You can’t tell if someone is GLBT by their profession, appearance, mannerisms, income, or political views. Unfortunately, especially in schools, youth who fit the stereotype of either gay or lesbian are subjected to ridicule, abuse, and isolation, regardless of whether they are actually GLBT or not.

Gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals are as varied in their style of dress, mannerisms, and interests as their heterosexual counterparts. You usually cannot tell if someone is gay, lesbian, or bisexual just by looking. (Sometimes this question is an expression of curiosity about what gay people find attractive. More often, though, it is about physical stereotypes.) Some gay men, lesbians, or bisexuals dress or act in stereotypical ways on purpose. See similar questions...

Unlike some minorities, gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals can be inviable if they choose to. This invisibility reinforces the assumption that everyone is heterosexual. In order to fight this invisible, many people feel it is important to be openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual, even to people outside the circle of fancily and friends. If we remain silent about our sexual orientation, or lie about it, then people may continue in heterosexist assumptions. See similar questions...

People’s reactions will vary. We live in a society that expects people to be heterosexual, so some people may not be supportive of your orientation. Other people who you believed would be supportive may not be, and that can be difficult to deal with. The best thing you can do is find support from people who are positive about your coming out, such as gay-straight alliance, a GLB Youth support group, and other allies. See the resources section. See similar questions...

Sometimes it takes a while to come to terms with a sexual orientation that is treated differently from the mainstream—take your time! Whatever age you are when you question your sexuality, you may not know what to call yourself and that’s okay too. Some prefer not to label their orientation at all. Since sexual identity takes time to develop, you will be able to better articulate your identity as time goes on. See similar questions...

No. There have been people in all cultures and times throughout human history who have identified themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT). Homosexuality is not an illness or a disorder, a fact that is agreed upon by both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association in 1974. See similar questions...

Some people say that they have "felt different" or knew they were attracted to people of the same sex from the time they were very young. Some transgender people talk about feeling from an early age that their gender identity did not match parental and social expectations. Others do not figure out their sexual orientation or gender identity until they are adolescents or adults. See similar questions...

The Kinsey Institute suggested that approximately 10 percent of the population may be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. This would equal approximately 28 million (per the U.S. 2000 census). However, the basis for the percentage is greatly disputed. Gay men, lesbians, and bisexual people are found in all walks of life, among all racial/ethnic groups, and at all socioeconomic levels. In addition, the number of transgender people is greatly disputed and largely unknown. See similar questions...

Answer: - Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age. Married couples without dependent children may be accepted if the spouse also qualifies for an assignment. There is no upper age limit. The Peace Corps does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (over 40), disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. All Peace Corps services are administered on this non-discriminatory basis. See similar questions...

This questioner probably does not support gay, lesbian, or bisexual parenting. You may want to ask why such parents might be bad for their children. The response might reveal some of these assumptions underlying the questioner's concern: Children need both male and female role models in their lives to grow up healthy, and a same-sex environment does not provide this. See similar questions...

No. Homosexuality is not an illness or a disorder, neither is being transgender. It is as much a part of human diversity as being left-handed, short or tall, black or blue-eyed. A person's sexual identity and orientation are just another piece of who they are. On the other hand, what is wrong is the discrimination they face in society today based on their gender and sexual orientation -- at home, in schools, at workplaces and in the larger community. See similar questions...

Some people say they knew they were attracted to people of the same sex or somehow have "felt different" from a young age. Some transgender people say they feel from an early age that their gender identity did not match parental and social expectations. Others do not figure themselves out until they are adolescents or adults. People do not have to be sexually active to know their sexual orientation as feelings and emotions are as much a part of one's identity. See similar questions...

All people, including our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender loved ones deserve love, support and full acceptance in society. Because the LBGTQ community still faces discrimination in today's society, many of them think they have no choice but to struggle with their sexual orientation alone. The common myths and stereotypes of gay people do not help. When someone comes out, they are taking a risk. See similar questions...

Any Intel USA employee (blue badge) may become an Intel GLBTE member, regardless of orientation, provided they uphold the aims and intents described in the Intel GLBTE charter, mission and bylaws. See similar questions...

For starters, put articles on your bulletin board that deal with LGBT topics. It is a good idea to categorize along the lines of issues rather than identity. For example, instead of a gay bulletin board, have a current events bulletin board that includes some LGBT topics. Instead of an LGBT resource list, have a support services resource list that includes LGBT support services. You will still get the message across, and you're less likely to be criticized. See similar questions...

Only you can determine for yourself what your true sexual orientation is. Although outside information (like books, counselors, friends, etc) can be helpful, ultimately you are the one to decide what is true for you. Being gay, lesbian or bisexual means that you have some degree of physical, emotional and/or romantic feelings for people of the same gender as you. For gays and lesbians same gender feelings are exclusive or at least predominant over other gender feelings. See similar questions...

No. Executive Order 12968, signed by President Clinton in August 1995, states that the United States Government does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation when determining an individual's eligibility to receive access to classified information. State's security clearance procedures comply with the provisions of this Executive Order. Being in the closet does not in itself make you a security risk. See similar questions...

Like straight people, GLBT people belong anywhere that they can use their talents and abilities. Sexual orientation and gender identity have nothing to do with abilities, talents, or job performance. See similar questions...