The Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance is currently considering the addition of the word "Transgendered" to their organization's name. It would be a mistake to do so. This is why:

By adding "transgendered" they are making an arduous movement for equality and acceptance immeasurably more difficult. As the most visible lesbian, gay and bisexual organization in this area, their decision will have a broad impact. People already have trouble understanding homosexuality, adding gender identity to the mix will only serve to confuse the issue and provide ammunition to those who oppose us.

Not enough study of this issue has been done to take such a serious step. There is not even a clear consensus of what transgendered means. Does it refer to people who believe they were born in the body of the wrong sex? Does it refer to people who don't fit into gender stereotypes? Both? Neither? The two issues are quite different, and will demand quite different responses from those involved.

But the best argument is that the lesbian, gay and bisexual community needs to be careful about how it defines itself. We are individuals who are different from the majority in that our sexual orientation is toward people of the same sex. We are not simply "sexual outsiders," a group which could include anything from gay transsexuals to straight pedophiles to foot fetishists and people who only have sex on Thursdays. We need to remain focused on who we are and what we want.

We can support and welcome anyone; gay or straight; male or female; transgendered or not, without diluting our organization's identities or making an already long name even longer.