Understanding the Spectrum: A Handbook on the Terminology of the LGBTQIA+
by Voice Of Shava on February 09, 2024
The LGBTQIA+ acronym encompasses various sexual orientations and gender identities. As the community becomes more recognized and accepted, terminologies change and develop to help more people identify themselves. This guide provides definitions of gender, sexuality, and the most common LGBTQIA+ terminologies.
L - Lesbian: A female who is romantically, spiritually, bodily, and sexually attracted to other females. Some may use the term gay woman instead of lesbian.
G - Gay: A person who has emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual attachment to someone of their gender. Gay typically refers to men identifying as gay, but lesbian individuals can also identify as gay.
B - Bisexual: A person who is emotionally, physically, spiritually, and sexually attracted to both genders; they can be male or female. They may choose to develop attraction to men and then women or vice versa.
T - Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned at birth. Examples of common transgender identities are trans man, trans woman, non-binary, genderfluid, and gender-queer.
Gender nonconforming: Refers to those who view their gender identity or gender expression as vastly different from the standard views and agreement of society on gender norms and expectations.
Q - Queer or Questioning: Queer is a blanket term for all identities and experiences based on gender or sexuality that are not by the expected standards. Questioning refers to those still discovering several facets of their identity that they feel are relevant.
I - Intersex: People born with physical sex characteristics that do not comply with the configuration of male or female bodies. Intersex people can be of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
A - Asexual: Individuals who generally do not experience sexual attraction and are not willing to partner sexually. They can be sexually attracted to others and engage in romantic relationships.
+ - The plus acknowledges identities not represented in the LGBTQIA acronym, such as pansexual, aromantic, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and others.
Using accurate and respectful language helps achieve visibility, understanding, and acceptance, enabling more people to live openly and authentically without shame or discrimination. Discussions on gender and sexuality continue to evolve, and it's always good to use terms and pronouns preferred by those involved in sensitive topics. Education and awareness of LGBTQIA+ perspectives can always be advanced, and creating a space for people to be authentic brings positive change.
