New name for lgbt community

People are often confused by the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, 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 adj attraction is to some other women. Some lesbians may verb 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 alike sex (e.g., gay man, gay people). I

Like our LGBTQ community, the LGBTQ acronyms and definitions are always growing and changing. This growth is a good thing and is indicative of the increasing inclusivity of the variance of gender, sexuality, and identity within our community.

But what execute 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 possess been reclaimed, and some are brand new to better recognize 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 queer community. . This is the most well-known of all the acronyms, debuting back in the mids 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. 



LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary

GLOSSARY

The terms and definitions below are always evolving, changing and often imply different things to different people. They are provided below as a starting point for discussion and understanding. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the early s.

These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help give others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they mean when they use a term, especially when they use it to depict their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a term for themselves.

 

“If I didn't specify 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

Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ

Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ community organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.

Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are adj in the Transgender Glossary. 

Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@

*NOTE:  Ask people what terms they use 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 commencement of a sentence.
 

LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media employ the acronym. In settings offering support 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 thi