Unlearning Biases: 2SLGBTQIA+ Education for Seniors
Amanda Shaw
It’s normal not to know everything (Phew, I’m giving up on learning the difference between Star Wars and Star Trek).
What matters is the willingness to learn (Sigh, okay. Starship Enterprise is Star Trek and the Millenium Falcon is Star Wars).
Prejudice exists because of the things we see and hear growing up. Psychology Today has an excellent article explaining how bias is learned, and while fear had its evolutionary advantages (Run away from the guy with the lightsaber!), continuing to hold onto misplaced, learned fear is harmful. (Is the guy with the lightsaber one of the good guys?)
Many people who were once hesitant toward a community or culture later reflect that they simply needed more information or permission to ask questions without judgment. (What exactly is a Yoda?)
I have had several conversations with my traditionally conservative, Catholic father about bias and hate. He openly reflected on how each generation becomes more and more open to accepting differences — not that long ago, women weren’t in the workforce, and now it would be strange if we weren’t! We discussed how his parents grew up when segregation was legal and enforced and people learned their biases through the societal systems in place. I’m sure I’m not the only child
who heard “Don’t use the words Grandpa says!”
My parents have acknowledged the biases they held toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community because of the generation they grew up in — the same one most of you grew up in — and work to understand. I’m extremely proud of my parents and am glad I won’t have to say to my children “Don’t use the words Grandpa says!” When curiosity replaces fear or hatred, empathy can follow.
Why is this important now? Well, believe it or not, you probably know someone who privately or openly identifies as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We don’t know exactly how many older adults identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, as this community is under-studied; however, the government of Alberta estimates there are between 16,000 and 81,000 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults living in Alberta today.
A 77-year-old gay person living in Alberta today has, from a statistical standpoint, spent their whole life hiding their authentic self or being ostracized or criminalized for who they are. They were 21 years old when homosexual activity was decriminalized under the Criminal Code of Canada, 48 when the Alberta Supreme Court made it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation, and 57 when they could finally get legally married. Can you imagine having to hide who you love for your entire life? Imagine if those first butterflies of falling in love with someone were instead wasps of all-consuming fear and crippling anxiety.
So, how can we unlearn our biases? Easy — we educate ourselves! And luckily, as retired teachers (and other amazing, like-minded professionals), who better to teach you than yourself! Below are three resources I uncovered while writing this article; I challenge you to read them. Or find readings to challenge another bias you may hold. As you read, acknowledge anything that feels uncomfortable; is this something you have personally experienced, or is it something you have been taught by society?
Acceptance isn’t about having all the right words memorized, changing your religious beliefs, or trying to be someone you are not. It’s about recognizing another person’s humanity, respecting their identity, and showing openness to learn.
Your Assigned Readings:
Psychology 101:
bit.ly/why-we-resist-anything-different
Social Studies:
open.alberta.ca/publications/
aging-with-pride-a-guide
Terminology 101:
bit.ly/what-is-2SLGBTQI
Understanding 2SLGBTQIA+
Two-Spirit (also Two Spirit or Two-Spirited), an English term used to broadly capture concepts traditional to many Indigenous cultures. It is a culturally specific identity used by some Indigenous people to indicate a person whose gender identity, spiritual identity, and/or sexual orientation comprises both male and female spirits.
Lesbian, a woman who is attracted to other women, sexually and/or romantically.
Gay, a person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to people of their same sex or gender identity. Traditionally this identity was reserved for men, but it has been adopted by people of all gender identities.
Bisexual, a person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to two or more genders. Also could be referred to as pansexual, to acknowledge non-binary gender identities.
Transgender (also “trans”), a person whose gender identity differs from what is typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Queer, historically a derogatory term used as a slur against 2SLGBTQIA+ people, but the term has been reclaimed by many 2SLGBTQIA+ people as a positive way to describe themselves and as a way to include the many diverse identities not covered in the acronym.
Intersex, refers to a person whose physiological and anatomical sex characteristics differ from what is typically classified as male or female.
Aromantic/Asexual.
Aromantic: Experiencing little to no romantic attraction.
Asexual: Experiencing little to no sexual attraction to others.
The plus sign indicates inclusion of anyone who identifies as part of the sexual and gender diverse communities, or who uses additional terminologies.
Visit the complete glossary here: bit.ly/2SLGBTQIA-terminology
Amanda Shaw
Chief Information Officer, ARTA