Minds On

Human identity

Consider these terms and the following questions:

  • Is there a difference between someone’s gender identity and their sexual orientation? Is there a similarity between the two terms? What might these similarities and differences be?
  • What about a person’s gender expression and their assigned sex? What might be the similarities and differences between these two terms?

Complete the Gender and Sexual Identity Terms Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Gender and Sexual Identity Terms Chart
Gender identity:
Sexual orientation:
Gender Identity vs. Sexual Orientation
Similarities Differences
Gender expression:
Assigned sex:
Gender Expression vs. Assigned Sex
Similarities Differences

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Gender and Sexual Identity Terms Chart. 

Activity(Open PDF in a new window)

Action

Gender and sexual identity

All gender identities, sexual orientations, and gender expressions need to be treated with the same level of respect and acceptance.

Press the following tabs to access the definitions of the various terms relating to gender and sexual identity.

Gender identity refers to a person’s individual sense or feeling of being female, male, both, neither, or anywhere on the gender spectrum, which may or may not be the same as the person’s birth-assigned sex. A few examples of gender identifications include transgender, male, gender fluid, female, male, and non-binary.

This is not the same as a person’s sexual orientation.

Sexual orientation refers to a person’s sense of sexual, emotional, and/or romantic attraction to people of the same or different sex and/or gender. A few examples of sexual orientations include heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual.

Assigned sex is a baby’s sex as determined or assigned based on the appearance of external reproductive organs.

Gender expression refers to how people demonstrate their gender through the ways they act, dress, and behave, as well as the pronouns they use about themselves.

Return to your notes from the Minds On section. Would you change or add any information after exploring these definitions?

Knowledge check

Now, let’s check our understanding of the terms with this fill-in-the-blank activity.

For each sentence, select the missing word or phrase from the drop-down menu.

Brainstorm

Supporting identity and expression

A person’s understanding and acceptance of their own gender identity and sexual orientation has a strong impact on the development of their self-concept. If their gender identity and sexual orientation are respected by themselves, their family, and their community, they can develop positively.

Brainstorm a list of the kinds of supports people need to help them understand their gender identity and their sexual orientation,

After you have brainstormed for yourself a list, press ‘Answer’ to access some possible supports you may have listed.

  • role models that they can relate to (those of similar cultures and ages)
  • all gender identities and sexual orientations portrayed positively in the media, literature and materials used at school
  • family support
  • support from trusted adults
  • community organizations support
  • school support
  • support groups found in the school or community

Respecting identity

How can we recognize and respect the uniqueness of all people so that everyone can develop a positive self-concept?

Explore the following statements and check off all the responses that you believe to be correct.

Select the correct answer, then press ‘Check Answer’ to see how you did.

Pause and Reflect

Reflection

Reflect on the following questions and record your thoughts using a method of your choice:

  • How can sharing our personal pronouns help to create a safe environment for all?
  • What are other ways that we can create a safe place for everyone to feel respected and understood?

Press ‘Answer’ to access some possible responses you may have had to the questions.

Possible answers: create a space where everyone’s voice is heard, follow a diverse group of people on social media, show a genuine interest in a person’s whole self.

Consolidation

Public service announcement

Create a public service announcement that could be communicated to your school or community and help to create a safe space for people of all genders and sexualities.

In your public service announcement, be sure to include:

  • definitions of sexual orientation, assigned sex, gender identity, and gender expression in a creative way
  • ways that people need support
  • ways that we can recognize and respect everyone
  • ways to create a safe space for people

Choose your preferred communication method (video, audio, comic strip, or written paragraph) to express yourself.

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel…

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.