Gays are people who love, in a very special way, someone who is the same gender. Often they want to share a home and have a family together.
Across all cultures and historical eras, there is evidence of homosexual activity and same-sex love. Despite the persistence of negative stereotypes, research has found no correlation between homosexuality and psychopathology.
Intersex
Intersex is the term used to describe people who have sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definition of a male or female body. These traits can vary greatly in how they are manifested.
This can include differences in chromosomes, genitals, hormones or other reproductive anatomy. Some people may only realize they are intersex after puberty.
This can be very confusing and overwhelming, especially for young children who do not yet know what their bodies look like or understand the differences they have. Many intersex individuals are also misunderstood in society and discriminated against.
Lesbian
A lesbian gay is a person who is attracted to individuals of the same gender. This includes both physical and emotional attraction.
Often people who identify as lesbian gays feel that the terms gay and bisexual are too limiting or too fraught with cultural connotations that do not apply to them. Queer is an alternative term that is preferred by some LGBTQ individuals and is used as an umbrella term to describe those who identify in this way.
The Research Libraries of The New York Public Library have a large and growing collection of books and journals on LGBT studies. These include titles on gay and lesbian history, culture, politics, social justice, and media and popular culture.
Bisexual
The number of people identifying as bisexual continues to grow, especially among Gen Z. In fact, almost half of all LGBT Americans now identify as bisexual (compared to only about 2% for lesbians, gays and transgender).
There are many ways to describe your sexuality. It may be a mix of fluid, cross oriented, gay with some bisexual tendencies or no identity label at all.
You are the only one who can determine your own unique path toward understanding your identity. Your sexuality will always be evolving, and you are free to identify in whatever way feels right to you.
Despite lingering stigmas, a growing number of bisexuals are coming out to their family and friends, and many are speaking out for the first time. As more bisexuals share their stories, they can help change the perception of bisexuality and improve mental health.
Gay
Gays are people whose enduring physical, romantic and emotional attractions are to people of the same sex. Identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual is an important step toward improving self-esteem and establishing social acceptance.
Many people have negative attitudes about homosexuals based on stereotypes about their behavior. These stereotypes include mental illness, promiscuity, loneliness, insecurity, and the potential for child molesters.
In contrast, individuals who have face-to-face interactions with gays are more tolerant of them. This may result from the emotional impact of interpersonal encounters, which refute stereotypes and reduce ignorance.
A majority of the general population says they know someone who is gay, with Millennials and Gen Xers more likely than Silents to do so. In addition, a significant number of people say they have close family members or friends who are gay.
Nonbinary
About 1 in 4 LGBTQ youth identify as nonbinary, which is a term that describes a person whose gender doesn’t neatly fit into the traditional man/woman model.
This can be a complex identity that involves changing pronouns, names, and even wardrobes to feel like the best version of oneself.
It can also involve feeling dysphoric or unable to make decisions. A new study released this week from The Trevor Project found that nonbinary youth who reported that they were treated respectfully had fewer mental health problems than those who felt disrespected.
Gender labels help us understand how people feel about their identities and can inform our policies and programs, says David Wilson, senior director of research at The Trevor Project. But they also need to be interpreted carefully, because language can be misleading and harmful.