The acronym LGBTQIA2S+ stands for a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities. Here’s what each letter represents:
- L: Lesbian – women who are attracted to other women.
- G: Gay – typically refers to men who are attracted to men, but can also be used as a broad term for homosexual individuals.
- B: Bisexual – individuals who are attracted to both men and women.
- T: Transgender – individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Q: Queer/Questioning – “Queer” is an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities, while “Questioning” refers to individuals who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- I: Intersex – individuals who are born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.
- A: Asexual – individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction to others; it can also stand for “Allies,” supporters of the LGBTQIA community.
- 2S: Two-Spirit – a term used by some Indigenous North American cultures to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities or fulfills a specific cultural role related to gender.
- +: The plus sign represents other sexual orientations and gender identities that are not specifically covered by the previous letters, including pansexual, genderqueer, non-binary, and more.
This acronym is used to promote inclusivity and recognition of the diversity within the LGBTQIA2S+ community.