What+is+Gay?

[[image:LGBTQ_text_line.jpg width="169" height="169" align="right" link="LGBTQ Text Line"]] What does 'Gay' mean to you?
[|Share your opinion]

Definitions of LGBTQ
To understand the terms "Gay," "Lesbian," "Bisexual," "Transgender," and "Questioning" youth, we should note that these definitions are not standardized, and terms are used differently by different individuals and in different regions. The meanings of words also change over time. Concepts and attitudes toward gender identity and sexual identity are changing in society as a whole, as well as within the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender communities. Therefore, the meanings of these words will continue to change as well.    
 * Gay** usually refers to an individual who has significant romantic attractions primarily to members of the same gender or sex, or who identifies as a member of the gay community. A gay person may be of any gender identity. The term "gay" is sometimes used as a synonym for gay male, however the term is not exclusively reserved for males. (From the Bisexual Resource Center at [|www.biresource.org/bisexuality.html])
 * Lesbian** usually refers to a girl or woman who has significant romantic attractions primarily to members of the same gender or sex, or who identifies as a member of the lesbian community. The term lesbian is also interchangeable with the term "gay". (From the Bisexual Resource Center at [|www.biresource.org/bisexuality.html])
 * Bisexua****l** refers to people who have the potential to feel sexually attracted to, and to engage in sensual or sexual relationships with, people of either sex. A bisexual person may not be equally attracted to both sexes, and the degree of attraction may vary over time. Self-perception is the key to a bisexual identity. Many people engage in sexual activity with people of both sexes, yet do not identify as bisexual. Likewise, other people engage in sexual relations with people of one sex, or do not engage in sexual activity at all, yet consider themselves bisexual. There is no behavioral "test" to determine whether or not one is bisexual. (From the Bisexual Resource Center at [|www.biresource.org/bisexuality.html])
 * Transgender** refers to people who manifest characteristics, behaviors or self-expression, which in their own or someone else's perception, is typical, of or commonly associated with, persons of another gender. There is great diversity among transgender people. Various terms are used to describe segments of the transgender community. Some of these terms are transvestite, crossdresser, bi-gendered, androgyne, transsexual, drag queen and male/female impersonator. Each of these terms describes a distinct type of transgender person.

Research suggests there is a biological basis for transgender behavior, but to what degree is unknown. Transgender people manifest their characteristics, behaviors and self expression at different stages in their lives ranging from infancy to old age. This leads to the observation that biology creates a capacity while nurturing and individual choice may retard or accelerate the emergence or degree of transgender behavior. (From the PFLAG -Talk/TGS-PFLAG Virtual Library at []) 
 * Questioning** youth refers to teens who are going through a process of questioning or are unsure of their sexual orientation.



//© 2010 OneSeventeen Media and KidThrive. Alien Lounge is property of KidThrive.org and OneSeventeen Media//