Queerness > Explore the intersections of your own identity

Hear LGBTQ+ teens share their intersectional identities

Marjorie, she/her, 23, NJ

The term identity refers to the way you think about yourself, the way you are viewed by the world, and the characteristics that define you.

A person’s identity is not always fixed. This means that it can change throughout our lives or from one situation to the next. Just a few examples of different identities we explore: gender identity, sexual identity, cultural identity, racial identity, socio economic identity, geographic identity, age, lifestyle, ability (physical or mental), professional identity, you name it!

Hearing about others’ identities helps us feel less alone, especially as we try to better understand who we are and the multiple identities that shape our lives.

Keep scrolling for stories from LGBTQ+ teens

Mina, he/she/they, 19, HI — I am the youngest child in the family, I have come to terms with being totally fine with any pronouns (after situations of people mistaking me as a boy). I sort of recently found out I’m pansexual, contemplating many times what my sexuality was when I genuinely didn’t have a preference about my partner’s gender. I publicly state that I’m pansexual but have not yet announced it to my parents, currently not ready for that. Being a mixed child (Asian-Hispanic) there was a lot of misconceptions, i wasn’t connected with my Hispanic side but mostly my Japanese side (which causes me to say I’m mostly Japanese). But I am proud of what I am, just tired of multiple questions that I need to repeatedly answer.
Gage, he/they/zem, 18, FL — I'm an young adult with strong opinions, a loud mouth, and a mood disorder. I am Mexican and Choctaw, both of which are very strong identities of mine. I live in a poor migrant town, which makes me more inclined to fight for those in need. I try my hardest to speak for those whose voices cannot be heard and I also try to help my struggling family as much as I can.
Malia, she/her/hers, 19, LA — I am a music student in school who is passionate about getting an education to become a music therapist. Whenever I’m not at school, I work in a rehab center as a life skills trainer. Outside of my responsibilities, I would consider myself a Queer Christian advocate. Since I have faced a lot of discrimination in the church growing up, I want to let people know that it is 100% possible to be gay and be a Christian. My faith has been a huge part of me for as long as I can remember. I have never lost it because of my sexual orientation.
Hudson, he/him/his, 17, FL — I'm a super busy person, participating in many STEM and music-related activities at my school. I'm a drum major for my high school's marching band, and the large majority of my social life comes from and revolves around my band. Outside of school, I love fashion, and go thrifting often, and also enjoy hanging out with friends. I'm a huge nature/animal lover, and actually have 6 dogs! I identify as bisexual and transgender, and my pronouns are he/him.
Glenn, they/them/theirs, 16, AZ — Do I look disabled? Probably not, but I am. I'm a disabled, queer, transgender person and all of my identities are important to me. I have a condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can be disabling for many. You can find me hanging out with my friends, doing homework, or after school activities, because I'm a normal person just like you.
Kyle, he/him/his, 18, CA — I’m a go getter. I love always being out and interacting with people. People always assume things but whenever I’m around people I never feel like my sexuality or identity is an issue. I’m always someone to be there for anyone, I love being helpful and considerate of others. I’m always working to improve my mental health so I can focus on myself, and then help others in need.