As society becomes more inclusive, it is important to understand the diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity. This guide aims to clarify LGBTQIA+ terminology and foster respect and empathy for all people.

What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that represents different aspects of sexual orientation and gender identity. It stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and a plus sign (+) to include other identities not explicitly listed.

Key terms and identities

  • Lesbian: Women who feel romantic and/or sexual attraction to other women.
  • Homosexuality: A person who has romantic and/or sexual attraction to people of the same sex. Although it usually refers to men, it can be used for anyone who has attraction to people of the same sex.
  • Bisexual (Bi): An individual who experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction to multiple genders.
  • Transgender: This is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes:
    • Trans Man: A person who was assigned female at birth but identifies and lives as male.
    • Trans Woman: A person who is assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as female.
  • Non-binary: Someone who does not identify completely as either male or female. They may feel like a mix of both genders, or neither, or another gender entirely.
  • Queer: It’s an umbrella term that can describe a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities, not just straight or cisgender. It’s also a reclaimed insult that some people use with pride, though some in the community aren’t all too happy with it.
  • Question: Individuals who are exploring or unsure of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Intersex people: A person born with physical characteristics that do not fit the typical definition of male or female. This may involve variations in chromosomes, gonads, or genitals.
  • Asexual (Ace): Asexuality is a person who has little or no sexual attraction to other people. Asexuality exists among a wide range of people, and some asexual people do experience romantic attraction.
  • Plus sign (+): An inclusive symbol representing the myriad identities within the community that are not explicitly covered by the primary acronym. These identities include:
    • Pansexuality: Attraction to people, regardless of their gender.
    • Genderqueer: A person whose gender identity does not conform to traditional gender categories.
    • Dual Spirit: A term used by some North American indigenous cultures to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities.

Key Concepts

  • Gender Identity: An individual’s perception of themselves as male, female, mixed gender, or non-male. It involves how an individual sees themselves and how they refer to themselves. This may be the same or different than the sex assigned at birth.
  • Gender Expression: How a person presents their gender externally through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, voice, and other expressions.
  • Sexual Orientation: Refers to who a person is romantically or sexually attracted to. This is different from gender identity.
  • Cisgender: Describes a person whose gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth.
  • Non-binary and genderqueer: Refers to a person who is not strictly categorized as male or female. Non-binary is often used interchangeably with genderqueer, but individual preferences vary.

Respect communication skills

  • Ask and use the correct pronouns: Respect people’s preferred pronouns. If you’re not sure, it’s okay to politely ask, “What pronouns do you use?”
  • Use inclusive language: Avoid making assumptions about someone’s identity based on their appearance. Use neutral terms such as “partner” rather than assuming “husband” or “wife.”
  • Listen and learn: Everyone’s experience is unique. Please be open to hearing individual stories and perspectives.
  • Educate yourself: Proactively learn about different identities and experiences and avoid placing the burden of education on LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Understanding LGBTQIA+ terminology is a step towards creating an inclusive and respectful society. By learning and using these terms correctly, we can contribute to creating a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.