Sexual orientation
(cont.)
What does "bisexual" mean?
A bisexual person (male or female) is someone who has significant sexual and or romantic attractions to both males and females or is someone who identifies as a member of the bisexual commurtity.
What does "transgender" mean?
Transgender is a term for individuals whose gender identity does not match with that assigned for their physical sex. Gender identity is an individual's sense of being male or female. Transgender people experience a gender identity that differs from the gender identity expected for a member of their biological sex. Although transgenderism is not a sexual orientation, the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Student Services is committed to creating a safe space for transgender students on campus.
Can you determine someone's sexual orientation or gender indentity from his or her appearance?
It is impossible to tell people's sexual orientation or gender identity by their appearance. Stereotypes can be misleading.
How many lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and transgender (LGBT) people are there in the United States?
No one knows for sure, although it is estimated that 2% to 10% of the U.S. population is LGBT.
Why do people have different sexual orientations or gender indentities?
This is a common and valid question. Different cultures have different theories and beliefs. In the U.S., there is no agreement on the answer to this question. Some people believe that sexual Orientation and gender identity are influenced by genes, others by environment, and still others believe it may be a combination of the two. Although there have been studies and research in this area, there is no conclusive answer.
Is being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender normal?
Different sexual orientations and gender identities have existed throughout history in many different cultures. Some famous people considered to be lesbian women and gay men include Aristotle, Michelangelo, Virginia Woolf, Rudolf Nureyev, Yukio Mishima, Martina Navratilova, and
Graham Ackerman . There are LGBT people of every age, race, religion, education level, and socioeconomic class. LGBT people are everywhere.
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