GLBT .... why "T"?

[seekerj]

I was reading the article in the Stevie Forum about the Salvation Army donations, etc.

Reading this brought up something that I've been wondering for a long time. My intention is not to slam or hurt or offend anyone or anything with this question. I think I just need to be educated.

The article talks about the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) population. I have seen this "GLBT" acronym used all over the place.

My question is, why is the "T" (transgender) included in this grouping? I can understand how it would make sense to group the G, the L, and the B together, as this is basically saying "non-straights". But isn't Transgender something completely different than sexual orientation/preference? Is it not true that Transgender does not necessarily mean "non-straight"? Doesn't transgender have to do with a person trying to correct a mismatch between body and mind? Am I totally way off in my understanding? Would someone educate me with whatever knowledge I am missing so that I can understand this? Thank you. Because with my current perception, grouping the T with the GLB is kind of like grouping "dog/cat/bird/computer" or something like that. Help!

Thank you!