Introduction

Every culture has its own attitudes and beliefs about sexual orientation and gender identity. Now that you are attending school in the United States, you may find it useful to have a better understanding of how people here view sexual orientation and gender identity.

For some people in the U.S., a common belief is that each person has the right to live as he or she wants, as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others. However, this belief is not held by everyone. Sexual orientation and gender identity are sometimes comfortable issues to openly discuss and express. But there are times when it is not an easy topic to approach.

Progress has been made on these issues in the U.S. but it remains a controversial issue for some.

The purpose of this brochure is to provide factual answers to questions that are often asked about sexual orientation and gender identity in the United States. In addition, the brochure gives resources for students who want more information.

What does "gay" mean?
A gay man has significant sexual and or romantic attractions to other men, or identifies as a member of the gay community. At times, "gay" is used to refer to all people, regardless of sex, who have their primary sexual and or romantic attractions to people of the same sex.

What does "lesbian" mean?
A lesbian is a woman who has significant sexual and or romantic attractions to other women, or who identifies as a member of the lesbian community.

What does "heterosexual" mean?
A person (male or female) who has significant sexual and or romantic attractions primarily to members of the other sex is heterosexual.

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 community.

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. 

Can you determine someone's sexual orientation or gender identity 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 identities?
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 lesbian women and gay men include Aristotle, Michelangelo, Virginia Woolf, Rudolf Nureyev, Yukio Mishima, and Martina Navratilova. There are LGBT people of every age, race, religion, education level, and socioeconomic class. LGBT people are everywhere!

Is being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender healthy?
There is nothing inherently unhealthy about any given gender identity or sexual orientation. All people who are sexually active risk being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV and AIDS, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Information on safer sex is available at the University Health Center. Further, the American Psychological Association does not consider sexual orientation to be a mental illness, which was a change in U.S. thinking several decades ago.

Are LGBT people discriminated against?
In the U.S., some organizations and individuals discriminate against LGBT people. For example, school teachers can lose their jobs if someone thinks they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. LGBT people can be refused housing or be evicted from
their homes. In addition, they are sometimes harassed or physically attacked. Homophobia and discrimination against LGBT people exists everywhere in the U.S., including Philadelphia.

What does being "in the closet" mean?
When someone is LGBT but has not personally come to terms with his/her identity and has not shared his/her gender identity or sexual orientation with others, this person is said to be "in the closet". It is difficult for many people to come "out of the closet" and reveal their true identity because of the stigma that sometimes comes with being LGBT. Always remember that it's up to an LGBT person to reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity to others-you should allow the individual to do that themselves.

What is homophobia?
Homophobia is the fear and hatred of or the discomfort with people who love and sexually desire members of the same sex. Homophobic reactions often lead to intolerance, bigotry, and violence against anyone not acting within heterosexual norms. People who are homophobic are often afraid to get to know LGBT people. They are sometimes afraid that other people will think they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Or, they worry that an LGBT person may be attracted to them. If they do not know any LGBT people, they don't realize that these fears are unfounded.

What is heterosexism?
Heterosexism is the individual person, group, or institutional norms and behaviors that result from the assumption that all people are heterosexual. It is the system of oppression, which assumes that heterosexuality is inherently normal and superior, that negates LBGT peoples' lives and relationships.

Why are gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people so public about their sexuality? Isn't this a private matter?
Some people in the U.S. think that LGBT people talk too much about their lives. In the U.S., heterosexual couples often hold hands and even kiss in public. They commonly talk about boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives. However, LGBT people cannot talk about their social lives without revealing their sexual orientation or gender identity and risking discrimination. LGBT people only want the same freedom of expression that heterosexuals already enjoy. When an LGBT person is public about their identity this is often called "coming out of the closet" in the U.S. This means the individual no longer has to hide an important aspect of him or herself, but can be a whole person publicly recognized for the life he or she leads.

Why does LGBT issues get so much attention in the U.S.?
Historically, there have been many social movements for equal rights in the U.S. For example, there have been movements to gain civil rights for women, African-Americans, and people of different religions. The LGBT rights movement is another example of people in the U.S. working together for civil rights. LGBT rights laws would help protect LGBT people from discrimination.

Not everyone agrees that LGBT people need legal protection from discrimination. There are some organizations in the U.S. that are working to pass laws against LGBT rights. Movements for civil rights require legal reform. This process creates a lot of debate and gets media attention. Therefore, the LGBT rights movement is now getting a lot of attention.

How do issues of LGBT rights and discrimination affect me if I'm heterosexual?
As an Temple student, you will meet lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people, perhaps without ever knowing about their sexual orientation or gender identity. They may be your classmates, your instructors, and your friends. You will often read or hear about the issues of LGBT rights and discrimination against LGBT people. If you know about these issues, you will better able to understand the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people you meet. It is likely that you already know LGBT people from home, through they might not represent themselves to you in this manner. LGBT rights are important to heterosexuals as part of the broader civil rights individuals want and expect in this country.

What if I think I am lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender?
You are welcome to talk to someone about this in a confidential manner. You can meet with someone in the Tuttleman Counseling Services.  Many college students in the U.S. question or explore their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The University has other resources for students who are uncertain of their identity, including the several student organizations.

Will I have immigration problems because I am a gay or lesbian foreign student?
Sexual orientation is not a reason to be denied a visa or any of the benefits of F-1 or J-1 student status. One problem that lesbian or gay foreign students sometimes do face, however, is that there is not a simple way to have a same-gender lover accompany you to the United States. The classification for dependents of students is only for a spouse and children.

What if I find out I am gay or lesbian while in the United States, but don't know how to tell my family at home?
Deciding whether, when, and how to talk to your family and friends about your sexual orientation is a complex issue that all LBGT people face, regardless of their citizenship. However, it can be a special challenge for students from countries that are less open. A good starting place would be to talk to the Tuttleman Counseling Services. They can offer you resources and suggestions.

Can I get political asylum in the United States because I am gay or lesbian?
This has happened before, although obtaining political asylum is a long and complex process. It would depend in part on what country you are from and what type of persecution you have faced in your home country. You are welcome to discuss this with an advisor at the Office for International Services who can give you preliminary information and attorney referrals.