The gay community , or LGBT community ,is a loosely defined grouping of LGBT and LGBT-supportive people,organizations and subcultures, united by a common culture and civil rights movements. The term "gay community" may also refer to gay men only, or to gay men and lesbians only. These communities generally celebrate pride, diversity, individuality, and sexuality. LGBT activists and sociologists see LGBT community-building as an antidote to heterosexism, homophobia, sex-negativity, and conformist pressures thought to be exist in the larger society. The term gay pride is used to express the LGBT community's identity and collective strength. The LGBT community is diverse in political affiliation. Not all LGBT individuals consider themselves part of an LGBT community.Groups that may be considered part of the LGBT community include gay villages, LGBT rights organizations,LGBT employee groups at companies, LGBT student groups in schools and universities, and LGBT-affirming religious groups.