LGBTQIA+ Safe Space
A Safe Space for All Youth
Safe Zone is a place for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and/or Ally (LGBTQIA+) youth to come for support and answers.
You matter! The people who love you matter.
211 is here for your loved ones and you!
We provide a safe and confidential support source to LGBTQIA+ youth.
What Do All The Letters Stand For?
Let us take a moment and breakdown the letters of the identity alphabet. Many terms are associated with sexual and gender identities, and terminology continues to evolve. This list and the definitions offered may change over time.
Lesbian: Woman who is sexually and/or emotionally attracted to other women.
Gay: Man who is sexually and/or emotionally attracted to other men.
Bisexual: Someone who is sexually and/or emotionally attracted to more than one gender. It refers to someone who is attracted to two or more genders out of the many gender identities.
Transgender: Any person who has a gender identity that is different from the gender that they were assigned at birth.
Queer: Queer is often used as an umbrella term referring to anyone who is not straight and not cisgender. Cisgender people are people whose gender identity and expression match the sex they were assigned at birth. Historically the term queer was used as a slur against LGBTQIA people, but in recent years it has been reclaimed by LGBTIQ communities. However, some LGBTIQA people still find the term offensive. Queer is often used as a broad rejection of labels. In this context, this could be a rejection of any type of label, but most often refers to a rejection of labels for gender and sexual orientation.
Questioning: Someone who is not sure how they identify. Someone can be questioning their sexual orientation and/or their gender identity.
Intersex: People who naturally have biological traits, such as hormonal levels or genitalia that do not match what is typically identified as male or female. There are many different intersex variations. Being intersex is a naturally occurring trait in humans; it is not pathological. Being intersex is not linked to sexual orientation or gender identity; intersex people can have different sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.
Asexual: Often referred to as “Ace,” this is an umbrella term used for individuals who do not experience, or experience a low level, of sexual desire. This identity can include those who are interested in having romantic relationships, and those who are not. People of different sexual orientations and gender identities can be asexual.
Pansexual: Often referred to as “Pan”, this is a term used to describe a person who is sexually, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to people regardless of their sex or gender identity.
Straight: People that have attractions to members of the opposite sex.
What Do All The Letters Stand For?
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation is about who you’re attracted to and who you feel drawn to romantically, emotionally, and sexually.
It’s important to remember that sexual identity isn’t fixed and can change over time.
Sexual Identity is a key part of who you are. Give yourself space to learn more about your sexual orientation.
Sexual orientation is only one part of who we are.
Sexuality and gender are not the same things.
Sexual orientation is about who you want to be with.
TeenSpace is here if you want to share your sexual identity or how you feel about your sexual orientation.
Sexual orientation is an important aspect of a young person’s identity. All people want to be loved and respected. Sexual orientation is only one part of who we are. It is important to treat all people well. That includes loving and respecting yourself, whatever your sexual orientation, even if it is hard for others to be supportive or accepting.
Nevertheless, many people of the LGBTQIA+ community are afraid to let their sexual orientation be known because they fear the disapproval of others. If you are concerned about this, it will be helpful if you talk to an understanding person in your life or TeenSpace.
Teen years are a time for finding out who you are. You may be feeling alone and confused right now as you search for your sexual identity. You may be wondering what other people think about you, or you may be frightened of what you’re feeling or experiencing. We encourage you to talk to trusted friends, parents, clergy, and school counselors.
Visit the Trevor Project’s The Coming Out Handbook for ways to explore what it means to begin the journey of identifying as part of the LBGTQ community.
Sexual Orientation
Gender Identity
Gender Identity is a key part of who you are. Give yourself space to learn more about your gender identity.
It’s important to remember that gender roles aren’t fixed and can change over time.
They are many ways you can and will express your gender identity.
Gender and sexuality are not the same things.
Gender identity is about who you are.
TeenSpace is here if you want to share your gender or how you feel about your gender.
Many terms are associated with sexual and gender identities, and terminology continues to evolve. Below are some of the terms currently used by the Division of Adolescent and School Health. This list and the definitions offered may change over time.
Cisgender: Individuals whose current gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth.
Gender: The cultural roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes expected of people based on their sex.
Gender dysphoria: Describes a sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity.
Gender Expression: How an individual chooses to present their gender to others through physical appearance and behaviors, such as style of hair or dress, voice, or movement.
Gender Identity: One’s internal sense of being male, female, neither of these, both, or another gender(s). Everyone has a gender identity, including you. For transgender people, their sex assigned at birth and their own internal sense of gender identity are not the same. Female, woman, and girl as well as male, man, and boy are also not necessarily linked to each other but are just six common gender identities.
Gender Minority: Individuals whose gender identity (man, women, other) or expression (masculine, feminine, other) is different from their sex (male, female) assigned at birth.
Gender Nonbinary: Individuals who do not identify their gender as man or woman. Other terms to describe this identity include genderqueer, agender, bigender, gender creative, etc.
Gender Nonconforming: The state of one’s physical appearance or behaviors not aligning with societal expectations of their gender (a feminine boy, a masculine girl, etc.).
Transgender: Individuals whose current gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Gender Identity
What Parents Can Do
211 TeenSpace offers a safe space for teens and their loved ones to talk about their questions and concerns. TeenSpace is here to support you in being an Ally. Reach out to us if you need answers and support.
Talking with your children about LGBTQIA+ topics may feel difficult. You can offer love, support, and a safe place to come when your children have any concerns that affect teens. If parents are judgmental, your teens may go elsewhere. Children with supportive parents have far better outcomes academically, socially, and in mental health than those who live under silence, fear, or judgement. If you don’t know how to speak with your children about their identity, that is understandable. Check out these tips and resources to educate yourself and become a stronger ally.
Talk and listen.
Parents who talk with and listen to their teen in a way that invites an open discussion about sexual orientation can help their teen feel loved and supported. Parents should have honest conversations with their teens about sex and how to avoid risky behaviors and unsafe situations.
Provide support.
Parents who take time to come to terms with how they feel about their teen’s sexual orientation will be more able to respond calmly and use respectful language. Parents should develop common goals with their teen, including being healthy and doing well in school.
Stay involved.
Parents who make an effort to know their teen’s friends and know what their teen is doing can help their teen stay safe and feel cared about.
Be proactive.
Parents can access many organizations and online information resources to learn more about how they can support their LGB teen, other family members, and their teen’s friends.
Get more information from the CDC Fact Sheet: Parents’ Influence on the Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens. More resources for LGBTQ youth and their friends can be found on CDC’s web page:
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): Glossary of Terms
What Parents Can Do
Be an Ally
As an Ally, one of the best things you can do is set up Safe Spaces. Areas where people can feel free to talk and identify themselves without judgement or shame.
Resources for Allies
211 TeenSpace offers a safe space for teens and their loved ones to talk about their questions and concerns. TeenSpace is here to support you in being an Ally.
TeenSpace is here for all Allies and Friends
211 TeenSpace offers a safe space for teens and their loved ones to talk about their questions and concerns. TeenSpace is here to support you in being an Ally. Reach out to us if you need answers and support.
Challenge yourself
These conversations may be difficult. Check out these resources to educate yourself and become a stronger ally, friend, and parent.
- PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
