LGBTQIA+ and beyond

‘L’ represents Lesbian. The term or identity Lesbian describes an individual that identifies as a woman (yes, both cis and/or trans) and is primarily emotionally, physically, sexually, and/or spiritually attracted to women.

‘G’ represents Gay. The term or identity gay, describes an individual that identifies as a man (yes, both cis and/or trans) and is primarily emotionally, physically, sexually, and/or spiritually attracted to men. The term Gay is also used generally to describe individuals who are primarily emotionally, physically, sexually, and/or spiritually attracted to those of the same sex and/or gender.

‘B’ represents Bisexual (Bi). The term or identity Bisexual describes individuals who are emotionally, physically, sexually, and/or spiritually attracted to more than one gender.

‘T’ represents Transgender (Trans). The term or identity Transgender describes individuals whose gender identity is different from the gender assumed at birth. You may see the acronyms AMAB or AFAB associated with trans individuals. AMAB is the abbreviation for assumed male at birth. AFAB is the abbreviation for assumed female at birth.

            MTF: The term MTF is terminology for ‘male to female’, indicating one who was biologically born male transitioning to female. 

            FTM: The term FTM is terminology for ‘female to male’, indicating one who was biologically born female transitioning to male.

‘Q’ represents Queer OR Questioning. The term or identity Queer is an umbrella term for people who don’t identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender. Queer is also used interchangeably with the acronym’s LGBT, LGBTQIA, LGBTQIA+, etc., to represent the community. However, Queer is not always a preferred term or identity for those within the LGBTQIA+ community, due to is historical use as a derogatory term.

‘I’ represents Intersex. Intersex is a term for a combination of chromosomes, hormones, sex organs, or genitals that differs from the male/female binary. For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. A person may be born with mosaic genetics, so that some of her cells have XX chromosomes and some of them have XY. Intersex is often thought of as an inborn condition, though intersex anatomy doesn’t always show up at birth. Sometimes a person isn’t found to have intersex anatomy until they reach the age of puberty or finds themself as an infertile adult. Some people live and die with intersex anatomy without anyone (including themselves) ever knowing.

‘A’ represents Asexual. The term or identity Asexual, describes individuals who experienced little or no sexual attraction to others and/or lack of interest in sexual relationships and/or behaviors. Asexual is also used as an umbrella term, for additional identities within the spectrum of sexual orientation. People who consider themselves asexual may have relationships, but they would not have the interest in adding a sexual component to the relationship. Individuals that identify as asexual can and do have romantic relationships with others.

➕ represents the inclusion of all identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. The ➕ represents identities, genders, and orientations that fall under umbrella terms used within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ acronym. Some (but not all) of the identities represented by the ➕ may include: Pansexual, Fluidity, and Demisexual. 

Pansexual (Pan) refers someone who is emotionally, physically, spiritually, and sexually attracted to all gender identities. 

Fluidity (or Gender Fluid) refers to a gender identity that may shift or change over time.

Demisexual is a term or identity that represents an individual that has little or no sexual attraction to another individual, unless there is romantic connection/involvement. This term or identity is mostly considered to be under the umbrella of Asexuality, though some view it separately.

‘GQ’ represents Gender Queer. The term or identity Gender Queer is an umbrella term for those who identify as Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) or Non-Binary. It is a gender identity label that is used by those who may identify outside of the societal gender binary (male/female).
Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) is an identity or gender expression by an individual that does not match expected/societal masculine or feminine gender norms.

The term or identity Non-Binary (NB) describes an individual who does not identify with the assumed gender binary, male or female. It includes a spectrum of gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine. Many references use the term transgender to include genderqueer and non-binary people, however not everyone genderqueer or non-binary person may identify under the transgender umbrella.

2S represents Two-Spirit. “Two-spirit” refers to a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit and is used by some Indigenous people to describe their sexual, gender and/or spiritual identity. As an umbrella term it may encompass same-sex attraction and a wide variety of gender variance, including people who might be described in Western culture as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, gender queer, or who have multiple gender identities. You may see the acronym LGBTQ2S+ used as well to include those who identify as 2S. 

C represents Cisgender (cis). The term or identity Cisgender is a gender description for when someone’s sex assigned at birth and gender identity/ personal identity correspond in the “expected” way.

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Important language considerations

When advocating, organizing, mobilizing, and protesting, it is important to be mindful of the language we use when speaking, amplifying, and empowering. To be most inclusive of all people regardless of their sexual identity and gender identity, language must be considered when referring to groups of people. Do your best to avoid gendered words like mother, father, brother, sister, he, she, man, woman, and instead incorporate more neutral terms like family, parent, sibling, they, person, individual. One should avoid assuming and individuals’ gender or sexual identity and understand that expression or external factors do not always intersect with one’s identity. The language that we use in impactful and without thought it is harmfully easy to exclude groups of people simply with the language we choose to use. In order to be most inclusive of our trans, non-binary, gender fluid, non-conforming, and gender variant BIPOC individuals, we must do our best to use neutral and inclusive language. 

            Instead of: “to all of my brothers and sisters”

            Try: “to all of my siblings” 

            Instead of: “we fight for men and women”

            Try: “we fight for all people”

Pronouns refer specifically to people who are being talked about or to. Pronouns are a part of our identity; we all have and use them. Common pronouns are they/them/theirs, he/him/his, she/her/hers.  Do not assume someone’s pronouns based on their external appearance.  Note that many people identify as transgender or non-binary and the gender-affirming process looks different for each individual. Some people elect for gender-affirming pronouns, while others simply want to be addressed by their correct pronouns. Updating gender markers on government-issued documents such as a driver’s license can also help one to truly feel like their authentic self. However, depending on the rules of the state in which one resides, this process may require more than just a trip to the DMV. Check out the state-by-state resource below for changing gender markers on a driver’s license.

It is always best to share your pronouns and ask someone what their pronouns are at the beginning of a conversation or interaction. Easy ways to share your pronouns and normalize the use of pronouns are to include them in your social media bio, email signature, LinkedIn profile, and to wear a pin or sticker at meetings or conferences.