Spot a stigma

Stigma refers to negative attitudes and false beliefs that a group of people or society holds towards something. Try spotting different examples of stigma and reflecting on how you currently view 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

1. Based on biological sex, there are only two genders—man and woman

This false belief is a stigma. Someone’s gender identity and expression extend beyond their biological sex.
2. Being 2SLGBTQI+ is a choice

This false belief is a stigma. Just like someone can’t choose their height, being 2SLGBTQI+ is not a choice.
3. 2SLGBTQI+ people only live in big cities

While some prefer living in big cities, 2SLGBTQI+ people live in communities of all sizes across Canada.
4. You can tell if someone is a part of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities based on how they dress or act

This negative attitude is a stigma. You can’t determine if someone is part of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities solely based on how they dress or act.
5. Most people will know someone from 2SLGBTQI+ communities

This is true–no stigma here! There are approximately 1 million 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada, so you likely have met someone in the community. It may not be obvious that someone is a part of the community, and they don’t need to disclose it if they don’t want to or feel comfortable doing so.
6. Bisexual people are just sexually confused

This negative attitude is a stigma. Bisexual people often deal with those who question their bisexuality by believing that they need to choose between being gay and straight. Their sexual identity deserves to be respected as much as anyone else.
7. You can always tell if someone is a member of a 2SLGBTQI+ community by the way they act, sound, and dress, and what activities they participate in

This attitude is a stigma. Someone’s voice, mannerisms and hobbies don’t determine their sexual orientation or gender.
8. Only young people are a part of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities

This false belief is a stigma. Within the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, 26.6% are over the age of 45. Older generations who are a part of 2SLGBTQI+ communities have worked tirelessly to develop more inclusive communities for the future.
9. There are many sexual orientations beyond gay and straight

This is true–no stigma here! Although being gay or straight are the most commonly identified sexual orientations, there are more that make up the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

How did you do?

Were you able to spot all of the examples of stigma? Were you surprised by any of them? Were there any you could relate to? Being able to spot a stigma is the first step. Move on to the second step to get the facts you need to address it.