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What does LGBTQ stand for? Well, the latest term (without the acronym) is LGBTQIA+.
For some, this growing acronym can be frustrating—not knowing what’s what and how to keep up with the terminology. But for others, it’s a beautiful thing. It’s the complexity of language and how it’s always changing. It’s also a powerful reflection of people’s changing mindsets and their ongoing learning or exploration.
Let’s go over what each letter means (kind of like LGBT 101) so you can stay informed and participate in this very important international conversation.
What does LGBTQ stand for?
Lesbian
Applies to any woman who is romantically, sexually, and/or emotionally attracted to other female-identifying people. Years ago, women were lumped into the category of “homosexual” along with men. It wasn’t until the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s that the term “lesbian” (derived from the Greek island of Lesbos) became its own defined category.
Before we go any further, however, it’s important to note that not all lesbians identify with this definition. The same is true for all of the examples below. At the very least, the LGBT abbreviation tells us that there are as many beautiful variations as there are stars in the sky.
Homosexuality
It wasn’t until the 40s and 50s that the word had a homosexual meaning. Before that, it simply meant “happy.” Also, people didn’t like the word homosexual because it sounded too medical and otherworldly. So, over the years, the word “gay” began to be used to refer to men who were romantically, erotically, and/or emotionally attracted to other male-identifying people.
Despite this, some people still use the word “gay” as an umbrella term for LGBTQ+ – whether this is a positive or negative statement is entirely up to the individual.
Bisexuality
When someone is attracted to people of the same sex and other genders. Some might say this is attraction to both men and women, but others think this definition is too binary.
Regardless, bisexuals struggle with harmful stereotypes about themselves. Two of the biggest include “bisexuality is a way station to being gay” or “bisexuality is just an excuse to be slutty” — which are patently untrue.
Transgender
This is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. John F. Oliven of Columbia University coined the term and got the medical community to use it instead of transgender.
A person does not have to have surgery to be considered transgender. Before and after surgery has nothing to do with the legitimacy of a person’s identity. Also, there is a lot of confusion about drag queens. Some may be transgender. Some may not be. These are all different things.
Queer or questionable
Queer was once used as derogatory slang to describe anyone in the LGBT community (back when people just called them gay, of course). Some people still don’t like using it because of the hurt the word has caused in the past. However, others are trying to reincorporate it into the Pride acronym, meaning that queer refers to anyone who is not straight or non-monogamous.
Then there is doubt. People who are not straight and are still exploring who they are can use this term.
Hermaphrodite
People often like to use nature as the “only” male and female paradigm. But if you watch a few hours of Animal Planet, we know that’s simply not true. Clownfish, for example, can change sex. My personal favorite is that flatworms will have a penis fight to decide which one is the male. Nature is truly amazing!
So why is it surprising that some people are born with differences in their reproductive systems? For example, a girl might be born with a significantly larger clitoris or no vaginal opening. A boy might be born with a significantly smaller penis or a split scrotum that more closely resembles labia.
The LGBT community has embraced intersex people as part of the family.
Asexual or Ally
Asexuality (sometimes called Ace) is when someone has no sexual attraction to other people. This is different from romantic attraction. Any Ace person can have a fulfilling, meaningful relationship without having sex. It is also not a form of celibacy.
Being an ally means that you are straight and a strong, active supporter of the LGBT+ community. They are people who “confront heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, heterosexism, and gender heterosexual privilege in themselves and others.” Acceptance alone does not make that person an ally.
What does LGBTQ stand for? Especially the “+”
Finally, there’s the plus sign part of the acronym. I would say this is my favorite one because it represents the whole concept. The plus sign includes all the other non-heterosexual people that don’t already have a letter in the group. This includes pansexuality, genderqueer, or whatever name anyone wants.
Why not extend it a little?
The term LGBT is used and recognized by most people. My thought, correct me if I’m wrong, is that it’s simply because lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people were among the first to use the term. in public Fighting for the approval, respect, and even everyday safety of others. That’s not to say there aren’t others fighting for what’s right. It’s just that these groups are getting the attention first.
And because they opened wonderful floodgates for exploration and categorization of gender, sexuality, and romance (if people wanted labels), more letters were able to join the family.
However, the human brain can only remember a limited amount of information. The more you add, the less powerful the acronym becomes. I think that’s why we’re still hanging around LGBTQ+. It’s easier to remember than LGBTQQAAI+
But this is just my personal opinion.
What does LGBTQ stand for? Now you know
Please keep in mind that the language around this topic is always changing. Our understanding is continually evolving. Our terminology and definitions may change in the future to better encompass this evolution.
But don’t worry. If you’re not sure, just ask. People in this community are more than willing to educate. In fact, most of us love it! (yes, I’m one of them). We’d rather spread love and understanding than have people make false assumptions. So keep learning
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