LGBTQIA+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and more, which are all terms used to describe a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
The acronym is used to express a diverse range of sexualities and gender identities that pertain to individuals who are non-cisgender or non-heterosexual. The plus sign recognizes gender identities and sexual orientations that are not otherwise specifically covered by one of the other letters of the acronym.
The acronym originated in the late mid-1980s when it went only as far as LGB. The "T" was added in the late 1980s. Frequently, "LGB" or "LGBT" is used to refer to anyone who is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender rather than being applied exclusively to those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transexual, the other letters being implied. Different variations include "LGBTQ+," "LGBT+," or "2SLGBTQ+," adding two-spirit as a term specific to Native Americans, as well as LGBTQQIP2SAA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, and ally). The labels are not universally agreed upon by everyone to whom it is intended to be applied.
The term "lesbian" describes a woman who is physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to other women, while "gay" is used to describe an individual who is physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to people within the same gender. It may be applied to men or women, although it is commonly applied to men.
Individuals who are physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to people within more than one sex, gender, or gender identity might be known as "bisexual."
The term "transgender" refers to an individual whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex assigned at birth. It is an adjective, not a noun or a verb.
Although the LGBT acronym was more inclusive than terms used in the past, it still left out people who didn't identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, so the "Q" was added to represent those who identified as "queer," an adjective used by some people whose orientation is not exclusively heterosexual. It is an umbrella term that includes those with non-binary or gender-fluid identities.
"Non-binary" describes an individual whose gender identity falls outside of what would be considered strictly male or strictly female. "Gender fluid refers to a person whose gender identity or expression changes over time. "Genderqueer" describes an individual who does not follow static categories of gender or who embraces a fluidity of gender identity or sexual orientation. Those who do not abide by traditional or cultural expectations regarding their appearance or behavior might be known as "gender non-conforming."
The "Q" can also stand for "questioning," a term used to refer to an individual who is exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In recent years, the "I," the "A," and the "+" have been added.
The "I" stands for "intersex," a term that describes an individual who is born with differences in their sex traits or reproductive anatomy that don't fit the typical definitions of male or female. These may refer to differences regarding genitalia, chromosomes, hormones, internal sex organs, or secondary sex characteristics, such as pubic hair, breasts, or facial hair.
The "A" stands for "asexual," a reference to individuals who lack sexual attraction or desire for other people. Asexual differs from celibacy in that the latter refers to those who choose to abstain from sexual activity.
As mentioned earlier, the "+" was added to represent members who identify as part of the LBGTQIA community but who don't meet the specific definition of the components of the acronym, but who are not cisgender or heterosexual.
These umbrella acronyms are not agreed to by everyone that they encompass. Some argue that transgender and transsexual causes are not the same as those embraced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. They hold that being transgender or transsexual has more to do with gender identity or a person's understanding of not being a man or a woman, irrespective of their sexual orientation, while LGB issues are a matter of sexual orientation or attraction. For example, LGB goals, such as same-sex marriage and other human rights issues, may not include transgender and intersex people and would differ from transgender and transsexual goals.
Some of those who identify with the LGB acronym believe that lesbians and gay men form, or should form, a community distinct and separate from other aspects of the more inclusive LGBTQIA+ acronym.
Others who identify with the various components of the acronym do not approve of the human rights campaigning that goes with it, or may identify more solidly with the larger human community that includes their cisgender and heterosexual friends and neighbors.
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Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
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GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders
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Created in the early 1980s by the Lesbian Task Force of Southern Westchester NOW, and the Gay Men's Alliance of the Hudson Valley. Named for its original location in a loft, the Center was incorporated as a non-profit, charitable organization in 1993. Its history, bylaws, and board members are introduced, along with an overview of its programs, social groups, activities, and events. Volunteer and partnership opportunities are available, and contacts are posted.
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UC Riverside LGBT Resource Center
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