Supporting people of diverse genders and sexualities

Abstract

People who experience their sexual orientation as different from heterosexual (or straight) and/or their gender identity as different from cisgender (i.e. matching their biological assigned sex), and their families, continue to face significant challenges in many societies. Rainbow people and families are likely to need various forms of assistance from social and health services, for issues including those discussed in this chapter. Different terms have been used to identify this population. Over several years the abbreviation LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) has been successively expanded to LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, plus), as more diverse groups have demanded recognition. Nevertheless, even recent literature utilises various combinations of these initials. Moreover, it seems that rainbow people are increasingly using non-traditional and diverse ways of describing their gender and sexual identities. The rainbow has been recognised as a symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride for decades, and can represent support and safety for sexual and gender diverse young people.