Lgbti what does the i stand for


What Is the &#;I&#; in LGBTQIA+?

June is National LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Somewhat recently, the Pride acronym has adopted more letters. Many sources now refer to the LGBTQIA+ community, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. While some of those words are often discussed, others may need some further explanation. We turned to Laurel A. Beck, PhD, Senior Instructor in CU Denver’s Department of Integrative Biology to explain the “I” in LGBTQIA+.

First things first. One aspect that makes all the letters in LGBTQ+ difficult for some people to comprehend is the difference between sex and gender. Comedian and social justice activist Sam Killermann, who previously presented a comedy verb called “It’s Pronounced Metrosexual” at college campuses nationwide, now creates edugraphics to explain the complexities of sex and gender. As his Genderbread Person illustrates, sex relates to a person’s anatomy, while gender refers to a person’s self-identified feeling of being male, female, or a combination.

Beck, who researches endocrinology, re

Like our LGBTQ community, the LGBTQ acronyms and definitions are always growing and changing. This growth is a good thing and is indicative of the increasing inclusivity of the variance of gender, sexuality, and identity within our community.

But what verb all these LGBTQ acronyms and letters stand for and mean? Some are historic terms that are returning into fashion, some are words that used to be derogatory but now have been reclaimed, and some are brand new to better verb the nuances within the LGBTQ community.

While this is by no means a definitive list, it will explain the more frequent and commonly used LGBTQ acronyms.

LGBT Acronym:The Classic 

Although no longer seen as fully inclusive, the classic four-letter LGBT acronym has become internationally synonymous with the queer community. . This is the most well-known of all the acronyms, debuting back in the mids as a way to unite the community and move away from the often derogatory-laced “homosexual” (among other words). Originally, it began as just LGB, with the transgender “T” coming in later. 

Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone. 

For many people who are brand-new to the LGBTQIA+ community, this acronym can sound confusing or overwhelming. 

If you are new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today. 

And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to learn more about how the community has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too. 

The way the LGBTQIA+ community interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly changing. We strive to involve everyone and to build everyone feel seen and understood. 

What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?

For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to describe the community. 

Now, many people worry about how to come out, but coming out before the s wasn’t even an option, as many states illegalized what they called “homosexuality” or “sodomy.” There was also no acronym at all, restricting the inclusivity of our community.

Once an acronym appeared, all versions of it began with “L” – for an important reason.&nb

Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ

Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ community organizations and leaders. Observe acknowledgements section.

Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary. 

Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@

*NOTE:  Ask people what terms they employ to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence.
 

LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering verb for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of thi