|
|
|---|
|
| Q: | Why is same sex marriage so darn important? Why not just use another word? Why can't I argue about it in here? |
| A: | Same-sex marriage is so important because it is a matter of fundamental human rights. That is a precept of this discussion forum and because the issue is a matter of human rights it is not up for debate. last edit by TS. 2447 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | Why do people still stay in the closet these days? Shouldn't celebrities be outed? |
| A: | Whether or not to be out of the closet is generally respected as a matter of personal choice. Because of the level of homophobia in society, people do choose to keep their sexuality private.
This is a subject of some debate in the LGBT community. Many do think, however, that someone who is not heterosexual and who is doing harm to the community (e.g. a homophobic politician enacting laws that oppress LGBT people) can be outed. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | What's the difference between transvestite, transexual, and transgender? |
| A: | Transvestite: A person who wears clothing associated with the opposite sex. Most prefer the term "cross-dresser."
Transexual: A person who identifies with the opposite gender to the one they were born with.
Transgender: A blanket term for people who diverge from usual gender roles.
Other terms people may use include "genderqueer" or "androgyne."
Intersexed people are those who are born with ambiguous genitalia or other sexual characteristics. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | What does LGBT stand for? |
| A: | Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Sometimes "transexual" and "intersex" are added. The Rainbow Room title changes the order to TLGB, as one of our members pointed out that trans people are particularly marginalised. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | What does it mean to be asexual? |
| A: | People who identify as asexual are those who, for whatever reason, do not have sex. They may lack sexual feelings, or find sexual behaviour unappealing. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | So is one partner in a GLBT relationship usually more dominant than the other? |
| A: | Each relationship is different, as with heterosexual relationships. Power relations in same-sex relationships may well not mirror traditional male-female dominance patterns, just as plenty of straight relationships do not. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | I'm straight. Can I use the word "queer"? |
| A: | Queer is a word that has been politically reclaimed by many in the LGBT community. However, as with other (formerly) derogatory words, people who are not members of the community should be very cautious about using it. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | I just saw 'Will and Grace.' What's the deal with gay 'stereotypes'? |
| A: | Stereotypes based on sexual orientation can be just as harmful as those based on race or gender. On the other hand, some would argue that gay culture has produced its own distinctive behaviours and attitudes. As with any other marginalised group, members can claim or reclaim whatever words or behaviours they want, but people outside that group should not make assumptions based on stereotypes. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | Wow, people here get so snippy over words like 'lifestyle,' or when I wonder if being GLBT is something that happens to you well after you're born. What gives? |
| A: | The use of terms like "sexual preference" or "gay lifestyle" implies that sexuality is a choice. Although there is no clear scientific consensus of what biological or social factors affect sexuality, these terms are seen as dismissive and tend to be used by the religious right, to imply that LGBT people could be straight if they chose to. Which is not the case and which is a bigoted assumption. Hence the snippiness. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | Why are some GLBT people so 'in your face' about being GLBT? I mean, it's not like I feel like I gotta tell people I'm str8 all day long. |
| A: | - Invisibility is a problem that greatly affects the LGBT community. This can be particularly harmful for youth who feel completely isolated. Having visible members of the LGBT community campaigning for rights, and for that matter living our lives, helps us to achieve equality in society.
- Quite often this question is related to physical displays of affection. But think about it. A same-sex couple quietly walking down the street holding hands may be physically attacked for it. And yet everywhere you go, and on TV, and in books and magazines and billboards and posters ... there are straight people making out. Why should LGBT people be any different?
- Why should we hide? last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | Why is no one listening when I say, 'I have lots of gay friends, so I can't be homophobic?' |
| A: | That's like Stephen Colbert saying "I don't see race, I have no race, and I'm looking for a black friend." Difference? He's being ironic.
On a message board, you can claim all the gay friends you want to. But if you say something homophobic, that's what people will judge you by. last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | I don't understand why you call me homophobic when I say I have no problem with gay people, I just don't want them teaching my children. |
| A: | Because you're homophobic.
Why wouldn't you want LGBT people teaching your children?
LGBT people are a) not pedophiles and b) if your kids learn that their teacher is gay or lesbian, what's the big deal?
Would you have any objection to a teacher of a different race? last edit by Tehanu 2356 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | To me, GLBT people are mostly fine, but don't you think those parades where everybody's naked really hurt your cause? Shouldn't you guys tone it down if you want people to treat you better? |
| A: | last edit by steve 2563 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | Seems to me women who are lesbian/bi just have had a bad experience with a guy, isn't that true? |
| A: | last edit by steve 2563 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | Why would gay people want to adopt children? |
| A: | last edit by steve 2563 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | Is it true that gay/bi people are more promiscuous? I've also heard that lesbians have less sex. |
| A: | last edit by steve 2563 days ago |
|
|
|
| Q: | Why are there so many gay people around when everyone I know says they'd NEVER sleep with someone who's the same gender? I think it must actually be around 1% of people. |
| A: | last edit by steve 2563 days ago |
|
|
|