LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning. Here’s a breakdown of each term:
- Lesbian: Refers to women who are attracted to other women.
- Gay: Typically refers to men who are attracted to other men, but can also be used more broadly to describe homosexual individuals regardless of gender.
- Bisexual: Refers to individuals who are attracted to more than one gender.
- Transgender: Refers to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Queer: An umbrella term that can refer to any non-heteronormative sexual or gender identity. It is also used by some to express a more fluid understanding of gender and sexuality.
- Questioning: Refers to individuals who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The acronym is often expanded to include additional letters, such as I for Intersex, A for Asexual or Ally, and others, leading to variations like LGBTQIA+.