Privilege
Privilege is a central concept to many conversations about LGBTQIA+ oppression and experiences. Understanding what privilege is and how it works will allow you to better work confront homophobia and transphobia. This page will also help you become more aware of some of the privileges you may have and how to migitate the impact your privilege has on LGBTQIA+ people.
What is Privilege?
Privilege is a complex topic. A simple definition is: privilege is the set of unearned benefits certain social groups are given that are denied to other social groups. We refer to "cisgender" and "heterosexual" privilege, but many other privileges exist (white privilege, male privilege, abled privilege, etc.). Privilege is systematic, which means that it applies on a societal scale, though may not apply in every individual instance. Privilege is not something to feel guilty about, nor is it something a person can be blamed for. However, being unaware of your privilege means you may sometimes use it in ways that hurt LGBTQIA+ people. As an ally, it is your job to be aware of how your privilege impacts those around you, and be sensitive to the fact that many LGBTQIA+ don't have access to these privileges.
These articles will give you a more in-depth look at privilege:
Heterosexual and Cisgender Privilege
Different identities are afforded different privileges. The articles below will introduce you to some of the privileges you may have that you may not think about. You may not have every privilege on the list, but that doesn't mean it's not real! It just means you are more likely to be afforded this privilege, and more likely to have access to opportunities LGBTQIA+ people are denied.
Heterosexual Privilege:
Cisgender Privilege: