The long string of letters can be confusing, especially to someone who wishes to be an ally. Knowing some key LGBTQIA+ terms and concepts can be helpful. LGBTQIA+ technically stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, and asexual people. It includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. But, it’s sometimes used as an umbrella term for anyone who does not identify as straight (heterosexual) or cisgender.
Key terms and concepts
Sex – Genetic and physical body characteristics people are born with, labeled male or female.
Gender – A social and cultural expression of sex; not the biological sex people are born with.
Intersex – People who are born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit typical definitions of “male” or “female.”
Sexual orientation – Romantic, emotional and/or sexual attraction to others.
Gender identity – An internal feeling of being male, female or something else.
Gender expression – Ways of showing gender to others, such as through mannerisms, clothes and personal interests.
Questioning – Individuals who are unsure about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Ally – An individual or organization that openly supports and affirms the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ people.
Sexual orientation
Lesbian/gay – Individuals who are romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually attracted to the same sex/gender.
Bisexual – Individuals who are romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually attracted to multiple sexes/genders.
Gender identity and expression
Cisgender – Individuals whose gender identity/expressions are similar to that typically associated with their assigned sex at birth.
Transgender – Individuals whose gender identity/expression is different from that typically associated with their assigned sex at birth.
Transitioning – When individuals begin to express their authentic gender, which differs from that typically associated with their assigned sex at birth. Individuals who are transitioning may express their gender identity through changes in clothes, hairstyle, and makeup/accessories and may undergo medical or surgical treatments.
Two-spirit – Created specifically by and for some Native American communities. Native American people who (a) express their gender and/or sexual orientation in indigenous, non-Western ways and/or (b) define themselves as LGBTQIA+ in a native context.
Source: EngageYouth.gov
