Sexology

Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Feb 7, 2017

32:59

Welcome to episode 05 of the Sexology Podcast, today my guest is Dr. Abigail Weissman. In this interview with Abi, she speaks to me about the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, how she began her work on gender identity and the importance of language and pronouns in this area.

Abigail "Abi" Weissman, Psy.D. (PSY 27497) is a feminist and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, and queer, intersex, and questioning (LGBTQIQ)- affirming, polyamory - affirming, BDSM/kink - friendly, multiculturally competent, clinical psychologist who is warm, welcoming, and empowering with a wealth of clinical experience. She has a Master of Arts in Human Sexuality studies and a Doctorate and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. She hails from the East Coast by way of the Bay Area, CA. When not providing psychotherapy, training, or consultation, she can be found reading the latest research on queer sexuality, gender identity, and spending time with her family and friends.

pronouns: she, her, hers

In this episode, you will hear:

The difference between sexual orientation and gender identity
How one’s internal sense of self is how you determine gender identity
Association of politics in gender identity
Working with teens, dealing with exploration
What it means to have a gender that is neither male or female
When people first notice their gender identity
How gender identity can be discovered as young as two and half years of age
Support parents can offer to children issues around gender identity; bullying etc
Misconceptions around transgender women and men
Barriers around surgery for transgender people
The importance of use of language and pronouns in these issues