Sexual Identity

For convenience, sexual orientation can be divided into three categories by gender attraction: straight (different-gender attraction), gay (same-gender attraction), and bisexual (both-gender attraction). Most societies enforce compulsory heterosexuality, and most people identify themselves as straight. Those who do not are almost certain to feel themselves the targets of their society’s hostility to a greater or lesser extent. While someone may accept their own sexual identity, society treats being gay with a great deal of fear and prejudice. Even when someone who is gay can accept themselves inside, outside forces can be constant and often challenging that acceptance. The battle within may be ongoing and painful.

For parents

• http://www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/for-me/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-and-intersex-lgbti-people/families-like-mine

A multimedia guide that offers practical advice to families of young gender diverse people, same-sex attracted and bisexual people, and those who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.

• https://www.genderspectrum.org/

Gender Spectrum provides education, training and support to help create a gender sensitive and inclusive environment for all children and teens. Has monthly call-in support for parents and online forum.

• http://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm
• http://www.findyouthinfo.gov/youth-topics/lgbtq-youth

For youth/teens

• https://www.genderspectrum.org/resources/teens-2/#more-428

Gender Spectrum provides education, training and support to help create a gender sensitive and inclusive environment for all children and teens. Has online forum for teens to chat with other transgender teens.

• http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

• http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/lgbtq-college-student-guide/
• http://www.affordablecolleges.com/resources/lgbtq-college-resources/

College students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students may have a harder time than others adjusting to their new environment. This guide was created to help LGBTQ students understand how many campuses are helping to make the college experience more welcoming and supportive.