Diversity 101 for the 21st century is gender and sexuality differences. They are subtler than the physical and more complicated. So much more complicated. Libraries can be a safe place for gender and sexual diverse youth, the least library staff can do is be aware of some of the different types of gender and sexual diversity. Enter Hank Green to talk about the differences and more importantly the spectrum in the simplest way possible all at his usual breakneck but still understandable speed (vlogbrothers, 2012)
If you want more information there are many websites, many videos, many books aimed at different levels academically and understanding wise. As library staff you meet and interact with people of all kinds some looking for information regarding sensitive topics, their privacy is our concern.
For a far from academic but for a very useful glossary of LGBTQ definitions try Sam Killermann’s blog post. It is updated as new terms come into use, it isn’t comprehensive but it is a good starting point if you hear a word and are unsure of what it means.
There are more than to genders and more than two sexes. Important to remember on this issue is basic compassion, humanity and privacy, everybody is human, and we are all individual, different. As cliché as it is, treat people as you want to be treated and everything should be okay.
References
Killermann, S. (2017, August 12). Comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ vocabulary definitions. itspronouncedmetrosexual. [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2013/01/a-comprehensive-list-of-lgbtq-term-definitions/
vlogbrothers. (2012, October 12). Human sexuality is compilcated... [YouTube Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXAoG8vAyzI
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