THE LETTERS OF LGBTQ+
What do the letters of LGBTQ+ mean?
The G and Q have multiple meanings. GAY and QUEER can sometimes be used as blanket terms for the whole LGBTQ+ community. GAY could refer to the collective of gay men and gay women. QUEER is an inclusive term but also can be a term for those who feel that the other terms do not fit them.
QUEER was a derogatory term in years past but has been reclaimed by the younger generations today.
L = Lesbian
Lesbian is a word that attempts to define females (cisgender and transgender M2F) who are naturally attracted to other females.
G = Gay
Gay, when not used as a blanket term, is a word that attempts to define males (cisgender and transgender F2M) who are naturally attracted to other males.
B = Bisexual
Bisexual is a word that attempts to define people of either gender who are naturally attracted to both genders.
T = Transgender
Transgender is a word that attempts to define people whose gender assigned at birth does not match the gender of their soul or being.
Q = Queer or Questioning
Queer can be a blanket term or the Q could represent those who are questioning where they fit on the gay-straight continuum.
+ = Other
The + in the LGBTQ+ has come to include the OTHER category. When LGBT became LGBTQ, it soon became LGBTQIA where the I sometimes represented the Intersex and the A represented either the Allies, the Agender, or the Asexual. In order to be inclusive, the + was used for the others who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
If you would like more information about the + in the LGBTQ+, we recommend
THE GENDER BOOK by Mel Reiff Hill and Jay Mays.
