5.4 Identity

What is Identity?

Your identity is what makes you, you. It is a combination of who we are and what we have been through; identity is also something that grows and changes as we ourselves grow and change. In the first section of this module, we will define different aspects of identity. As you read through the definitions, think about your identity in relation to each category.

Race/Ethnicity

A group, or groups, of people you identify with based on physical appearance, place of origin, and/or geographic location.

Gender

While Biological Sex is something you are born with, gender is something you identify with. It is a spectrum that includes male and female categorization but it is not limited to this binary classification.

Sexuality

Who you are sexually attracted to. Like gender, sexuality is a broad spectrum and it is something you identify with.

Spirituality

A person's belief (or lack thereof) in a higher being; a person's faith.

Ability

A person's capacity to do or act physically or mentally.

Nationality

Where you were born, your country of origin.

Class

One's socio-economic status.

Magic Box

Parts of your identity that may not fit into any of the other categories. This could include something unique about you, or something about yourself that makes you proud.

Intersections of Identity:

Identities have intersections, some of which you may have considered before, and others may come as new information. Some aspects of identity may be tied to privilege, while other aspects of identity may be marginalized in a particular context. In this section of the module, as you read through each of the categories, think about which aspect of your identity you would place in that category and why. Then, answer the questions below to reflect on this training module.

Privilege

Choices, entitlements, advantages, or benefits grated based on membership in a group, a special advantage or immunity, or a benefit not enjoyed by all. A right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group.

Example: one might experience privilege if they were born into an upper class family.

Oppression

Systematic mistreatment of one social group by another for its own benefit. The state of being kept down by unjust force and/or authority.

Example: one might have experienced oppression because of their race/ethnicity/nationality/gender.

Comfortable

An identity you don't think twice about; it's easy and safe.

Example: people born in the United States often don't have to think about their nationality, or one might experience comfort in being able to walk up stairs because of their physical ability.

Empowered

An identity that gives you strength and a sense of pride.

Example: one might experience pride in their sexuality.

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