FAQ

LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning (either one.)  The plus symbol stands in place of the following letters (I for Intersex, 2-S for 2-Spirit, etc.)  The purpose of this abbreviation is one of recognition and inclusion for the many people who do not identify as cisgender heterosexuals.

Absolutely not!  Quite the opposite.  Conversion therapy is an attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, whereas Kaleidoscope promotes accepting and affirming who a person is to improve their well-being. Conversion therapy is an illegal practice in the state of California as research indicates that it causes harm, including increasing suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Because we live in a cis/heteronormative society, some people incorrectly believe that being LGBTQ+ is a choice.  However, research shows that it is not a choice, in the same way that being heterosexual or cisgender is not a choice.  It’s more a matter of self-acceptance and then the ability to live as oneself in a safe and affirming environment.

Transgender people are people whose gender identity is different from the gender they were thought to be at birth, based upon the doctor’s assessment of their genitalia.  Most people never think about their gender identity because it matches their sex at birth.  (These people are known as being cisgender.)  A transgender woman lives as a woman today but was thought to be male when she was born.  A transgender man lives as a man today, but was thought was to be female when he was born.

Gender identity and sexual orientation are two different things.  Sexual orientation has to do with whom you’re attracted to.  Gender identity refers to your internal knowledge of your own gender – such as your knowledge that you’re a man, woman, or another gender.  Like non-transgender people (cisgender,) transgender people can also have any sexual orientation.

Yes, this is a time of identity exploration.  Questioning does mean questioning, after all.

However, it is important to support a youth where they are on any given day.  Treating a young person’s self-defined sexual orientation or gender identity as “experimental” or a “phase” is an example of anti-gay or anti-transgender bias, and it could be interpreted it as rejection.  Research shows the significantly detrimental effects of rejecting a youth’s identity as well as the positive effects of accepting them.  Why not accept them where they’re at on their journey?

Research shows that gay and transgender youth who were rejected by their families because of their identity had much lower self-esteem and at very high risk for health and mental health problems when they became young adults (ages 21-25.)  Oppositely, young adults whose families supported their gay or transgender identity had better overall health and mental health, higher self-esteem, and were much less likely to be depressed, to use illegal drugs, or to think about or try to kill themselves.