LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning. It’s an acronym that represents a spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Over time, the acronym has evolved to include additional letters and symbols to reflect a broader spectrum of identities, such as:
- L – Lesbian: A woman who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to other women.
- G – Gay: A person (usually a man) who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of the same gender, though the term is sometimes used as a catch-all for the community.
- B – Bisexual: A person who is attracted to both men and women.
- T – Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Q – Queer: A broad term that encompasses sexual and gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender. It is often used by individuals who do not identify with traditional labels. Questioning refers to those who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The community also often includes additional letters such as I (Intersex), A (Asexual, Aromantic), and 2S (Two-Spirit, a term used by some Indigenous peoples in North America to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits).
The LGBTQ+ community advocates for equality, recognition, and the rights of individuals to express their gender identity and sexual orientation freely without discrimination.
