Lgbtq+ new name
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 sound confusing or overwhelming.
If you are recent, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to understand more about how the community has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too.
The way the LGBTQIA+ society interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly changing. We try to include everyone and to produce everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to detail the community.
Now, many people worry about how to arrive out, but coming out before the 1970s 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 vital reason.
In the preceding days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian people often felt dismissed or
Not sure what the LGBTQIA+ acronym stands for? That’s okay! It’s changed many times throughout history – here’s our guide to what it means.
The LGBTQIA+ acronym stands for Womxn loving womxn, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Homosexual, Intersex, Asexual and/or Aromantic, with the + characterizing other identities that don’t quite fit other labels, or identities that we don’t quite have the language to describe yet.
What does all that mean?
Lesbian
A lesbian is a chick who is attracted to another woman. Lesbians can be cisgender or trans person – there are loads of ways to spot as a lesbian. You might encounter folks who prefer the word womxn loving womxn, or they might also describe themselves simply as "gay". You might also hear the word "sapphic" to describe women who are attracted to other women.
Gay
Gay is most commonly used to describe someone who is attracted to someone of the similar identified gender. It can be used by cisgender or transgender people. It’s easy to default to using “gay” to narrate someone who you understand isn’t straight – so remember to check with people regarding what they’re most comfortable with.
Bisexual
Bisexual is used to describe someone who is attracted to multiple gender
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, transforming and often mean other things to different people. They are provided below as a starting aim for discussion and sympathy. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the initial 2000s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help donate 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 depict 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. These terms are crucial to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or utterance because it feels taboo, or because they’re terrified of saying the false thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more pleasant. LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A legal title used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Homosexual community who support each other (e.g., a woman-loving woman who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual action with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may life no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who love and are sexually attracted to more than one gender.
Bisexual | A person emotiona
Like our LGBTQ people, the LGBTQ acronyms and definitions are always growing and changing. This development is a pleasant thing and is indicative of the increasing inclusivity of the variance of gender, sexuality, and identity within our community.
But what do 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 have been reclaimed, and some are brand new to better identify 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 gender non-conforming community. . This is the most well-known of all the acronyms, debuting back in the mid-1980s 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.
LGBTQ Acronym: The Question of Q
The “Q” in the LGBTQ acronym is probably the most confu