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Straight men who have sex with men do so for a number of reasons, but in general such activity is about physical release and sexual behaviors, not about attraction or desire for another man.
Transsexuals of BrazilTransgender people--more specifically, people who were born male but present themselves as female--are Brazil's single most marginalized group.
Cross-DressingCross-dressers have often been misunderstood and maligned, especially in societies with rigid gender roles.
Butch-FemmeButch-femme identities are controversial and difficult to define with precision, but both roles subvert prescribed gender and sexual expectations; ultimately, the butch-femme dynamic is a unique way of living and loving.
AndrogynyAndrogyny, a psychological blending of gender traits, has long been embraced by strong women, soft men, members of queer communities, and others who do not easily fit into traditionally defined gender categories.
Stonewall RiotsThe confrontations between police and demonstrators at the Stonewall Inn in New York City the weekend of June 27-29, 1969 mark the beginning of the modern glbtq movement for equal rights.
Women's Liberation MovementThe Women's Liberation Movement, which flourished during the 1970s, constitutes the largest and most widely publicized social movement of women in history.
Mixed-orientation marriages--those in which one partner is straight and the other is gay or lesbian--often end in divorce, but such an ending is not inevitable.
Last updated on: 10/21/11
President Obama was one of many to don a lavender tie to observe Spirit Day on Oct. 20.
On October 20, 2011, thousands of Americans wore purple to celebrate Spirit Day, a response to the national epidemic of anti-gay bullying. The observance was initiated in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a simple but powerful way to show support for glbtq youth.
The idea to display purple on Spirit Day stems from the fact that in some interpretations of the Rainbow flag the color is said to symbolize "spirit."
This year Spirit Day was observed by numerous celebrities including Chaz Bono, Cyndi Lauper, and Mia Farrow, among many others. At schools across the country, Gay Straight Alliances distributed purple wristbands and held assemblies and other meetings to commemorate the day.
The White House acknowledged Spirit Day in a blog on WhiteHouse.gov and by turning their Facebook photo purple.
President Obama donned a lavender tie in honor of the occasion.
MTV displayed its support in a number of ways. The channel turned its on-air logo purple, as well as its Facebook, Twitter, MTV.com, and MTV Act logos. In addition, stars of MTV shows demonstrated support by wearing purple.
According to GLAAD, which sponsored this year's observance, other media outlets that went purple for Spirit Day include CNBC, CNN, E!, Here Media, LOGO, MSNBC, Sundance Channel, and USA Network.
On his blog Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters, Alvin McEwen addressed "my beautiful gay children," telling them, "I want our lgbt children to remember something important. You are not alone.
"And while millions will show their support to you today, just keep in mind where you come from. You come from a long line of kings and queens, world builders and civilization savers.
"While some will stoop to their lowest level to take away things from you, remember that they can never take your dignity or self-worth.
"And especially your potential to do great things."
To illustrate his point, he posted this remarkable YouTube videomontage: Famous gays in history.
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