: Gender identity is an individual's deep, internal sense of being male, female, or another gender . This can differ from the sex they were assigned at birth .

: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth .

Despite growing visibility, the transgender community continues to face severe systemic barriers across health, safety, and legal rights. Cultural Competence in the Care of LGBTQ Patients - NCBI

: Building relationships with other sexual and gender minorities is heavily tied to positive mental health and resilience . Peer networks are critical to counteracting a hostile environment .

LGBTQ+ culture is largely a collectivist community built on shared values, shared struggles, and a celebration of diversity .

: Art, music, performance, and digital media have traditionally been utilized by LGBTQ+ youth and adults alike to process emotions, promote self-care, and fight for social justice .

: People whose gender identity corresponds naturally with the birth sex they were assigned .

: Individuals who do not subscribe to the conventional gender binary of strictly "male" or "female" . 🎨 LGBTQ+ Culture and Community