What does lgbtq + community stand for
Like our LGBTQ collective, the LGBTQ acronyms and definitions are always growing and changing. This maturation is a great 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 lgbtq+ community. . This is the most well-known of all the acronyms, debuting back in the mid-1980s 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.
LGBTQ Acronym: The Question of Q
The “Q” in the LGBTQ acronym is probably the most confu
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are brand-new to the LGBTQIA+ society, 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 society has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too.
The way the LGBTQIA+ group interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly transforming. We strive to incorporate everyone and to create 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 1970s 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.
In the early days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian community often felt dismissed or
LGBT; LGBTQ; LGBTQIA: what acronym does the gender non-conforming community use?
Young gay Britons in particular favour LGBTQ+
Anyone reading about issues affecting the queer people will come across numerous acronyms used to cite to people from sexual and gender identity minorities. These typically begin with ‘LGBT’ (standing for Woman loving woman, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans, respectively), but can vary depending on the context and author.
But outside of the editorial choices of individual writers and publication style guides, what acronym are the queer people themselves using?
We asked almost 1,000 queer Britons to write directly what acronym they tend to employ, with most common reply being LGBTQ+, at 29%. The Q stands for Queer and/or Questioning, while the plus represents those who don’t identify with one of the letters in the acronym. This seems to be the favoured acronym of Stonewall, probably Britain’s most prominent queer charity.
Usage of Queer is particularly prevalent among the youngest queer Britons – those aged 16-24 – at 41%.
LGBTQ+ is also the preferred acronym of the Guardian’s way guide, however other outlets seem to prefer LGBT, which is the next most common a
What Is the “I” in LGBTQIA+?
June is National LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Somewhat recently, the Pride acronym has adopted more letters. Many sources now refer to the LGBTQIA+ community, which stands for womxn loving womxn, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and asexual. While some of those words are often discussed, others may desire some further explanation. We turned to Laurel A. Beck, PhD, Senior Instructor in CU Denver’s Department of Integrative Biology to explain the “I” in LGBTQIA+.
First things first. One aspect that makes all the letters in LGBTQ+ hard for some people to understand is the difference between sex and gender. Comedian and social justice activist Sam Killermann, who previously presented a comedy show called “It’s Pronounced Metrosexual” at college campuses nationwide, now creates edugraphics to explain the complexities of sex and gender. As his Genderbread Person illustrates, sex relates to a person’s anatomy, while gender refers to a person’s self-identified feeling of being male, female, or a combination.
Beck, who researches endocrinology, reiterates this difference: “While sex and gender are terms that are often used interchangeably
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ group organizations and leaders. View acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender phrase, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary.
Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org
*NOTE: Ask people what terms they exploit 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 beginning of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for woman loving woman, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering help 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 this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel