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Presenter: Keva C. Kirby

Faculty Sponsor: Yarborough Elle

School: Northern Essex Community College

Research Area: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A66

ABSTRACT

Starting in the late nineteen-eighties there was a shift in gender presentation and a revolt against gender norms. It was the beginning of an evolution, introducing new terminology, and changing outward expression surrounding gender and gender identities. A wider acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community began emerging in the early 1990s, but as the knowledge, identities, and expression of the LGBTQIA+ community become more visible, recent years show a strong increase in anti-LGBTQ group actions and policy proposals against the community. The purpose of this research is to better understand on a personal level, as well as raise awareness for a minority whose history is being silenced. To do this I will explore the evolution of the gender spectrum, gender expression, and societal attitudes and acceptance surrounding the evolutionary history of gender identity from the late eighties/early nineties and the current era.  Information will be gathered through research from various databases and academic journals will be reviewed, as well as qualitative interviews where participants have the opportunity to provide personalized perspectives to help build an accurate foundation. By the end of this research project I expect to discover the changes in gender definition, gender expression, and society’s attitudes and level of acceptance of LGBTQIA+ equality.