Full lgbtq+ acronym
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ community organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender self and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are on hand in the Transgender Glossary.
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*NOTE: Ask people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the first stage of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media exploit the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of thi
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are modern to the LGBTQIA+ collective, this acronym can look confusing or overwhelming.
If you are new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to learn more about how the group has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too.
The way the LGBTQIA+ society interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly switching. We strive to involve everyone and to produce everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to describe the community.
Now, many people worry about how to come out, but coming out before the s wasn’t even an option, as many states illegalized what they called “homosexuality” or “sodomy.” There was also no acronym at all, restricting the inclusivity of our community.
Once an acronym appeared, all versions of it began with “L” – for an important reason.&nb
Like our LGBTQ collective, the LGBTQ acronyms and definitions are always growing and changing. This maturation is a fine thing and is indicative of the increasing inclusivity of the variance of gender, sexuality, and identity within our community.
But what do all these LGBTQ acronyms and letters stand for and mean? Some are historic terms that are returning into fashion, some are words that used to be derogatory but now have been reclaimed, and some are brand new to better identify the nuances within the LGBTQ community.
While this is by no means a definitive list, it will explain the more frequent and commonly used LGBTQ acronyms.
LGBT Acronym:The Classic
Although no longer seen as fully inclusive, the classic four-letter LGBT acronym has become internationally synonymous with the homosexual community. . This is the most well-known of all the acronyms, debuting back in the mids as a way to unite the community and move away from the often derogatory-laced “homosexual” (among other words). Originally, it began as just LGB, with the transgender “T” coming in later.
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or statement because it feels taboo, or because they’re terrified of saying the false thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more easy . LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A legal title used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Gay community who support each other (e.g., a woman loving woman who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual exercise with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may life no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with