LGBTQ+

Mety Tri Nurnuzulawati, S.Psi., M.Psi, Psikolog

OVERVIEW

The acronym LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and the "+" represents additional identities within the community. It is used to describe a diverse range of sexual orientations and gender identities.

Here is a breakdown of each letter in the LGBTQ+ acronym:

L: Lesbian - A woman who is attracted to other women.

G: Gay - A person who is attracted to people of the same sex. The term "gay" can be used for both men and women.

B: Bisexual - A person who can feel attracted to both men and women. Their attractions may change over time.

T: Transgender - Individuals who feel that the sex they were assigned at birth does not align with their gender identity.

Q: Queer/Questioning - This term is used as an umbrella label for sexual and gender minorities. It can encompass individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ but may not fit into specific categories or are still exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

+: The "+" symbol represents additional identities within the LGBTQ+ community, such as intersex, asexual, and more.

It is important to note that the LGBTQ+ acronym is not exhaustive and there are other identities and terms within the community. It is crucial to approach these terms with respect and sensitivity, as they are deeply personal and meaningful to individual.

FACTORS AFFECTING LGBTQ+

Research suggests that sexual orientation in LGBTQ individuals is largely influenced by biological factors, including hormonal, environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors, acting mostly during fetal development. Here are some of the physiological factors that have been found to contribute to sexual orientation:

1. Hormonal factors: Hormones play a crucial role in sexual development and differentiation, and research suggests that prenatal exposure to certain hormones may influence sexual orientation. For example, high levels of prenatal steroid hormones have been associated with the sexual orientation of butch lesbians. Hormones, particularly prenatal hormone exposure, have been implicated in the development of sexual orientation. High levels of prenatal steroid hormones have been associated with the sexual orientation of butch lesbians.
2. Genetic factors: Studies have found that genetic factors may explain a significant portion of the heritability of sexual orientation in both men and women. However, the precise genes involved have not yet been identified. Studies have found that genetic factors may contribute to sexual orientation, with approximately one-third of the variance attributed to genetics. However, the specific genes involved have not yet been identified.
3. Epigenetic factors: Epigenetic modifications, which can affect gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, have also been implicated in the development of sexual orientation.
4. Environmental factors: The social and non-social environment can also influence sexual orientation. Factors such as family environment, social influences, and experiences in childhood may play a role.
5. Brain structure: Some research has suggested that differences in brain structure and function may be associated with sexual orientation. For example, studies have found that certain brain regions are larger or smaller in gay men compared to heterosexual men.  Differences in brain structure and function have been observed between individuals with different sexual orientations. However, the relationship between brain structure and sexual orientation is still being studied.

It is important to note that sexual orientation is likely influenced by a combination of these and other factors, and there is no single factor that can fully explain why someone develops a particular sexual orientation. Additionally, it is important to recognize that being LGBTQ is not a mental illness or something that can be changed through therapy or persuasion. The factors contributing to LGBTQ identities are complex and likely involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences.

REFERENCE

1. Challenges and inclusive practices for LGBTQIA2S+ scientists in the American Physiological Society. (2022). American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/10.1152/ajpheart.00234.2022
2. LGBTQIA Studies: Research and topic suggestions. (2008). Northeastern University Libraries. https://subjectguides.lib.neu.edu/LGBT/topicsuggestions
3. Transitions Into, and Through, Higher Education: The Lived Experiences of Students Who Identify as LGBTQ+. (2020). Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.00081/full
4. Negative and Positive Factors Associated With the Well-Being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth. (2015). PMC - NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4337813/
5. The causes of human sexual orientation. (2020). Taylor & Francis Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13558358.2020.1818541
6. Biological and psychosocial determinants of male and female human sexual orientation. (2014). Cambridge University Press. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16174346/