Not sure what the LGBTQIA+ acronym stands for? That’s okay! It’s changed many times throughout history – here’s our guide to what it means. 

The LGBTQIA+ acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and/or Aromantic, with the + representing other identities that don’t quite fit other labels, or identities that we don’t quite have the language to describe yet.

What does all that mean?

Lesbian

A lesbian is a woman who is attracted to another woman. Lesbians can be cisgender or transgender – there are loads of ways to identify as a lesbian. You might encounter folks who prefer the word lesbian, or they might also describe themselves simply as "gay". You might also hear the word "sapphic" to describe women who are attracted to other women.

Gay

Gay is most commonly used to describe someone who is attracted to someone of the same identified gender. It can be used by cisgender or transgender people. It’s easy to default to using “gay” to describe someone who you know isn’t straight – so remember to check with people regarding what they’re most comfortable with.

Bisexual 

Bisexual is used to describe someone who is attracted to multiple genders – perhaps their own, as well as other genders. Although historically “bi” means “two”, everyone's experience is a little different. Bi doesn't necessarily mean being attracted to only two genders, nor does it mean being attracted to multiple genders in equal amounts.

Learn about bisexuality here

Transgender

Sometimes the gender someone is assigned at birth doesn’t necessarily align with their identity, or what they feel. For instance,  - someone born with a penis might identify as a girl – this is referred to as being transgender. About 2-5% of the population identifies as trans or gender diverse – and it’s likely even more. Sometimes trans people change their name, their clothes, or even make change to their bodies to align with their identity, and sometimes they don’t. Every experience is valid!

Learn more about how you can be a trans ally here

Queer

A common umbrella term used to mean anyone who is same gender attracted or gender diverse. This word has an interesting history: first it meant “different”, then it was co-opted to be a derogatory way to refer to an LGBTQIA+ person. Now, the LGBTQIA+ community has reclaimed the word as a proud descriptor, and an identity. 

Intersex

People are born with different kinds of bodies. People who are intersex are born with natural variations in their body that differ from what we might expect to be ‘typically’ male or female. This can include (but is not limited to) variations in hormones, chromosomes, and sexual organs.

A lot of us are taught that when you have high testosterone that you’re male, but if you’re a male that is born with low testosterone you may describe yourself as intersex. There are heaps of ways that you can be intersex!

If this is an identity that’s new to you, check out more information here

Asexual

Someone who has little or no sexual attraction and/or desire for sexual activity. The asexual umbrella covers a number of other identities, like demisexuality and allosexuality. Aasexuality can be experienced differently for each individual person, and it’s important to remember that!

Aromantic

Someone who has little or no interest in romantic relationships and/or romantic desire. It’s important to note that aromanticism and asexuality are two different experiences. Some people may experience both, or just one. 

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You might hear people use the full acronym to refer to the whole community, or the identity of individual people. You might also hear them interchange it with the word “queer”.

Any and all of these are totally okay – it’s up to the person and what words they feel comfortable, or not comfortable, with.

It’s also worth noting that some people might not be okay with certain labels, and that’s also okay. They might not be into labels at all!

The History of the LGBTQIA+ Acronym

Language changes over time, as does our understanding of different identities. Over the years, the LGBTQIA+ acronym has changed to reflect this.

The word “gay” has been said to be used as far back as the 13th century. It was used synonymously with words like “happy” and “joyful”. It wasn’t until the 1940s and 50s, that “gay” started to be used as a way to describe same-sex relationships, and same-sex attracted people.

In the 1960s, the term “GLB” started to be used – both as a form of collective pride, and to include people who didn’t feel “gay” aligned with their experience. It represented gay, lesbian and bisexual people, and it’s here that the acronym we know now was first used.

In the 1990s, terms like “LGBT” and “GLBT” started to become popular, with the letter T including transgender identities. This was particularly important, as trans activists have always been at the forefront of queer liberation – with people like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera as central figures in the Stonewall Riots in 1969.

From there, additional letters have been included to further embody other identities and people represented within our community, giving us the full acronym we currently use – LGBTQIA+.

WHY IS THE “L” FIRST IN LGBTQIA+?

While the “G” was initially first in the acronym, there was a conscious choice to reorder the acronym to put the “L” first during the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s.

Particularly in the initial stages of queer liberation, there was a real focus on gay men. They were often more heavily visible and featured in discussion with a larger focus on male rights, meaning that lesbians were often not included in both the conversation or in queer spaces. 

During the AIDS crisis, it was gay men that were largely affected. It was their lesbian counterparts that were often providing them with medical care and support, ignoring media fear-mongering and prejudice. Lesbians were also vital in advocating for protections and research for AIDS-affected people.

This crisis led to a stronger unity between the two communities, and with it, a larger focus on feminist issues. Reordering the acronym to put Lesbians at the start was an act of solidarity and gratitude.

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