What is LGBTQ+ and why does it matter?

LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and more1. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Sexual orientation is who you are attracted to romantically, sexually, or emotionally. Gender identity is how you feel about your own gender, whether it matches the sex you were assigned at birth or not.

LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term that includes many different identities and experiences. Some of the common ones are:

Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to other women.

Gay: A person who is attracted to people of the same sex. Sometimes lesbian is the preferred term for women.

Bisexual: A person who can be attracted to people of more than one gender.

Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Queer: An adjective used by some people whose sexual orientation or gender identity is not exclusively heterosexual or cisgender (meaning their gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth).

Questioning: A term that describes someone who is exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Intersex: A term that describes a person with one or more innate sex characteristics that fall outside of traditional conceptions of male or female bodies.

Asexual: A term that describes a person who does not experience sexual attraction.

The plus sign (+) represents other sexual and gender identities that are not covered by the previous letters, such as pansexual (attracted to people regardless of their gender), nonbinary (having a gender identity that is not strictly male or female), and more.

LGBTQ+ matters because it is a way of celebrating and affirming the diversity and dignity of human beings. LGBTQ+ people have existed throughout history and across cultures, but they have often faced discrimination, violence, and stigma because of their identities. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and they include the right to love, live, and express oneself freely and authentically.

LGBTQ+ also matters because it is a source of community and solidarity for many people who share similar experiences and challenges. LGBTQ+ people have created spaces and movements where they can support each other, raise awareness, and advocate for change. LGBTQ+ pride is an example of how LGBTQ+ people celebrate their identities and achievements, as well as resist oppression and injustice.

LGBTQ+ is not a fixed or static term. It evolves over time as new identities emerge and new understandings develop. It is important to respect and acknowledge the diversity and complexity of LGBTQ+ people and their stories. It is also important to remember that LGBTQ+ people are not defined by their sexual orientation or gender identity alone. They are also shaped by their race, ethnicity, class, religion, disability, age, and other factors.

LGBTQ+ is a term that invites us to embrace our differences and similarities as human beings. It challenges us to question our assumptions and stereotypes about sexuality and gender. It invites us to learn more about ourselves and others, and to create a more inclusive and compassionate world.

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