LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer\/Questioning, and Others<\/p>\n
There are 13,042,000 LGBT people in the US<\/p>\n
Let’s get into what each category means!<\/p>\n
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<\/h3>\nIt is defined as a continual romantic, emotional and\/or attraction between the same gender. Being Lesbian means a person is a female who has the previously mentioned feelings for another female. Being gay means a person is a male who has the previously mentioned feelings for another male. Being bisexual means one can have the previously mentioned feeling for both genders. Being Straight or heterosexual means that you have feelings for the opposite gender. The attraction is not only based upon gender but on many other factors like personality, age, and opinions. Many cultures have drastically different attitudes and labeling for sexual orientation. An extremely important piece of information is the fact that feeling romantic or sexual attraction to the same gender is NOT a choice.<\/span><\/p>\n Since 1975, The American Psychological Association or APA has deemed that being homosexual or bisexual is not a mental disorder. There is no consensus as to why people have varying sexual orientations, but many believe it is due to biological and environmental reasons (APA).<\/p>\n A homosexual relationship overall is very similar to a heterosexual one. “Research has found that the factors that influence relationship satisfaction, commitment, and stability are just like heterosexual couples.(APA)<\/span><\/p>\n Therapy to change someone’s sexual orientation has never been proven to be effective, safe, or helpful. Types of therapies included are <\/span>aversion therapy. <\/a>\u00a0This can be done through religious methods like threats of going to hell, the use of prayer,\u00a0 using the power of God to change orientation, and emphasis on accountability to change sexual behaviors(Cramer). There are numerous recorded negative consequences of conversion therapy, this includes depression, a decrease in sexual arousal, anxiety, depression, self-hatred, anger, and suicide (Cramer). For more on this topic, visit <\/span>APA.org<\/a><\/p>\n There are 646,500 same-sex couples on record.<\/p>\n Romantic orientation is defined as the “desire for intimate and emotional relationships with people of particular genders or sexes. It’s about who we feel affection for and may include who we seek out to build a life or family with” (University of South Dakota). A person can have romantic and sexual attraction, but they are also not exclusively mutual. Demi-sexual people, for example, are attracted to others after they are romantically or emotionally attached to another person. Someone can also have sexual attraction for both genders, but can only have romantic feelings for one gender.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is defined as a person whose gender identity does not match the typical behaviors associated with their sex. The difference between sex and gender is usually misunderstood. Sex is the biological characteristics one is born with, such as their genitalia. Gender is a societal construct, meaning that behaviors associated with sex are determined by society, by people and not actual biological characteristics. For example, men having short hair in many societies while women have long hair is dictated by social norms, not physical sex characteristics. Having a vagina or a penis in no way dictates how someone has their hair without external factors interfering.<\/p>\n To talk about being transgender, gender dysmorphia must be brought up. Gender dysmorphia is when someone is uncomfortable with their body and\/or with the gender roles they were assigned. This can cause distress and problems functioning. This causes many to dress differently, have surgery, and\/or have hormone treatment.<\/p>\n Being a transman means a person was born with female genitalia but identifies as male, however they may show that. Transfemale is a person born with male genitalia but identifies as a female.<\/p>\n There are numerous variations of transgenderism. For example, one can have surgery to more correctly reflect their identity. This can include the following, but not everyone has surgery the same way. Top surgery is when one has breast removal or breast implants. Bottom surgery is when one’s genitalia is altered. For more information click here!<\/a> This is called Transsexualism but is under the umbrella term of Transgender. A trans person also doesn’t have to have surgery. They can ask to be called certain pronouns, or wear clothes people of their sex typically doesn’t.<\/p>\n An important thing to keep in mind is that just because you are transgender does NOT mean you are transsexual or wish to have gender confirmation surgery. A trans person can fulfill their identity in many ways and combinations of those ways. People follow whatever works for them! If someone wants surgery, that is great! If someone just wears the clothes of their gender identity, that is also great!<\/p>\n Again, there is no confirmed reason of why people are transgender. Many believe it could be due to multiple factors like hormones or experiences in childhood and early adulthood.<\/p>\n About .07 % of youth ages 13-17 identify as transgender and .06% of adults identify as transgender.<\/p>\n This definition is relatively wide and has a few definitions. All of them show that Queer means a person who does believe they fit with any given sexual orientations.\u00a0 It is also commonly used referring to gender in which the term add gender at the beginning<\/p>\n It is defined as someone is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.<\/p>\n The plus sign means many other groups and categories of sexual orientation and gender identity some include: Intersex, Asexual, Demisexual, Pansexual, Gender non-conforming, Cisgender, Non-binary and Gender-fluid. For definitions refer to this NY Times article<\/a> which does an excellent job of breaking down the groups.<\/p>\n It is defined as an LGB person becoming self-aware of their attractions and telling one or more people about it. People also use this term when referring to gender identity as well.<\/p>\n There are many difficulties with coming out for many. This is due to discrimination, a fear of other’s reactions, fear of disownment and so on. This is especially difficult for LGBTQ+ youth who are dependent on their family and are in such a vital time in their development.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Myth: sexual orientation and gender identity are dependent on each other<\/p>\n Truth: A transmale, with or without gender confirmation surgery can be in a relationship with a female or male. The same goes for a transfemale. Just because you identify as female or male does not dictate who you are attracted to.<\/p>\n Myth: Homosexuality is a choice and it can be changed<\/p>\n Truth: People cannot choose who to be attracted to. Whether homosexual or heterosexual or any other orientation, you like who you like. This can change within a person as well. The attraction to others is fluid. Conversion therapy and its faults perfectly show how orientation cannot be changed.<\/p>\n Myth: Transgenderism is a choice<\/p>\n Truth: Trans people do not choose to feel the way they do. Gender dysphoria is an actual condition with real consequences. Acting or dressing in a certain way, having surgery or hormone therapy are all ways of feeling more comfortable with what someone identifies with.<\/p>\n Are you heterosexual or cisgender? Can you control those feelings; the attraction to the opposite sex or loving your body’s sex?<\/p>\n No? Neither can LGBTQ+ individuals<\/p>\n Myth: Bisexuals have to like both genders equally<\/p>\n Truth: Sexual orientation can be thought of as a\u00a0 gigantic scale. Someone can identify as bisexual but can prefer one gender over another. This can differ widely from person to person and can even vary during someone’s lifetime.<\/p>\n Myth: Homosexuals hurt the idea of family<\/p>\n Truth: Most research studies show that children with two moms or two dads fare just as well as children with heterosexual parents. Children raised by same-sex parents did not differ from other children. Where research differences have been found, they have sometimes favored same-sex parents (AMMFT). The structure of family and the importance of it is not destroyed with a homosexual couple. It may look different, but the family structure still exists.<\/p>\n Myth: Homosexuals are more likely to be an assailant in a sexual assault.<\/p>\n Truth: Most men who sexually assault other men identify themselves as straight. There is this idea that only homosexual men can be victims of perpetrators of male sexual assault and it just is not true. The myth due to homophobia and a habit developed over the past century of seeing participation in a sexual act as a sign of a person\u2019s sexual identity. (Living Well)<\/p>\n Click this link for a definition guide! LGBTQ_Guide (1)<\/a><\/p>\n Romantic Orientation vs. Sexual Attraction<\/h2>\n
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Transgender<\/p>\nQueer<\/h2>\n
Questioning<\/h2>\n
Plus<\/h2>\n
Coming Out<\/h2>\n
Myths<\/h3>\n
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