As we pace ourselves to more liberating and progressive times, we extend our knowledge to adapt and be aware of what’s changing in society. Take the LGBT abbreviation as an example. It used to be just the “gay community” but as we became aware of the distinction of our gender identity and sexual orientation, we learned about diversity and how important it is to look at the spectrum of sexuality.
Below are the other common terms you might not know of about the acquired extended abbreviation of LGBTQIA+ and all the more other unclear terminologies.
LGBTQIA+ Defined
The 21st century has witnessed more changes in the world than ever before. From LGBT to LGBTQIA+, the community has evolved and embraced a diverse range of identities. To ensure our understanding remains current, let us explore the meaning behind this abbreviation.
(L)esbian: A lesbian is a woman who is attracted to other women.
(G)ay: Traditionally associated with men who are attracted to other men, the term 'gay' is now also used for lesbians.
(B)isexual: This refers to individuals who experience attraction to both men and women.
(T)ransgender: Transgender is the term used to describe people whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.
(Q)ueer/Questioning: These terms have dual meanings depending on usage. 'Queer' serves as an umbrella term for individuals who do not identify as cisgender or heterosexual. It suggests that terms like gay, lesbian, or bisexual may limit their true identity. 'Questioning' indicates uncertainty about one's gender identity or sexual orientation.
(I)ntersex: Intersex is a term used for individuals born with biological characteristics that do not fit typical male or female bodies. It does not imply anything about their gender expression or sexual orientation.
(A)sexual: Also known as "ace," asexual people experience little to no sexual attraction towards others.
Additional terms related to LGBTQIA+:
Ally: A person who does not identify as LGBTQIA+ but supports and stands in solidarity with the community.
Androgynous: Refers to someone whose identity or presentation does not conform to traditional masculine or feminine norms.
Aromantic: Should not be confused with asexual, aromantic individuals experience little to no romantic attraction.
Demisexual: People who identify as demisexual only experience sexual attraction to individuals with whom they have formed a deep emotional bond. It falls under the asexual spectrum.
Gender dysphoria: This term describes the clinical distress an individual feels when their assigned gender at birth does not align with their true gender identity.
Gender expression: It refers to how someone presents and expresses their gender identity through their appearance, behavior, clothing, voice, and other characteristics that may deviate from societal expectations of masculinity or femininity.
Gender-fluid: A gender-fluid person does not identify with a single gender and may experience shifts in their gender identity over time.
Gender identity: This refers to an individual's personal sense of their own gender, which can be male, female, both, or neither. It may align with or differ from their assigned sex at birth.
Gender-neutral: This term can have different contextual meanings. It generally refers to concepts, practices, or identities that transcend the traditional male/female binary system and are not gender-specific. Examples include gender-neutral language, gender-neutral bathrooms, and gender-neutral identities.
Genderqueer: This term describes individuals whose gender identity falls outside the male/female binary. They may exhibit qualities that are masculine, feminine, or neither.
Nonbinary: Nonbinary, also known as N.B. or enby, refers to individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female. They may identify outside the traditional male/female binary.
Pansexual: Pansexual individuals experience sexual, romantic, and emotional attraction to people of all genders. They are attracted to individuals based on their qualities rather
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Homophobia: Homophobia is the fear, hostility, or discrimination directed towards people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Microaggression: This term refers to verbal, behavioral, or environmental insults that communicate hostility, derogatory attitudes, or negative stereotypes towards marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community.
Misgender: Misgendering occurs when someone is referred to using pronouns or names that do not align with their gender identity.
