Is straight part of the lgbtq

Coming out can be very emotional for lesbian, gay, bi-curious, transgender, and lgbtq+ (LGBTQ) people. It can be thrilling or provide a tremendous sense of relief, but it also carries the risk of rejection, discrimination, harassment or even physical abuse. A person who is coming out may experience a roller coaster combination of joy, scare, self-confidence, vulnerability, celebration or anxiety.

For a straight person, it isn’t necessarily any easier. Even direct people who aid LGBTQ equality may still be shocked or feel awkward when their family member, friend or coworker pulls them aside to utter , “I’m gay” or “I’m trans.” They may not realize how to react. They may also be afraid of making the situation uncomfortable or saying something they might regret.

Everyone’s experience is different, so there’s no script to follow when someone comes out to you. But if you’re respectful, polite and patient, you can avoid or minimize any feasible tension or embarrassment by remembering the following guidelines:

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Listen to what he, she, or they acquire to say and let them establish the tone of the conversation. Listening will show that you respect them and help put them at e

is straight part of the lgbtq

LGBTQ+ Identification in U.S. Now at 7.6%

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- LGBTQ+ identification in the U.S. continues to increase, with 7.6% of U.S. adults now identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans person, queer or some other sexual orientation besides heterosexual. The current figure is up from 5.6% four years ago and 3.5% in 2012, Gallup’s first year of measuring sexual orientation and transgender identity.

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These results are based on aggregated data from 2023 Gallup telephone surveys, encompassing interviews with more than 12,000 Americans aged 18 and older. In each survey, Gallup asks respondents whether they identify as heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual person, transgender or something else. Overall, 85.6% say they are straight or heterosexual, 7.6% identify with one or more LGBTQ+ groups, and 6.8% decline to respond.

Bisexual adults make up the largest proportion of the LGBTQ+ population -- 4.4% of U.S. adults and 57.3% of Diverse adults say they are bisexual. Gay and queer woman are the next-most-common identities, each representing slightly over 1% of U.S. adults and roughly one in six LGBTQ+ adults. Slightly less than 1% of U.S. adults and about one in eight LGBT

Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ

Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ people organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.

Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary. 

Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org

*NOTE:  Request people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender culture and gender statement before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence.
 

LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel

Glossary of Terms

Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or utterance because it feels taboo, or because they’re anxious of saying the false thing. 

This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more content. LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.

Ally | A word used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Queer community who support each other (e.g., a dyke who is an ally to the bisexual community).

Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual action with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may life no, little or conditional sexual attraction.

Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who love and are sexually attracted to more than one gender.

Bisexual | A person emotiona

Cisgender and Straight Don’t Signify the Same Thing — Here’s Why

Some people narrate you what terms they use to describe themselves. For others, you might have to ask.

If you’re not sure and you aren’t comfortable asking, don’t assume the labels someone does or doesn’t use.

Remember that some people might feel uncomfortable talking about their gender or orientation, especially if they’ve experienced discrimination in the past.

If you’re unsure about what terms to utilize to describe yourself, accept time to think about it. Read up about terms that might depict you. Check out forums on Reddit and Facebook groups.

You can’t always tell what pronouns someone uses by looking at them. They might declare their pronouns up front, or you have to ask. Remember, it’s improved to ask than to assume.

If you’d like, you can share your pronouns when you meet modern people.

For example, you could simply say “Hi! My name is so-and-so and my pronouns are they/them.” You can also add your pronouns to your social media bios and email signature.

There are many places where you can learn more about gender, sexuality, orientation, and attraction. For example:

Healthline also has a tr

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