The term LGBTQ+ has grown in popularity through equal rights movements for people of all identities and orientations. While widely used in public discourse, these six characters carry an important backstory. Here we break down the acronym and look at its recent history.
Here’s what you need to know about LGBTQ+ meaning as an evolving term and what it represents.
LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic. The “+” represents non-cisgender and non-straight identities that aren’t contained in the acronym.
The acronym LGBT was widely used by the end of the 1990s. Coming out of a tragic decade, people mobilized and were ready to fight for their rights. In 1990, the activist group OutRage! was organized out of the London Lesbian and Gay Centre in Farringdon to fight continued violence against the gay community. In 1992, the Lesbian Avengers formed in New York City to advocate for protection and visibility.
In 2016, GLADD officially recommended the addition of Q (Queer or Questioning) to the LGBT acronym to be more inclusive. Reclaiming a term that was once used as a slur created more space for the exploration of gender and sexuality. While GLADD also included I (Intersex) and A (Asexual) in its Media Reference Guide at the time, those additions to the acronym have only been widely used more recently.
2016 was a year filled with celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community in culture and politics. But the backlash against the positive declarations was extreme. The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reported the year was one of the deadliest for the LGBTQ+ community.
As the LGBTQ+ community has become more open and assertive of their rights, the number of terms people use to self-identify has grown.
Like any community, not everyone identifies the same way. Common terms people use to self-identify are:
Lesbian
A woman who is sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to other women.
Gay
A person who is sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to people of one’s own sex or gender, typically referring to a man.
Bisexual
A person sexually or romantically attracted to both men and women, or to more than one sex or gender.
Transgender
A person whose gender identity does not correspond with the sex registered for them at birth.
Queer
A sexual or gender identity that does not correspond to established ideas of sexuality and gender, especially heterosexual norms.
Questioning
A person who is exploring their sexuality or gender.
Intersex
A person who is born with a combination of male and female biological traits.
Asexual
A person who experiences little to no sexual attraction to others.
Aromantic
A person who experiences little to no romantic attraction to others or desire for romance.
Other terms include cisgender (a person whose identity corresponds with the sex registered for them at birth), gender-nonconforming (a person whose behavior or appearance does not conform to prevailing cultural and social expectations about what is appropriate for their gender), and nonbinary or genderqueer (a person who does not conform to traditional binary beliefs about gender). Terms like pansexual, polysexual, omnisexual, and fluid are used by individuals to identify as a person who is attracted to any gender. But this isn’t an exhaustive list of LGBTQ+ terms or identities. And some members of the community may avoid using any label.
How we communicate has an impact—and it’s an opportunity to be intentional and inclusive. We use pronouns every day to address certain individuals or groups. Often these pronouns denote a gender. More people who identify as nonbinary have begun to use gender-neutral pronouns like they/them/themself, ze/zir/zirself, and ve/ver/verself.
Mistaking or assuming people’s pronouns may misrepresent them and their identity. Asking for and using someone’s correct gender pronouns is a basic way to show respect and support to the LGBTQ+ community. And by sharing your pronouns, you can make space for others to share theirs. This can help to create a more inclusive environment for all members of the community and fight discrimination while building understanding.
“…in Africa, we feel like things are going backward. In Uganda the government has passed a law for it to be illegal to be gay.”
— Action Change (Formerly GVI Trust) Project Volunteer
Support the LGBTQ+ community by donating to a project that advocates for LGBTQ+ equality.
The stigma placed on people who identify as LGBTQ+ leads to discrimination, manifesting in harassment and violence in many communities around the world. Research shows 80% of individuals who identify as LBGTQ+ have been harassed in some way. The form of harassment and the severity may vary across countries, but there are also novel solutions to counter ignorance and combat violence. Nonprofit organizations like Action Change fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa by educating individuals on the stigmas they may face. This improves safety and awareness of community members in countries that still consider their identity illegal.
Watchdogs like the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) have found most countries in Africa enforce restrictive policies against LGBTQ+ communities. In many African nations, punishment for individuals found “guilty” of same-sex relationships ranges from prison sentences as long as 14 years to the death penalty. In the wake of the recent anti-LGBTQ+ bill signed into law by Uganda’s president, frightened Ugandans are searching for ways to escape the nationwide threat to their freedom.
“Now more than ever, people opposed to our rights have a stronger voice against homosexuality, spearheaded by different religious and other groups. These groups hated us already, but the risk has been increased for LGBTIQ+ folks as these hate groups will now work hand in hand with law enforcement.”
— Real Raymond, Mbarara Rise Foundation
Young LGBTQ+ people are disproportionately harassed, and the rates of youth leaving home or using highly addictive substances are higher than their peers who do not identify with the LGBTQ+ community. According to the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth. This elevated risk is largely because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in their community. Projects like Mama Dragons’ Stop LGBTQ Suicide through Parent Education, strive to protect youth by building a curriculum to educate parents about how to better support their children and teach them coping and problem-solving skills.
“Having the support of other moms has helped me to feel like I’m not alone. Having a platform to hear those stories along with advice from mental health professionals would have made the whole experience less scary and given me more confidence in supporting my kids.”
— Mama Dragons Parent
The negative experiences and stress inflicted by stigma take a toll on the physical and mental health of many people. The impact of negative experiences can increase the chance of developing major depression and generalized anxiety disorder as well as the chance of drug and alcohol abuse.
Intersectionality compounds the impact of how identity affects social behavior. Transgender women are some of the most vulnerable in their community. The South Florida-based organization Arianna’s Center strives to support transgender women who are disproportionately affected by unemployment, homelessness, and discrimination, preventing many transgender women from accessing essential care. HIV remains a prominent problem that adds to the challenges transgender and gender non-conforming individuals face.
“Choosing to support a trans-led organization not only helps our clients but it sends a powerful message to your own circle that you support the trans community and this is integral to helping reduce the stigma we face on a daily basis.”
— Alex Spriggs, Arianna’s Center Operations Manager
While the national rates of HIV in the United States are declining, rates of new HIV infections among transgender women have remained at crisis levels for more than a decade. Because of the disrespect, harassment, and denial of care trans people frequently experience, many avoid seeking health care or may deprioritize HIV care under other expenses.
The LGBTQ+ term is as inclusive and community-driven as it is personal. While discrimination persists, acceptance of the community continues to grow. Celebrations like the Hong Kong Pride Parade unite the LGBTQ+ community and continue to foster year-round support across the globe. Anyone can support the LGBTQ+ community, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity by being an ally. An ally accepts LGBTQ+ individuals’ identities and advocates for equal rights. By listening, staying informed on issues, and speaking up, allyship can be important and welcome in the pursuit of LGBTQ+ equality.
Support the LGBTQ+ community by donating to a project that advocates for LGBTQ+ equality.
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