What is identity?
Identity is about:
- Who you are.
- How you feel about yourself.
- How you see yourself.
- How other people see you.
Our identity is made up of many different parts, and one of these is gender identity.
Gender Identity
Gender identity is how you feel inside about your gender.
Some people identify as:
- Male
- Female
- Both
- Neither
- Somewhere in between
The guide explains that what matters most is how a person feels about themselves, and that everyone's identity is unique.
Gender Expression
Gender expression is how people show their gender to the world.
This can include:
- The clothes they wear.
- Their hairstyle.
- Their behaviour.
- How they want their body to look.
- The name they use.
- The pronouns they want others to use, such as he, she, or they.
The guide reminds readers that everyone has the right to express themselves in the way that feels right for them.
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation means who someone is attracted to emotionally, romantically, or sexually.
The guide explains that sexual orientation and gender identity are different. They may be connected for some people, but they do not have to be. There are many different sexual orientations, and each person's experience is personal.
Acceptance and Support
The guide recognises that some people may not understand another person's gender identity or sexuality.
It encourages people to:
- Talk to someone they trust if they want to.
- Ask for support and information.
- Remember that understanding yourself takes time.
- Celebrate who you are.
The overall message is that everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are.
Why this guide is important for people with learning disabilities
People with learning disabilities have the same rights as everyone else to:
- Understand relationships, gender, and sexuality.
- Receive information in an accessible format.
- Make informed choices.
- Be treated with dignity and respect.
- Express who they are safely and confidently. Mencap developed these Easy Read resources to make these topics easier to understand and to support families, carers, teachers, and professionals in having open, respectful conversations.
Key Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Identity | Who you are and how you see yourself. |
| Gender identity | How you feel about your gender. |
| Gender expression | How you show your gender through appearance, behaviour, or language. |
| Sexual orientation | Who you are attracted to emotionally, romantically, or sexually. |
| Acceptance | Respecting people for who they are. |
Personal Reflection
This guide reminds us that every person is unique. People with learning disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else to learn about identity, gender, sexuality, and relationships in a way they can understand. Providing clear, accessible information helps people make informed choices, understand themselves better, and feel respected and included. I also think it is important that families, carers, teachers, and professionals create a safe environment where people feel listened to and accepted for who they are.
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