A community according to Webster's dictionary is “a social group of any size, in which members reside in a specific locality, share government and often have a culture and historical heritage municipalities". There are many different types of communities, but they all have the same premise and that is to support each other within that community. LGBTQ communities allow people to talk openly about their feelings without being discriminated against. These communities have allowed its members to escape the stigma of the still largely ignorant society towards the LGBTQ community. Communities are a good thing as long as there is no animosity within them. Rancor within an LGBQT community diminishes that community's ability to effectively provide for those who identify as LGBTQ and seek its support. important and has a purpose for its members, it also believes that there is life outside of that community. Serano makes a strong case in his book that while the LGBTQ community has a purpose, it would be more effective if it did not discriminate within its own community. According to Serano, discrimination within a community harms all its members because not everyone feels accepted. In Andrew Holleran's book Dancer from the Dance, he places great emphasis on the need for community for those who identify as LGBTQ. In Dancer from the Dance the community is represented as a place of safety and acceptance. Holleran illustrates through his characters that discrimination does not exist within their community, but he also paints the picture that there is little and...... middle of paper ...... port. Our identity is shaped by the influences on our lives. No one in our society asks permission to belong to one gender or another. One of these influences can be the communities to which we belong. Belonging to an LGBTQ community is a choice and not an obligation, while belonging to a cultural group is not necessarily something you have control over. The LGBTQ community can be a boon to someone who is trying to find their identity. Being warmly welcomed into an LGBTQ community can help a person feel accepted and give them a sense of security. This feeling of acceptance could provide this person with some self-esteem. The LGBTQ community can provide a sense of security to give that person confidence and a confident attitude. As long as the LGBQT community supports each other and does not show discrimination, the community can have a positive effect.