Understanding sexuality and LGBTQ rights are important in order to accept those who may have a different sexuality from you. It may seem like there’s a lot to learn and while it’s true that there are a few definitions to learn, it’s important to remember that they’re all part of helping people live in peace. Respecting others is something we must learn to do whether it is in the workplace, home or at school.

First and foremost: what does LGBTQ mean? It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. In case you don’t know what all of these things mean, don’t worry! I’m here to define them for you. A lesbian is a woman who is romantically interested in women. Gay can refer to men who are romantically interested in men but can also refer to lesbians. Someone who is bisexual refers to a man or woman who romantically likes both men and women. Transgender and Queer seem to be the definitions that are the trickier ones to understand so I’ll do my best to help.

Transgender refers to someone who identifies as a gender different from the one they were classified as at birth. Queer can actually be defined in several different ways. The term can be defined as someone who is romantically interested in people of many different genders and can also relate to someone who sees themselves as going against society’s norms.

There are a few terms out there that I haven’t mentioned here but are just as important in accepting others and understanding that, just like you, they’re people who deserve respect. A boy who has a boyfriend is just as much a person as a boy who has a girlfriend. One of the best things you can do for yourself and other people is to respect their lifestyles. Simply, it is their life and we are all different.

The great news is that the world is slowly but surely moving towards accepting anyone who fits into the above categories. An animated short film titled In a Heartbeat follows the story of a young boy whose heart leaps out of his chest because of the overwhelming feelings that he feels for another boy. You can watch this film to get a little more information into the LGBTQ world and also see why being gay or a lesbian or transgender really isn’t a big deal.

As children we all know what it feels like to be teased. Being made fun of is terrible and it often hurts our feelings. You probably know what it feels like to be made fun of, which is why you should never do it to someone else. If someone isn’t bothering you, it’s important to let them live their lives but it’s just as important to educate yourself on these terms so you can be more accepting. Remember the Golden Rule: treat others as you want to be treated. The world will be a better place for it!

Sources:

http://www.liberateyourself.co.uk/lgbtq/what-is-lgbtq/

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=transgender

http://www.uua.org/lgbtq/identity/queer