How to ask someone if they are gay

While you can’t always tell if someone is gay by how they look, you can observe them to see if they're queer. However, you may need to talk to them if you want to be sure. If you’re interested in dating them, start by asking them to hang out as friends so you can get to know them better.

In the category of what’s appropriate and what’s not during an interview, questioning both gender and sexual identity is clearly a current topic. Think transgender actress Laverne Cox, who is one of the most popular characters on Orange Is the New Black, or Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, the first openly bisexual governor in US history.

Start out just trying to be friends. Get to know him, see if you have common interests - then you can know if he’s even someone you’d want to date, as opposed to someone you just think is cute. If you two are friends first he’ll know your sexuality and it’s likely that he’ll tell you his too.

How should I respond to rumors that someone is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender? Let others know that the sexual orientation or gender identity of any individual is irrelevant unless that person wishes to disclose that information. If you can, address any myths or stereotypes that may be fueling such speculation.