ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews key terms and concepts related to both sexual identity and gender identity, including an overview of queer theory. It provides an overview of research relevant to instructional communication and issues regarding sexual and gender identities as well as where more research is needed. The chapter considers several questions for educators to reflect on regarding their own teaching practices and ways to address sexual and gender identity in the classroom. Different from sexual identity, gender identity refers to one's own perception of gendered being. This concept is distinct from gender roles, the culturally expected, biologically dictated ways in which people are generally expected to behave. Intersectional pedagogical practice might begin with an appreciation of fluid gender pronouns. For example, rather than assuming a student's gender identity, instructors might ask students to introduce themselves and their preferred, self-identified pronoun.
