What Does LGBTQIA Stand For?
In recent years, the acronym LGBTQIA has become a widely accepted catch-allphrase for all kinds of gender diversity. But what does it exactly stand for? In this blog post, we will define each of the seven letters and point out why they are all important.
LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
This initial four-letter acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. These terms refer to sexual and gender identities of people who don’t identify as heterosexual and cisgender, respectively. Lesbians are women who are attracted to other women. Gay men are men who are attracted to other men. Bisexuals are people who experience attraction to two or more genders. And transgender people are people whose gender identity differs from the one assigned to them at birth.
Q: Queer and/or Questioning
The fifth letter, Q, is short for Queer or Questioning. Queer is a reclaimed term that is used as an umbrella term for any gender or sexual identities that fall out of the binary system of male-female and heterosexual-homosexual. This term is often preferred above terms such as bisexual or transgender, as it is inclusive of multiple intertwining gender and sexual identities. The term “Questioning” is used to encompass those who are currently exploring their gender or sexual identity without identifying as a certain label.
I: Intersex
The sixth letter is the letter I, which stands for Intersex. Intersex is the term used to refer to those individuals whose bodies do not fit traditional definitions of male and female bodies. Due to genetic, hormonal, or anatomical developmental differences, intersex individuals may have bodies that appear to be neither male nor female. This term also includes those who have intersex as part of their gender identity, as opposed to their biological sex.
A: Asexual
Finally, the seventh letter is A, which stands for Asexual. Asexuality is an identity used to define people who do not experience sexual attraction to any other persons. Unlike celibacy, which is the conscious choice to not be sexually active, asexuality is an identity that exists independent of any behavioral patterns.
Why is LGBTQIA Important?
While this acronym is just a convenient way of referring to different kinds of gender or sexual identities, it is extremely important in recognizing and celebrating the distinct, diverse experiences of people living non-heteronormative and non-cisnormative realities. It offers visibility and representation to those who might otherwise feel excluded or unseen. It is a way to honor the different happenings of social injustice, ignorance, abuse, and discrimination that non-straight and non-cis people have to endure on a daily basis and to remind people that they aren’t alone in their struggle.