Lgbtq+ meaning
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 free 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 commencement of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender non-conforming, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media apply 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
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or utterance because it feels taboo, or because they’re terrified of saying the incorrect thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more cozy. 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 phrase 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 womxn loving womxn 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 task with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may encounter no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community, this acronym can feel confusing or overwhelming.
If you are modern, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to grasp more about how the community has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too.
The way the LGBTQIA+ people interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly changing. We aspire to include everyone and to construct everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to depict the community.
Now, many people worry about how to show up 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 significant reason.&nb
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus other sexual orientations and gender identities.
There are many ways you may observe this written, but the most common are currently LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIAP+.
The Government estimates million people or 6% of the population identify as lesbian, lgbtq+ or bi in the UK. It is estimated that , people, or 1% of the population, identify as trans in Great Britain. However, it is likely that the true numbers are far greater than this, as many are not yet comfortable being open about their sexuality and gender identity.
For those who include had very little interaction with the community, you may not know what a lot of these sexual orientations and gender identities are or signify, so let's try to help you understand.
With all of these terms, you should never assume someone's sexual orientation or gender identity. Please do not refer to people using these words unless they have told you how they identify and they have given you permission.
Sexual orientation
Sexual orientation is a person's sexual attraction to another person. It can a