LGBTQ is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer. It is a commonly used abbreviation in the LGBTQ community.
In this article, we will explore what LGBTQ stands for and some of the different sexual orientations and gender identities that fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
We will also discuss some of the challenges that members of the LGBTQ+ community face on a daily basis.
What does LGBTQ+ mean?
LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning.
The “+” signifies that there are other sexual orientations and gender identities that fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
Some of these include pansexual, asexual, agender, and genderqueer.
What is the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity?
Sexual orientation refers to who you are attracted to romantically and/or sexually. Gender identity is how you identify your own gender.
These two things are separate from each other but sometimes people confuse the two.
For example, a person can be a cisgender woman who is attracted to men (heterosexual), or a transgender man who is attracted to women (lesbian).
History of the acronym
The acronym LGBTQ has been around since the 1990s, but it wasn’t always called LGBTQ. In the early days of the gay rights movement, people used the term “gay” to describe anyone who was attracted to someone of the same gender.
As the gay rights movement progressed, people began to use different terms to describe different sexual orientations and gender identities.
The term “lesbian” was used to describe women who were attracted to other women, “bisexual” was used for people who were attracted to both men and women, and “transgender” was used for people who didn’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.
Eventually, all of these different terms were grouped together under the LGBTQ umbrella.
Challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people
Members of the LGBTQ+ community face many challenges on a daily basis. One of the biggest challenges is discrimination. LGBTQ+ people are often discriminated against by family, friends, co-workers, and strangers. This can lead to feeling isolated, alone, and unworthy.
Another challenge that LGBTQ+ people face is mental health. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues than their straight, cisgender counterparts. This is often due to the stress of dealing with discrimination and feeling like they have to hide who they are.
‘Out’ vs. ‘closeted’
There is a lot of pressure in society for people to be “out” about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Being out means that you are open about your LGBTQ+ status and you don’t try to hide it from the people in your life.
Being closeted means that you are not open about your LGBTQ+ status. This can be for any number of reasons, including fear of discrimination or rejection. Some people choose to live their lives “in the closet” while others only come out to certain people in their lives.
There is no right or wrong way to live your life as an LGBTQ+ person. It is up to each individual to decide how open they want to be about their LGBTQ+ status.
Other important terms
Allies
People who support and stand up for the LGBTQ+ community, even though they are not LGBTQ+ themselves.
Safe space
A place where LGBTQ+ people can go to feel accepted and supported. This can be an actual physical space, like a LGBTQ+ community center, or it can be an online space, like a LGBTQ+ forum or chat room.
Pride
A celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and history. Pride events are usually held in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which were a series of violent protests against police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City.
Non-binary
A term used to describe someone who does not identify as either a man or a woman. This can be used as a personal identifier or as an umbrella term for all gender identities that are not strictly male or female.
Transgender
An umbrella term used to describe people whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. This can include people who identify as a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth (e.g., a transgender woman), as well as people who identify as no specific gender or multiple genders (e.g., non-binary or genderqueer people).
Cisgender
A term used to describe someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a cisgender woman is a woman who was assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman.
Bisexual
A term used to describe someone who is attracted to both men and women. Bisexual people may identify as either heterosexual or homosexual, depending on the gender of their partner.
Asexual
A term used to describe someone who does not experience sexual attraction. Asexuality is different from celibacy, which is a choice to abstain from sex.
Pansexual
A term used to describe someone who is attracted to people of all genders. Pansexuality is sometimes seen as a more inclusive alternative to bisexuality.
LGBTQIA2S+
An acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally, and 2-Spirited. This acronym is used to encompass a wider range of sexual orientations and gender identities than the LGBTQIA acronym.
Uses of LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ+ acronym is most commonly used in the LGBTQ+ community itself, as a way to identify other members of the community. It is also used by allies to show their support for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The acronym is often seen in the media, especially in news stories about LGBTQ+ issues or Pride events.
Impact of LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ+ community has had a significant impact on the world. The LGBTQ+ rights movement has led to progress in LGBTQ+ visibility, acceptance, and legal rights. In some parts of the world, such as the United States, the LGBTQ+ community is becoming more visible and accepted. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance worldwide.
Challenges of LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ+ community faces many challenges, both within the community and from the outside. One of the biggest challenges is discrimination, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even suicide. LGBTQ+ people also have a higher risk of homelessness and poverty due to discrimination.
The LGBTQ+ community has made great strides in recent years, but there is still much work to be done in terms of acceptance and equality.
FAQS
What is the difference between LGBTQ and LGBT?
The LGBTQ acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning. The LGBT acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual.
What is the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity?
Sexual orientation is a person’s attractions to people of the same gender, opposite gender, or multiple genders. Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of their own gender.
What is the difference between transgender and cisgender?
Transgender is an umbrella term used to describe people whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Cisgender is a term used to describe someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.
What is non-binary gender?
Non-binary is an umbrella term used to describe gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. Non-binary people may identify as a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth, as well as no specific gender or multiple genders.
How many gender identities are there?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there are an infinite number of gender identities.
What is the difference between pansexual and bisexual?
Pansexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attractions to people of all genders. Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attractions to both men and women.
What is the difference between asexual and aromantic?
Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to people of any gender. Aromanticism is a romantic orientation characterized by a lack of romantic attraction to people of any gender.
What is the difference between demisexual and gray-asexual?
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to people unless they have a strong emotional connection with them. Gray-asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to people most of the time, but occasionally feeling sexually attracted to someone.
What is the difference between intersex and transgender?
Intersex is a term used to describe people who are born with genitals or other sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. Transgender is an umbrella term used to describe people whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
Resources for LGBTQ+ people
If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or if you know someone who is, there are many resources available to help you.
Here are a few:
- The Trevor Project: A national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24.
- PFLAG: A national organization with chapters all over the United States that provide support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people and their families and allies.
- The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD): A national organization working to accelerate acceptance of LGBTQ+ people.
- National LGBTQ Task Force: A national social justice organization working to build the power of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Transgender Law Center: A national organization committed to advancing justice for transgender and gender nonconforming people.
- Lambda Legal: A national organization working to advance the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.
