Courtney Penniman is an Arizona transsexual who changed gender from female to male in February 2012 after many years of feeling that his male gender identity is an integral part of who he was born to be. He was supported in his decision by the Phoenix Gay Community. Transgender people are often included in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, which is increasingly aware of the need to address issues of gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. This alliance is important to the movement for civil rights since trans people are part of the variety that makes up the human community.