The acronym LGBTQIA2S+ represents a diverse range of sexual orientations and gender identities. The GSCC primarily uses this acronym, and it stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and trans, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual or agender, and two-spirit. The plus sign (+) at the end signifies that there are additional identity terms beyond those listed.
Understanding the Acronym:
Here's a breakdown of what each letter or term in LGBTQIA2S+ represents:
| Letter/Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| L | Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to other women. |
| G | Gay: A man who is attracted to other men. This term can also sometimes be used to describe a homosexual person regardless of gender. |
| B | Bisexual: A person who is attracted to more than one gender. |
| T | Transgender and Trans: Individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans is often used as a shorthand for Transgender. |
| Q | Queer and Questioning: Queer is an umbrella term for individuals who are not heterosexual or cisgender. Questioning refers to individuals who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| I | Intersex: A person born with variations in sex characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy) that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. |
| A | Asexual or Agender: Asexual refers to individuals who do not experience sexual attraction. Agender refers to individuals who do not identify with any gender. |
| 2S | Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous North American peoples to describe individuals who embody both masculine and feminine spirits. |
| + | Plus Sign: Indicates that there are other identities not explicitly listed in the acronym that are part of the broader community. This is an inclusive symbol. |
Key Insights:
- Diversity: The acronym aims to be inclusive of the diverse range of experiences and identities.
- Evolution: The acronym continues to evolve as language and understanding develop.
- Respect: It's important to respect an individual's self-identified terms when referring to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The use of the + is significant because it acknowledges that language is constantly evolving, and the acronym might not encompass all possible identities. This plus symbol signifies inclusivity and represents a broader spectrum of identities within the community.
