In this episode of the “What I Hear When You Say” series, members of the LGBTQ community break down why it’s problematic to regard queer identity as outside of social norms or assume that sexual identity is a choice.

Because terminology related to sexual and gender identity evolves so quickly, it’s helpful to have something to refer to when attempting to explain some of the most commonly used words. It also includes a list of words and phrases, some well-intentioned, that can be harmful or offensive and suggestions for more appropriate language.

The Safe Zone has also provided an activity that can be used to explore these materials. Find it here.

This phenomenal resource could provide days worth of lessons all on its own. GLSEN, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and StoryCorps have joined forces to document the stories of individuals who have helped shape LGBT history. The listener dives into topics such as marriage equality and the effects of the AIDS epidemic on gay communities from the people who played active roles in these moments in history. In addition to the audio interviews there are a variety of handouts and full lesson plans.

Each week This American Life chronicles the lives of some of our nation’s most compelling people. Here are two stories from the podcast that we think are perfect for the topics discussed in this playlist.

Trailbreaker
A son comes out to his family. Then his mother uses her son’s coming out as a litmus test to see how the family will respond…when she finally comes out too.

And Daddy Makes Three
Six-year-old DJ has two dads but has some puzzling ideas about gay marriage.

This worksheet serves as a supplement to the This American Life audio assignment above. Students will not only have access to a transcript of both stories, but can also reflect upon what they’ve heard by answering questions about both stories.

Published in honor of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 this timeline profiles some of the countless actors, athletes, musicians, and political figures who have come out over the past quarter century. By pairing this with the Morningside Center lesson plan, students can consider other questions about coming out.

• What is the difference between coming out as a public figure and coming out as an average individual who has limited public visibility?
• What are some of the things these public figures may have faced professionally by coming out to the world? What were the risks they faced by opening up publicly?
• Would it be harder to come out in certain professions? For example, would a politician face more scrutiny than a pop star in coming out to the world?

We know there’s female, male, gay, and straight. But science is telling us that sexual and gender identity isn’t that simple. All humans exist on a spectrum when it comes to gender, expression and attraction. These endless combinations are what make up our unique identities.

This article can be used to introduce terminology related to sexuality and gender, while exploring the differences between the various categories of identity.

This poster clearly outlines the differences between sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, as distinct concepts that combine to form the diverse spectrum of our identities.

This infographic illustrates the sliding scales associated with the identity spectrum. Invite your students to investigate the complexities of their own identities by filling out their own, plotting out where they fall on the spectrum for each category.