What is a heterosexual?
A "heterosexual" is a woman or man who has a sexual and/or romantic interest in a person of the opposite gender.
What is a bisexual?
A "bisexual" is a person who has a sexual and/or romantic interest in people of both genders. However, a bisexual woman or man does not necessarily have lovers of both genders at the same time.
Can you tell if someone is gay, lesbian or bisexual?
It is impossible to tell people's sexual orientation by their appearance. Stereotypes can be misleading.
How many lesbians and gay men are there in the United States?
No one knows how many lesbians and gay men there are in the U.S. It is estimated that 2% to 10% of the U.S. population is lesbian or gay.
Is being gay, lesbian or bisexual normal?
Absolutely. Homosexuality has existed throughout history and around the world. Some famous lesbians and gay men include Aristotle, Michelangelo, Virginia Woolf, Rudolf Nureyev, Yukio Mishima, and Martina Navratilova. There are lesbians, gays, and bisexuals of every age, race, educational level, and socioeconomic class.
Is being gay, lesbian or bisexual healthy?
Absolutely. However, all people who are sexually active risk being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS, regardless of their sexual orientation. Additionally, the American Psychological Association does not consider homosexuality to be a mental illness.
Are homosexuals discriminated against?
In the U.S., some organizations and individuals discriminate against homosexuals. For example, school teachers can lose their jobs if someone thinks they are homosexual. Homosexuals can be refused housing or be evicted from their homes. In addition, they are sometimes physically attacked. Homophobia and discrimination against homosexuals exist everywhere in the U.S.
What is homophobia?
"Homophobia" is the irrational fear and hatred of homosexuals. People who are homophobic are often afraid to get to know lesbians and gays. They are sometimes afraid that other people will think they are gay or lesbian. Or, they worry that a gay or lesbian person may be attracted to them. If they do not know gays or lesbians, they don't realize that these fears are not necessary.
Homophobia can lead to physical or emotional violence against homosexuals.
