Sex is biological and decided at birth based on whether your genital organs are female (vagina) or male (penis and testicles) and what you are genetically (male XY; female XX). There can also be intersex persons which is discussed in Question 85.
What is gender?
Gender is what society expects you to be and do as a man or a woman. It refers to the roles and responsibilities of men and women that are created in our families, our societies and our cultures. The concept of gender also includes the expectations held about the characteristics, aptitudes and likely behaviours of both women and men (femininity and masculinity).
What is gender identity?
Gender identity is what gender you feel you belong to. This can be different from what you were given at birth. Your gender identity may be the same or different to your gender. In most people the gender identity and biological sex are the same and there is no confusion in the person whether he or she is male or female. However, this is not the same for everyone.
What is meant by LGBTQI?
LGBTQI stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex
How does the Law look at the LGBTQI community?
Sri Lanka has no specific law on the LGBTQI community. LBTQI is not addressed by law at all. However, under the sections 365 365A and 355 of the penal code of Sri Lanka same sex behavior is not legally accepted.
Why are some people attracted to others of their same sex?
Same sex attraction during adolescence is considered normal. It does not always mean you are a homosexual person or becoming one. The vast majority of teenagers will find they are attracted to the opposite sex when puberty is ending. A small proportion will continue to be attracted to persons of their same sex and remain so into adulthood. Such persons are called homosexual persons.
What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation is about who you’re attracted to and who you feel drawn to romantically, emotionally, and sexually.
Who is a heterosexual person?
Heterosexuals are people who are attracted to those of the opposite sex.
Who is a homosexual person?
Homosexual persons are people attracted to those of their same sex. Teenagers who are gay and lesbian face many challenges, especially stigma from society.
Who is a bisexual person?
Bisexuals are those who are attracted to both sexes.
What is intersex
Intersex people are born with some biological characteristics that are considered “female” and others that are considered “male”. Sometimes an intersex person is assigned a female or male sex through surgery, if external genitals are not obviously male or female. Intersex babies are always assigned a legal sex, but sometimes when they grow up, their gender doesn’t match the sex selected for them.
Why do most homosexual people hide their sexual orientation?
Most homosexual people hide their sexual orientation because they are exposed to bullying, teasing, harassment, and physical assault. Some may be forced to do sexual acts and because their sexuality is criminalized by law. It is important to recognize that everybody has the right to be treated with dignity and respect whatever their sexual orientation may be.
Who is a transgender person?
A transgender person has a gender identity that is different from his or her sex at birth. Transgender people may be male to female (female appearance) or female to male (male appearance).
Who is a gay person?
A male who is sexually attracted to another male and engages in sexual relationships with only males is referred to as a gay person.
Who is a lesbian?
A female who is sexually attracted to another female and engages in sexual relationships with only females is referred to as a lesbian.
How are transgender people different from gay people?
Transgender is when you change your birth gender to another later in life. Your new gender becomes the claimed gender. Gay is a sexual orientation where you are attracted to persons of the same sex.
What is gender equality?
Gender equality is a wide and a much discussed topic. It is the state of equal access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making; and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations and needs equally, regardless of gender.
What is sexual and gender-based violence?
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) refers to any act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and is based on gender norms and unequal power relationships. It encompasses threats of violence and coercion. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual in nature, and can take the form of a denial of resources or access to services. It inflicts harm on women, girls, men and boys.
Is being a trans-person a mental health issue?
The World Health Organization recognized transgender as NOT to be a disorder in May 2019.
My religion doesn’t accept homosexuality, how do I deal with it?
Most religions don’t accept homosexual behaviour. If you are a religious person and are gay or lesbian, you can still practice your religion since your religious practice does not have any relationship with your sexuality