LGBTQ

A six-band rainbow flag representing the LGBTQ community

LGBTQ (also commonly seen as LGBT,[1][2] LGBT+,[3] LGBTQ+,[4] and LGBTQIA+[5]) is an initialism for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning.[6][7] It is an umbrella term, broadly referring to all sexualities, romantic orientations, and gender identities which are not heterosexual, heteroromantic, or cisgender.[8][9][10][11]

In the 1990s, gay, lesbian, and bisexual activists adopted the term LGB, supplanting narrower terms such as "gay or lesbian". Terminology eventually shifted to LGBT, as transgender people became more accepted within the movement. Around that time, some activists began to reclaim the term queer, seeing it as a more radical and inclusive umbrella term, though others reject it, due to its history as a pejorative.[12][13][14] In recognition of this, the 2010s saw the adoption of LGBTQ, and other more inclusive variants.[15][16]

Some versions of the term, such as LGBT+ and LGBTQ+ add a plus sign, to represent additional identities not captured within the acronym.[17][18] Many further variants exist which add additional identities, such as LGBTQIA+ (for intersex, asexual, aromantic, and agender)[19] and 2SLGBTQ+ (for two-spirit), LGBTQQ (for queer and questioning),[20] or which order the letters differently, as in GLBT and GLBTQ.[21][22]

The collective of all LGBTQ people is often called the LGBTQ community. These labels are not universally agreed upon by everyone that they are intended to include.[23] For example, some intersex people prefer to be included in this grouping, while others do not.[24][25] Various alternative umbrella terms exist across various cultures, including queer; same gender loving (SGL); and Gender, Sexual and Romantic Minorities (GSRM).

  1. ^ "Definition of LGBT". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Definition of LGBTQ". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Definition of LGBTQIA". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  6. ^ "Definition of LGBTQ". Collins Dictionary. Retrieved 3 March 2024. LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or questioning), plus other sexual and gender identities.
  7. ^ "Definition of LGBTQ". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 4 March 2024. LGBTQ (abbreviation): lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (one's sexual or gender identity)
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference The Handbook of Lesb was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Miller, Sam J.; Szpara, K. M.; Kalaw, R. K.; Sjunneson-Henry, Elsa; Rustad, A. Merc; Bolander, Brooke; Hvide, Brit E. B.; Bledsoe, Alex; Kowal, Mary Robinette (3 July 2018). Uncanny Magazine Issue 23: July/August 2018. Uncanny Magazine.
  10. ^ "Definition of LGBT". Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  11. ^ Parent, Mike C.; DeBlaere, Cirleen; Moradi, Bonnie (June 2013). "Approaches to Research on Intersectionality: Perspectives on Gender, LGBT, and Racial/Ethnic Identities". Sex Roles. 68 (11–12): 639–645. doi:10.1007/s11199-013-0283-2. S2CID 144285021.
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ https://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  14. ^ McHanon, Mary (23 May 2024). "Is "Queer" a Derogatory Word?". Language & Humanities. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  15. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference :3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ "LGBTQ". APA Dictionary of Psychology. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  18. ^ "Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  19. ^ "Definition of LGBTQIA". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  20. ^ "Definition of LGBTQQ". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  21. ^ "Definition of GLBT". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  22. ^ "Definition of GLBTQ". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  23. ^ Cite error: The named reference Counseling Lesbian, G was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  24. ^ Cite error: The named reference Challenging Lesbian Nor was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  25. ^ Cite error: The named reference Fenway Guide was invoked but never defined (see the help page).