Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (or the most random things I can think of)
If the answers to these questions are not in-depth enough for your curiosity, feel free to contact myself or one of the steering committee members for further answers.
What is sexual orientation?	"A person's emotional, physical, and/or sexual attraction and the expression of that attraction. although a subject of debate, sexual orientation is probably one of the many characteristics that people are born with. most people become aware of their sexual orientation during adolescence." -Gender Issues and Sexual Orientation Resource Packet.
What terms should be used to describe homosexuals or transgender people?	Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) are the most commonly used terms when describing non- heterosexuals. In reality, there are 2 basic guidelines. One, be respectful and avoid names that can be derogatory (ie fag, dyke). Two, within reason, don't be afraid to just ask. Asking a person how they prefer to be identified is simply respectful in the right context. Again, GLBT are the most common terms and are outlined below.
Can sexual orientation be changed?	There are programs such as Exodus International that claim to free a person from their homosexuality (personally I need freedom from the hetero-normative society I live in not my orientation). People tell two stories on ex-gay ministries, one being that they live joy filled lives after their transformation, the other of much self hatred and often eventual suicide. When I came out to myself, I hated myself more than anything for being homosexual from being raised in a homophobic home. I hated myself so much to cut myself and plan a few suicides. My life turned around when I became free of the hate inside of me. I did not have to change; rather, the hate did.
What is homophobia?	"The irrational fear that 3 fags will break into your house and redecorate it against your will." - Tom Ammiano "The fear, dislike, and hatred of same-sex relationships or those who love and are sexually attracted to those of the same sex. Homophobia includes prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and acts of violence brought on by fear and hatred. It occurs in schools on personal, institutional, and societal levels." -Gender Issues and Sexual Orientation Resource Packet
How many GLBT people are there?	Exit polls from 2004 showed 4% of persons self-identified as gay or lesbian. However, it has to be factored that some, due to societal pressures, may have been reluctant to identify as gay or lesbian. A widely accepted number is that 1 in 13 high school and college students identifies as something other than heterosexual.
Is homosexuality a mental illness?	In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association voted to remove homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Who can go to Prism meetings?	ANYONE is welcome at all Prism meetings and events, regardless of race, gender, creed, religion, and sexual orientation. Prism makes no assumptions of sexual orientation and asks no one to label themselves.
Does homosexuality conflict with religious beliefs?	Homosexuality does conflict with SOME religious beliefs; however, there are many tolerant congregations and religions in both the United States and world-wide.
What does the term "bisexual" mean?	The term "bisexual" is both an adjective and a noun, describing a person who has sexual or romantic feelings for persons of both genders.
What does the term "lesbian" mean?	The term "lesbian" is both an adjective and a noun, describing a woman who has sexual or romantic feelings for other women.
What does the term "gay" mean?	The term "gay" is both an umbrella term and a specific term. In the context of a group of people, it implies homosexuality or bisexuality. In the context of one man, it describes a man who has sexual or romantic feelings for other men.
What does the term "transgender" mean?	"The experience of having a gender identity that is different from one's biological sex. transgender is also used as an umbrella term for all those who choose not to conform to society's often stereotypical notions of gender expression, including transsexuals, cross-dressers, two-spirit people, and drag queens and kings." -Gender Issues and Sexual Orientation Resource Packet
What does the term "intersexed" mean?	"Intersexed individuals (formerly referred to as "hermaphrodites") are born with both ovarian and testicular tissue (either fully or partially developed). Some also have some obvious physical abnormality or ambiguity at the time of birth involving the external sexual organs." -Gender Issues and Sexual Orientation Resource Packet
Is coming out scary?	Yes, revealing who you really are to anyone can be frightening. Especially if there are people in the world who think of GLBT persons are inhuman beings.
Is coming out worth it?	Yes, being yourself not only relieve internal stress but allow a person to have better relationships with those around them. However, every one comes out at their own pace. Remember, the tortoise still beat the hare. It often helps to find respectful/accepting groups such as Prism to first come out in, taking life one step at a time.
Does Prism recruit people to be gay?	Absolutely. There is a $500 signing bonus and an automatic promotion system. Why else would I have joined one of the most hated minorities in the United States?
Think we're going to burn in hell for being homosexual or respecting others in spite of their sexual orientation?	That's nice.
The answers to these questions are either my own writing, quotes from the book Queer Quotes, or definitions from "Gender Issues and Sexual Orientation: Resource Packet," or a combination of the above.
Cunningham, Jon. Gender Issues and Sexual Orientation Resource Packet. University of Wisconsin-Stout. 2005. Theophano, Teresa. Queer Quotes. Boston: Beacon, 2004.