Q: What is the difference between genderfluid and genderqueer? Is there a difference?
A: Yes, there is a difference.
People that identify as genderfluid have an identity that can change to whatever they feel fits them best at different points in time. This can be within the binary, outside the binary or somewhere in between.
People that identify as genderqueer commonly do not express their gender identity within the binary and may see themselves as neither male nor female, outside of the binary or somewhere in between, or a combination of the two.
Q: Why is there an LGBT Center but not a straight center?
A: Historically, there have not been safe spaces for individuals that are a part of the LGBT community. Being heterosexual and cisgendered is a privilege, as we live a society that validates and normalizes the identity of those that are straight and whose gender matches the one they were assigned at birth, while members of the LGBT community have not had the same privileges.
To put things in perspective, there most likely isn’t a part of a cisgender, heterosexual’s day where they have to question whether or not their safety is at risk or if they are going to be ridiculed and ultimately told their existence is not valid solely for their gender identity and sexual orientation.
It is not a matter of excluding the straight, cisgender community, but rather, letting the LGBT community have a safe space that makes them feel their existence is valid and important. All are welcome at the LGBT Center — including straight, cisgender individuals.
Cassidy Paul (pronouns: she/her/hers) is the Education Coordinator for the LGBT Center.
Do you have a question about the LGBTQ community? Email them to lgbt@ohio.edu or oulgbtcenter@gmail.com, tweet @oulgbtcenter with #qaqueer,
