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What is LGBTIQ?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer. LGBTIQ is a term used to refer to the entire community formed by these diverse identities that are joined together because of their shared oppression under heterosexism, homophobia, sexism, and genderism. LGBQ are sexual orientations, T and I are not.
For definitions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer, please see our definitions page.
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How many people are LGBQ?
A variety of studies have estimated anywhere from 3-13% of the population is exclusively homosexual. However, even the most reputable estimates are inaccurate due to the fact that many people are afraid or unwilling to be identified as gay or lesbian, even in anonymous surveys. Also, those estimates do not include people who identify as bisexual, queer, or have fluid sexualities.
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Who is LGBTIQ?
LGBTIQ people are represented in every socio-economic class, education level, political affiliation, age group, religion, race and ethnicity. LGBTIQ people are diverse as a group and unique as individuals.
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What causes a person to be LGBQ?
There are numerous theories about the origins of a person’s sexual orientation: most scientists today agree that sexual orientation is most likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental, cognitive and biological factors.
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Are homosexuality, bisexuality, and queerness mental illnesses or emotional problems?
No. After over 35 years of objective, well-designed scientific research, psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals agree that homosexuality is not an illness, mental disorder or an emotional problem.
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Can therapy change sexual orientation?
Homosexuality is not an illness, it does not require treatment.
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Is being LGBQ immoral?
In recent years many theologians and clergy have begun to look at sexual relationships in terms of the love, mutual support, commitment, and responsibility of the partners, rather than focusing on the gender or sex of the individuals involved. While some religious traditions continue to teach that homosexuality is immoral, there are also many congregations that are open, accepting, and supportive of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer community. For a list of links to religious/spiritual websites that are accepting of LGBTIQ people please click here.
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Is being LGBQ a choice?
No. Human beings cannot choose to be either LGBQ or straight, although we can choose whether or not to act on our feelings.
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When do LGBQ people first know?
There is no set age at which people become aware that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer. Some LGBQ people become aware of their orientation during adolescence. Some say that they have known for as long as they can remember. People can realize their sexual orientation at any point during their lives.
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Can LGBQ people be good parents?
Yes. Studies comparing groups of children raised by homosexual and by heterosexual parents find no developmental differences between the two groups of children in four critical areas: their intelligence, psychological adjustment, social adjustment and popularity with friends.
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Won't LGBQ parents make their kids “gay”?
No. Research has shown that children of LGBQ parents are no more likely to become LGBQ than children of heterosexual parents.
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Do all GBQ men have AIDS?
No. This is a commonly held myth. In reality, the risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS is related to a person’s behavior, not their sexual orientation. HIV/AIDS can be protected against by using safer sexual practices and not sharing needles.
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Why do LGBQ people fight for gay rights laws: isn't that asking for special privileges?
Gay rights laws do not give LGBQ people special privileges. They are civil rights laws consistent with the beliefs that all people are entitled to such necessities as employment, housing and business services without fear of discrimination. Unfortunately, in many states, LGBQ people can be (and are) fired from their jobs, denied housing, credit, or insurance solely because of their sexual orientation.
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Should LGBQ people be banned from certain jobs?
No. Sexual orientation does not affect one's job qualifications or performance. Unfortunately, some people believe that LGBQ people should not be allowed to hold certain positions such as teacher, supervisor or health provider. They feel that LGBQ people are sexually irresponsible and less trustworthy than heterosexuals, particularly with children. The stereotype of child molester or hypersexual gay person is common but entirely false. In fact, it is well documented that the overwhelmingly majority of those who molest children are heterosexual men.
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Why are LGBTIQ people so blatant?
LGBTIQ people are often accused of being blatant (wearing buttons, marching in gay rights marches, talking and writing about sexual orientation, transgenderism and intersexuality, holding hands in public, etc.) Our culture teaches that the only acceptable way to be LGBTIQ is to be silent or invisible ("in the closet"). Any openness about LGBTIQ identity is labeled "blatant" or as "flaunting it". In contrast, “blatant" heterosexuality is rarely questioned.
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Why should people be informed about LGBTIQ issues?
Becoming informed about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) issues helps reduce heterosexism, homophobia, sexism, genderism, and transphobia. This makes it easier for everyone to live a more open and productive life in their work and home communities. The culture as a whole is therefore enriched. For LGBTIQ youth, who are more likely to experience depression and rejection by friends and/or family, acceptance and understanding could be a matter of life or death.
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