What Does LGBTQIA+ Stand For?

The LGBTQIA+ acronym is commonly used to refer to the diverse group of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual.

There is a "+" at the end of LGBTQIA because the acronym is constantly evolving to include more groups within the queer community. The letters within the acronym are not fixed or rigid, and the community is constantly working to be more inclusive of all identities and experiences. The "+" serves as a reminder that the acronym is not limited to these definitions and there are many other identities and experiences that are not represented by the letters LGBTQIA+ It also allows people to include their own labels and identities that may not be covered by the acronym. It serves as a call to action for the community to strive for more inclusivity and representation for all within the LGBTQIA+ community.

It's important to note that sexuality itself is not fixed or rigid. Sexual identity and attraction can be fluid, meaning that they can change over time. Some people may identify with one label at one point in their life and then later on identify with a different label. For example, a person may identify as bisexual in their youth, but later identify as gay or lesbian and vice versa. Some people may also identify with multiple labels at the same time or prefer not to label their sexual identity or attraction at all. This fluidity should be respected and acknowledged and it is important to be able to respect and acknowledge the self-identification of individuals and their experiences when it comes to sexual labels.

Here is a breakdown of the LGBTQIA+ meaning:

The "L" stands for lesbian. A lesbian is a person who identifies as a woman and is attracted romantically, sexually, or emotionally to other people who identify as women. Lesbians can also chose to identify as different types of lesbian people such as butch, femme, and androgynous, among others that are more specific to the individual's preferences. Some women who identify as lesbian may also identify with other labels within the LGBTQIA+ acronym, such as gay, bisexual or queer.

Gay people are individuals who are attracted romantically, sexually, or emotionally to people of the same gender. The term Gay is most commonly associated with gay men, however this term is often used as an umbrella term for people who are attracted to the same gender. Women may prefer to use the term Lesbian (see above).

The "B" stands for bisexual. Bisexual refers to a person who is attracted romantically, sexually, or emotionally to both men and women. Bisexual people are not limited to just two options of gender attraction, they can have an attraction to multiple genders.

Bisexual people often face discrimination and lack of representation in society, where they are often seen as confused, promiscuous, or not "gay enough" by both the straight and gay communities. They also face the "bisexual erasure", where their identity is not acknowledged or accepted by society. Bisexuality is not a phase, and it's not a stop on the way to being gay or straight, it is just another valid and diverse aspect of human sexuality.

The "T" in LGBTQIA+ stands for transgender. Transgender people, or simply "trans" as they are commonly referred to, are individuals whose gender identity does not align with the gender they were assigned at birth. This can include people who identify as the opposite gender, both genders, or neither gender. They may also choose to undergo medical treatments, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to align their physical body with their gender identity. Transgender people often face discrimination and lack of representation in society. They also face violence and harassment, especially trans women of colour, who are disproportionately targeted.

The term "trans" is not only limited to those who identify as transgender, it can also be used as an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of identities and experiences that fall under the category of gender nonconformity. Trans, as an umbrella term, can include identities such as non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, and bigender, among others. These identities may not be fully represented by the term "transgender" and they may prefer different terms to describe their gender identity. The umbrella term "trans" serves as a way to be more inclusive and to acknowledge that there is a wide range of experiences and perspectives when it comes to gender identity.

The "Q" in LGBTQIA+ stands for queer. People who identify as queer are individuals who do not conform to societal norms and expectations of sexual orientation and gender identity. The term "queer" has been reclaimed by many in the LGBTQIA+ community as a term of empowerment and self-identification. The term queer can be used as an umbrella term for anyone who is not straight and cisgender, and it can also be used as a specific identity. Queer as a label is not a fixed identity and the definition of it can vary among individuals and within the community.

For some people, queer is a political identity, it's a way to challenge societal norms and expectations of sexual orientation and gender identity. For others, queer is a more specific identity, it's a way to describe their attraction to multiple genders or lack of attraction. Some people may identify as queer in addition to other labels within the LGBTQIA+ acronym, such as gay, bisexual, or non-binary.

The definition of queer can vary among individuals and within the community, and it's important to respect and acknowledge the self-identification of individuals when it comes to the use of the term queer. The inclusion of the letter "Q" in the acronym LGBTQIA+ serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising and validating the experiences and perspectives of people who identify as queer within the LGBTQIA+ community.

The "I" in LGBTQIA+ stands for intersex. Intersex people are individuals who are born with physical characteristics that don't fit typical definitions of male or female. This can include variations in chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive or sexual anatomy. Intersex people are an important aspect of the LGBTQIA+ community and their experiences and perspectives are unique and valuable. The inclusion of the letter "I" in the acronym LGBTQIA+ serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising and validating the experiences and perspectives of intersex people.

The "A" in LGBTQIA+ stands for asexual. Asexual refers to a person who does not experience sexual attraction. Asexual people may also use the term “Ace” to refer to being Asexual. Asexuality is not the same as celibacy, which is a choice to abstain from sexual activity, asexual people do not experience sexual attraction at all. Asexual people can have romantic relationships, they may identify as aromantic or they may have romantic attraction to people. They may also experience other forms of attraction, such as sensual, or aesthetic attraction.

If you're trying to figure out your sexual identity, I highly recommend listening to LGBTQIA+ podcasts. These podcasts provide the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of individuals with unique experiences and perspectives. The stories shared can be relatable, validating, and comforting, and they can give you a sense of community and help you feel less alone on your journey. The conversational tone of many podcasts can make it easier for you to relate to the content and feel more connected to the stories shared. Plus, you can listen to them for free at any time, which allows you to access this information and support at your own pace and comfort.

Additionally, these podcasts can provide access to a wide range of information and resources, including expert advice and information on support groups and events. Overall, listening to LGBTQIA+ podcasts can be a valuable tool for you as you navigate the complexities of the LGBTQIA+ community and figure out your sexual identity.

Visit the Discover page to find recommendations for Queer podcasts or look at other Blog posts for even more LGBTQIA+ content.