Understanding LGBTQIA+ Identities: Intersectionality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Dissertation Topics

The LGBTQIA+ community is very vast. People with sexual orientation and gender identities are included in this community. People’s experiences are unique and are under the influence of different factors like race, gender, sexuality, class, and background. However, we must respect the LGB

The LGBTQIA dissertation topics are susceptible, but vast issues to be covered to complete the requirement of a degree. The acronym LGBTQI + has remained a most hyped and confusing topic in recent years. The rights of the LGBTQIA community have also remained a concern of many people. But what do these terms mean, and why is it a demand of society to know these terms? Before I dig into the details of this topic, we need to understand LGBTQIA+ identities. 

Understanding LGBTQIA+ Identities

The acronym LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual respectively. The other identities that are not covered in this acronym are represented by “+” (plus). Choosing this topic as a dissertation will help you to investigate various areas, such as historical context, the impact of society and culture, legal and political issues, and many others depending on your interests and degree requirement. After you walk through this article, I guarantee you that you will not go for a dissertation help service. Let's go into the details.

 

In old times we used to know only two genders, that is male and female. They both were attracted to each other. But with time, it became very complicated. We started coming across many other terms. In recent years, we have been hearing many different terms and concepts related to gender which has created confusion among many people. To begin with, let's get started with the letter L, which is Lesbian.

  • Lesbians

The girls or women attracted sexually or romantically toward other females are called lesbians. However, based on individual experiences and sexual orientation, the term may differ from one community to another. In some communities, one of the females is thought to be a butch, who will have a male or somehow masculine appearance. On the other hand, the other girl will seem to be a perfect girl, called to be a femme, being attracted towards that butch. It is an old theory. Both perfectly looking girls, with any personality could be lesbians.

  • Gays

Boys or men sexually or romantically attracted to each other are called gays. But on a broader side, any person being attracted to the same gender is referred to as gay. In some places,, the overall LGBTQIA+ community is also called a gay community or gay people. However, a male who is specifically attracted to another male is referred to as a gay.

  • Bisexual

Bisexual people get attracted sexually or romantically to any gender. A girl can be attracted to the same or opposite gender. Similarly, a boy can be attracted to a boy or a girl. 

  • Transgender

At the time of birth, the doctors identify a specific gender for the baby. As they grow up, it is usually the inner feeling of the individual, who feels like a girl or a boy, no matter whatever gender was assigned at the time of birth. There are individuals whose gender does not match the gender identified at the time of birth are referred to as transgenders. Some transgenders only start wearing clothes of the opposite gender and are called crossdressers. However, some transgenders go for hormone replacement therapy or take help of sex reassignment surgery, to match their physical appearance. They are called transsexuals. But both crossdressers and transsexuals are called transgenders.

  • Queer 

Queer is an ambiguous term that refers to those people who are themselves not sure about their identity. They are male, female or transgender. They cannot decide for themselves. They are not even clear to which gender they get attracted. That is why the letter Q is also referred to as Questioning. 

  • Intersex

Intersex refers to such people who cannot be identified at the time of birth to which specific gender they should be assigned. As their sexual hormones or genitals do not fit to perfect definitions of male or female, that is why their gender cannot be identified. Intersex traits may appear at the time of birth or in some individuals they might appear in the later stages of their life, like puberty.

Asexual

Such individuals have no or less romantic feelings for others and are referred to as aromantic. Those individuals having no or little attraction to others are called asexual. 

Intersectionality 

The aspects in which various identities like race, gender, and class overlap one another are referred to as intersectionality. LGBTQIA+ community faces discrimination at the time of job hiring, salary offered, and promotion chances as compared to the heterosexual people around them. Based on our identities and experiences many factors contribute to intersectionality. These factors include physical ability, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, fertility, mental health, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, language, education, appearance and many others. We cannot look only at one part of our humanity. It is not as simple as just adding oppressions and addressing each one individually. We must look at all the factors that impact our identity in society.

Diversity

The LGBTQIA+ community is very diverse including different types of identities and experiences. Some of the identities are; 

  • Sexual orientation

Some people might get attracted to the same gender (lesbian or gay), different genders (bisexual), or no attraction at all (asexual).

  • Gender identity

Some people are identified based on the gender assigned at the time of birth. However, some are identified with a different gender (transgender). 

  • Disability

Some LGBTQIA+ people have to experience another factor which is disability. 

  • Socioeconomic status

Such people can have an impact on their lives based on their economic situation. 

 

The list goes on with many other factors such as age, cultural and ethnic background, religion, and spirituality. 

Conclusion

The LGBTQIA+ community is very vast. People with sexual orientation and gender identities are included in this community. People’s experiences are unique and are under the influence of different factors like race, gender, sexuality, class, and background. However, we must respect the LGBTQIA+ community as part of our society. 

 


Richmond James

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