LGBT Hot Topics: Contrasting Views

Over the past few weeks, it has been fascinating to hear different perspectives from LGBT-identified individuals as well as allies on some often hotly contested topics, which I'll share below.



Issue #1: Philosophical Issues with the LGBT Umbrella
Some people feel that the increasingly long aconym referring to the queer community (I think the latest was LGBTQQIA) is not only unwieldy but has its own issues.  Several transgender individuals with whom I've spoken have vented concerns that lumping trans with LGB issues is problematic.  One trans woman stated that she feels uncomfortable going to a "gay center" for services because she identifies as a heterosexual woman.

This brings up an important point mentioned before; sexual orientation ≠ gender identity.