Stereotypes and assumptions about lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) persons

(REV-OVS-13-3-3)

Avoid stereotypes and assumptions when conducting interviews with applicants of a different sexual orientation or gender identity or expression (SOGIE). Be mindful that:

Applicants may:

• participate in cultural or religious customs or traditions
• have children
• have heterosexual experiences or relations
• voluntarily enter into a heterosexual marriage
• engage in exclusive relationships

Applicants may not:

• have feminized or masculinized appearances or mannerisms
• have known about their SOGIE at a young age
• have had prior same-sex sexual experiences or relations
• actively participate in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) culture, including frequenting LGBTI-predominant areas and social establishments or related community organizations and groups
• be promiscuous or sexually active
• demonstrate the same dynamics and characteristics as others with diverse SOGIE
• seek to have surgical or physiological treatment if they have access to that treatment
• be in an occupation stereotypically associated with diverse SOGIE