor endorse racist views and stereotypes. It believes in greater integration between people. However, modern racists also believe racial equality has been achieved and that we need no further policies to promote equality.
Racial Profiling
The discriminatory practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race or ethnicity rather than on any evidence or behavior.
Privilege
Refers to advantages accorded to individuals based on their identity (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status). White privilege is an example of how white people benefit from systemic racial advantages in many societies, especially in Western contexts.
LGBTQ+ Identities and Terminology
The LGBTQ+ community has faced widespread hardship over the centuries which sadly continue today. Discrimination, legal inequality, and social stigma are just a few of the things they face on the daily. Many individuals experience family rejection, leading to higher rates of homelessness, especially among LGBTQ+ youth. Workplace discrimination and lack of legal protections leave many vulnerable to job insecurity and harassment. The community also faces violence and hate crimes, particularly against transgender individuals and queer people of color. Mental health struggles are common due to societal pressure, bullying, and lack of support, often leading to higher rates of depression and suicide. Access to healthcare, including gender-affirming care, remains a challenge, with many medical professionals lacking proper training or refusing treatment. Despite progress in LGBTQ+ rights, the fight for equality, safety, and acceptance is ongoing and we are proud to fight along side our community. 🏳️🌈
Lesbian
A lesbian is a woman who is romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually attracted to other women. The term is used to describe individuals who identify as female and experience same-gender attraction.
In the early 20th century, many societies criminalized or stigmatized lesbian relationships, forcing many to hide their identities. Later lesbian rights gained movement in the 1960's and 70's allowing for more education, awareness and tolerance. Many lesbians face homophobia, sexism, and societal pressure to conform to heterosexual norms even today. In recent years lesbian visibility has increased through representation in media, politics, and activism.
Gay
The term gay refers to a person who is romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually attracted to people of the same gender. While it is commonly used to describe men who are attracted to other men, it can also be an umbrella term for all same-gender-loving individuals, including lesbians.
A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This means they may identify as a gender different from their biological sex or outside the traditional male-female binary. Transgender people have always existed and through out all cultures.
Unfortunately the transgender community faces widespread hardship and discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, healthcare, housing, and personal safety. Many trans individuals encounter workplace bias, denial of medical care, and legal barriers that restrict their rights. Trans youth often face bullying and mental health struggles due to lack of acceptance, while trans people, particularly trans women of color, experience disproportionately high rates of violence and hate crimes.
Being transgender is a natural and valid part of human diversity.
Transgender
Bisexual
A bisexual person is someone who experiences romantic, emotional, and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender. Bisexuality exists on a spectrum, and individuals may experience attraction differently over time. Despite being a valid sexual orientation, bisexual people often face unique challenges, including biphobia (prejudice against bisexual individuals) from both the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities. They are frequently stereotyped as being "confused," "greedy," or "going through a phase," which can lead to erasure and invalidation of their identity. Bisexual individuals also experience higher rates of mental health struggles, as they often feel isolated and unsupported. Many face discrimination in relationships, workplaces, and healthcare, and bisexual women, in particular, are at an increased risk of sexual violence.
Asexual
An asexual person is someone who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others. This identity can encompass a broad range of experiences, from individuals who don't desire sexual relationships at all, to those who may experience sexual attraction in limited circumstances or in specific relationships. Asexuality is often misunderstood and overlooked in both the broader society and the LGBTQ+ community, leading to misconceptions and stigmatization. Asexual individuals may face pressure to conform to societal expectations of sexuality, and they often encounter assumptions that they are simply "not attracted to the right person" or that they must be "broken" or "repressed." This can lead to feelings of isolation and mental health struggles, such as loneliness and frustration. In addition, asexuality is often erased in mainstream discussions about sexual orientation, leaving many asexual individuals feeling invalidated.
Demisexual
A demisexual person is someone who only experiences sexual attraction to someone with whom they have a strong emotional connection. This means that unlike others who may experience sexual attraction to people based on physical appearance or other factors, demisexuals typically require a deeper bond or emotional intimacy before they feel attraction. Demisexuality is often misunderstood and is sometimes seen as a "grey area" within the asexual spectrum, leading to erasure or invalidating of demisexual identities. Many demisexual individuals face misconceptions that they are simply "waiting for the right person" or that they are not truly attracted to others, which can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. They may also experience pressure to conform to societal expectations of sexual attraction and relationships.
Nonbinary
A nonbinary person is someone whose gender identity doesn't fit strictly within the traditional categories of male or female. Nonbinary might might experience their gender as a mix of both, neither, or as something entirely different. Some may identify as genderfluid, shifting between gender identities, or as agender, experiencing no gender at all. Nonbinary people face a lot misunderstanding and erasure of their identities, as many societies and cultures are built around the assumption that everyone fits into the male/female binary. They often encounter misgendering (being called by incorrect pronouns) and exclusion from both the broader society and LGBTQ+ communities, where the focus is often placed on binary identities. Many nonbinary individuals also face legal and medical barriers, as forms and systems often require male or female designations, and gender-affirming care can be difficult to access.
Pansexual
A pansexual person is someone who experiences romantic, emotional, or sexual attraction to others regardless of their gender or gender identity. This means that pansexual individuals are attracted to people based on who they are as individuals, rather than being limited by gender. Despite this inclusive nature, pansexuality is often misunderstood or dismissed as "just bisexuality" or "confusion" by both the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities. Pansexual people may face erasure, where their identity is invalidated or overlooked in discussions about sexual orientation. They also often encounter stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination, including the misconception that pansexual people are "promiscuous" or incapable of forming meaningful relationships.
Intersex
An intersex person is someone born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female, such as differences in chromosomes, gonads, or genitalia. These variations can be present at birth or may become apparent later in life. Intersex people often face medicalization, where doctors may attempt to "normalize" their bodies through surgeries or hormone treatments, sometimes without the person's consent, to make their bodies conform to conventional male or female standards. Intersex individuals also endure social stigma, as many are raised and treated according to societal norms that enforce binary gender roles. This can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and trauma. In addition, intersex people face erasure within broader LGBTQ+ discussions, as their experiences are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Two Spirit
Two-Spirit is a term used by many Indigenous cultures in North America to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities or has a gender identity that is distinct from the traditional male or female roles. Historically, Two-Spirit individuals were often revered and held special roles in their communities, such as spiritual leaders, healers, or mediators. However, the arrival of European colonization and the imposition of Western gender norms led to the marginalization and erasure of Two-Spirit identities. Many Two-Spirit people have faced discrimination, both from within their own Indigenous communities and from the broader society, which often views their gender identities as outside of the binary norms. The disruption of traditional cultural practices and the forced assimilation into colonial systems also contributed to the loss of many Indigenous understandings of gender diversity. Today, Two-Spirit individuals are reclaiming their identities, seeking to restore the respect and spiritual significance that their roles once held within their cultures, while also navigating the challenges of being part of both the LGBTQ+ community and their Indigenous heritage.
The LGBTQ+ community matters, and their identities are valid. Every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality. The diverse spectrum of identities within the LGBTQ+ community contributes to the richness of human experience. Each person is beautiful and each person’s truth is worth honoring. That is what its essential that we stand together to create a world where all LGBTQ+ individuals can live authentically, free from discrimination, fear, and prejudice. Everyone's love and identity are valid, and their voices should be celebrated.
For our LGBTQ+ members- YOU ARE SEEN, YOU ARE LOVED AND YOU MATTER!