LGBTQ+ 101: FAQs
MAP Staff & Peer Leaders at Youth Pride 2015
MAP's Gender Neutral Bathrooms
What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation is the term used to describe what gender(s) someone is sexually and/or romantically attracted to. Sexual orientation is different from gender identity. Sexual orientation is about who you are attracted to.
What is gender identity?
Gender identity is who you think you are. It's how you feel about and express your gender - clothing, behavior, and personal appearance. Gender is not connected to a person's physical anatomy.
What does LGBTQ+ stand for?
LGBTQ+ is an acronym that refers to individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (transgender/transexual), or queer. The + represents identities that are sometimes included in longer versions of this acronym. These can include people who are undecided, intersex, two-spirited, asexual, pansexual, and demisexual.
L - lesbian G - gay B - bisexual T - trans Q - queer
"Coming out" (also know as "coming out of the closet") is a process of accepting and being open about your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Coming out is extremely personal and different for everyone. You're in charge of your coming out experience. It's up to you to choose how, where, when, and with whom to be open about your sexual orientation and/or gender identity.