Ever wondered about what LGBTQ/LGBTQIA+ Stands for? We are here to share with you some insightful information. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (or sometimes Questioning) with the order and letters sometimes varying.
LGBTQ or LGBTQIA+ are considered standard with the +(sign)denoting inclusion of other identities not specifically named but providing a room for the addition of sexuality and gender identity yet to be included or otherwise not captured.
Lesbian – a woman whose primary romantic, emotional, physical, and sexual attractions are to other women.
Gay – a man whose primary romantic, emotional, physical, and sexual attractions are to other men. The term is also sometimes used generically to describe sexual orientation regardless of gender.
Bisexual – a person who has significant romantic, emotional, physical, and/or sexual attractions to more than one sex or gender. The frequency, intensity, or quality of attraction is not necessarily directed toward both sexes equally.
Transgender – a broad term relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex. It includes people who feel their biological sex fails to reflect their true gender, and people who refuse to identify with any gender. “Trans” is a prefix that signifies over, beyond, or on the other side. Combined with gender, it gives the idea of a gender spectrum, rather than a male vs. female dichotomy.
Non-Binary – umbrella term for all genders other than female/male or woman/man, used as an adjective (e.g. Jesse is a non-binary person).
Questioning – a term for people who are unsure of their sexuality or gender identity and are still in the process of exploring and wish not to be labeled.
Queer: an umbrella term used by some in place of LGBTQIA+ to be more inclusive (e.g. “The queer community crosses all demographic lines”).
