Lgbtq letters
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, transforming and often mean alternative things to different people. They are provided below as a starting gesture for discussion and sympathetic. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the preliminary s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help deliver others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they indicate when they use a term, especially when they use it to portray their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a word for themselves.
“If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” -Audre Lorde
This glossary contains terms, such as ableism and disability, that may not be considered directly related to identities of sexuality or gender. T
Pride Month What do LGBTQ and LGBTQIA+ mean?
LGBTQ+ people have always existed, even if the language seems new. Conversations around sexual orientation and gender are nuanced -- and the "alphabet," if you will, is expanding.
"L" stands for Lesbian: A girl emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
"G" stands for Gay: Used to describe men attracted to the same sex OR anyone attracted to the same or similar genders.
"B" stands for Bisexual: People attracted to more than one gender.
"T" stands for Transgender: Those whose gender identity and/or expression differs from cultural expectations. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Some genderfluid people identify as transitioned, while others do not.
"Q" has two meanings. First, queer, a catch-all to include those who execute not identify as exclusively straight and/or folks who have non-binary or gender-fluid identities. Queer was once used as a slur but has been reclaimed by some in the community. "Q" can al
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 unused, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to study 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 build everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to portray the community.
Now, many people worry about how to reach 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 essential reason.&nb
People are often confused by the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual , queer and the related acronym LGBTQIA+. The following definitions will help you to understand these terms.
LGBTQIA+: The first four letters of this standard abbreviation are “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.” The letter Q can stand for “questioning” -- as in still exploring one’s sexuality -- or “queer,” or sometimes both. The I,A and + were added on later to stand for Intersex, Ally or Asexual, and the PLUS sign for everyone else that wasn't included in the first letters.
Lesbian: A woman whose enduring physical, romantic and/or passionate attraction is to some other women. Some lesbians may like to identify as gay (adj.) or as gay women. Elude identifying lesbians as “homosexuals,” a derogatory term (see Offensive Terms to Avoid).
Gay: The adjective used to describe people whose enduring physical, romantic and/or emotional attractions are to people of the equal sex (e.g., gay man, gay people). I