What is LGBTQ+?

LGBTQ+ is an acronym for several variations of sexual preferences and orientation: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. The ‘+’ refers to additional variations such as agender, asexual, bigender, intersexual, pansexual, etc.  There is a seeminngly constant addition to the ‘+’ category.

“LGBTQ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning.” (https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq)
“People often use LGBTQ+ to mean all of the communities included in the “LGBTTTQQIAA” (https://ok2bme.ca/resources/kids-teens/what-does-lgbtq-mean)

The first four letters of the acronym began to be used in the 1990s. However, because of an increase in the fracturing of sexual orientation concepts, the + has been added to include more options as words change meaning through usage.  So, LGBTQ+ represents inclusivity and can present themselves as a larger community instead of individual sexual orientations. Included in this is the motive to make them more visible in the predominantly heterosexual society. In part, by representing themselves as a whole, and making the acronym in their cause constantly visible, they can work acceptance into society.

Variations of LGBTQ

Variations of the acronym have occurred over time. Some of them are as follows.

LGB – The initial term used to designate lesbian gay bisexual. It has since been modified.
LGBT – Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual
LGBTQ2+ – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), two-spirited.

“Two Spirited” refers to a person who asserts that there is a masculine and feminine spirit living within the same body.

LGBTQ2S+/2SLGBTQ+ The same meaning as LGBGTQ+ where the 2S refers to “two-spirited.”
LGBTQI – Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersex

Intersex means being born with a variety of sex traits and reproductive organs.this can include sexual organs, genitalia, and DNA.

LGBTQIA – Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersex, asexual

Asexual is a term used for non-sexuality that describes a person who is very little or no sexual attraction to anyone.

LGBTTTQQIAA – Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersex, asexual, ally

An ally is someone who is sympathetic and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community

Please see the LGBTQ+ Dictionary for more information