LGBT

“We’re not gay firefighters, teachers, mechanics, musicians, or clerks. We’re firefighters, teachers, mechanics, musicians, and clerks who happen to be gay! Our sexuality is but one part of who we are. There’s so much more to me than that!”
--Oliver, age 35

The letters LGBT (or GLBT) are often used as an abbreviated way of referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Sometimes “Q” is added to include those who are questioning their sexuality.

Straight, gay, lesbian and bisexual are words used to describe sexual orientation-the enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual feelings to other people. Heterosexual (straight) individuals experience these feelings primarily for people of the opposite sex.  Homosexual (gay or lesbian) individuals experience these feelings primarily for people of the same sex.  Bisexual (bi) individuals experience these feelings for people of both sexes.

Gay can be used to refer to anyone (man or woman) who is sexually attracted to members of the same sex, but it is often used to refer to a male who is attracted to other males. Lesbian refers to females who are attracted to other females. Someone who is bisexual might be attracted to either males or females.

Transgender is a broad term describing the state of a person’s gender identity, which does not necessarily match his/her assigned gender at birth. Transgender individuals are those who identify with a gender other than the one society expects of them based on their genitaliaand physical appearance, and may display characteristics (manner of dress, for example) of either gender. 

Androgenous is a term used to describe people who present features and behaviors of both sexes. Intersex (formerly hermaphrodite) is a term used to describe individuals born with both male and female anatomical features.

According to the American Psychological Association there is not agreement among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a particular sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. While there are those who think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation--straight or gay.