You may be quite familiar with the acronym LGBT+ or LGBTQIA+ , but you might not have come across the term GSRD before - as it's not become very widespread yet.
First - a note on references. All of the information below should be credited to the work of Meg-John Barker, Dominic Davies, and Silva Neves.
Now, back to the acronyms.
I often prefer to use LGBTQIA+ (where space allows), because it's important that people feel seen, recognised, and invited in. But that little '+' on the end contains multitudes!
Rather than extend the acronym further, Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) seeks to welcome anyone whose life experience or identity falls outside of the narrow straight, monogamous, cisgender "norm".
G - gender diversity
Within the gender diversity column there are people who are trans, non-binary, genderfluid, and agender.
S - sexuality and sex diversity
There are a few different ideas included in the "S" of GSRD, the first is diversity of sex development (DSD) - an umbrella term for children who are born with differences in sex characteristics, or who go through puberty differently than may be expected. This includes people who prefer to use the term intersex to describe their identity.
The second is sexuality or sexual orientation - including: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, asexual spectrum, or questioning
And lastly people's diverse preferences when it comes to sexual activity (or none) - including being celibate, kink & fetishes, and BDSM practices
R - relationship diversity
Relationship diversity can include anything outside of a long-term, monogamous pair relationship where two partners are living together. This may be people who have chosen to be single or who prioritise relationships with friends, people who are on the aromantic spectrum, or solo-polyamorous people.
This can also include relationships where there are multiple people involved, such as open relationships, polyamory or CMN, and relationship anarchy (RA). It can also relate to the dynamics within relationships - including power exchange dynamics in BDSM or kink relationships, or sex work relationships.
D - diversity
At it's core, GSRD therapy means accepting & welcoming all parts of a person's identity, along with understanding the impact of negative messages from society for people who's experiences fall outside of the expected "norm".
Next steps:
If this has piqued your interest, why not find out more about GSRD-friendly therapy with me: www.rebeccawilsongreen.com
Further reading:
The Seven Core Components of GSRD Therapy - Pink Therapy
BACP guide to Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) - Dr Meg-John Barker
The Story of Sex Development - DSD Families
The big issue: Are you GSRD competent? - Silva Neves https://www.bacp.co.uk/bacp-journals/therapy-today/2023/june-2023/the-big-issue/
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