LGBT, or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender is an acronym referring to two separate entities; sexual orientation and gender identity. Even though they are grouped in this way it is critically important to understand the distinction between the two. Sexual orientation refers to the gender or genders one is attracted to; while gender identity refers to the gender or genders we are. We all have a sexual orientation and a gender identity and knowing one does not predict the other. Further, we live in a culture that has a view that you are either male or female, either heterosexual or gay/lesbian when in fact these are really on a continuum with many points in between:

[+] Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, & Biological Continuum

[+] Sexual Orientation = an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual, erotic, affectional and/or spiritual attraction to individuals of a particular gender or genders.

[+] Gender Identity = our personal perception and sense of being male or female or blended.

[+] Other Terms: