Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Rodi, Robert and Laura Ross. Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Part of the Living Proud! Growing up LGBTQ series. 2017. 64p. ISBN 978-1-4222-3511-9. Available at 306.76 ROD on the library shelves.

Gender identity and sexual orientation are often confused and used interchangeably. Gender identity refers to how an individual perceives himself or herself, regardless of their genitals at birth. Sexual orientation represents an individual’s attraction, both physically and emotionally, to another individual.

Once considered a mental illness, hoosexuality is now recognized through scientific research as not a choice, but a biological element just as the color of one’s eyes. This recognition, though slow to develop, eventually led to the Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage in 2015. The authors examine traditional understandings of gender and sexual orientation. It discusses the debate of nature versus nurture in one’s sexual preference, as well as the struggles that occurred to secure the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals’ civil rights to a normal life like the rest of American society. Controversies concerning whether being homosexual is a choice are also explored.

With many civil rights now secure, the LGBT community continues to push for normalization and to ensure that everyone has the right to be happy and be in fulfilling relationships with whom they love.