What Does LGBT2Q+ Mean?
The term LGBT is an initialism used to refer to the non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender individuals, topics and communities. The original letters represent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.
The term started to see use in the 1990's as a positive alternative to 'gay community' which was commonly used at the time. The purpose was to promote inclusivity and diversity for sexuality and gender identities.
Over time the term has evolved to include a 'Q' for Queer and a '+' in LGBTQ+ in order to be more inclusive and acknowledge that there are varying identities. It's also common to see LGBT2Q+, the '2' representing Two-Spirit identity used by some Indigenous peoples.
What do all the letters stand for?
We know it can be confusing, particularly for those of us who are new to the queer community either as an ally or member of our wonderful community.
Here's a quick overview of the most common terms used in the expanded acronym - LGBT2QQIAAP (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, agender, pansexual)
L
Lesbian
L
Lesbian
Lesbian
Lesbian
A woman who is attracted only to other women.
A woman who is emotionally, physically, spiritually and/or sexually attracted to women.
G
Gay
G
Gay
A male who is attracted to other men
A sexual orientation referring to a male person whose primary attraction is to other male folks
This is NOT an appropriate term to refer the the entire LBGT2Q+ community.
'Gay' should only be used when referring only to male folks who are attracted to other males.
B
Bisexual
B
Bisexual
Bisexual
A person who is romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender.
A person who has the capacity to have physical, romantic, and/or emotional attractions to those of the same gender, or to those of another gender.
A bisexual identity does not necessarily equate to equal sexual attraction to only two sexes; commonly, people who have a distinct but not exclusive sexual preference for one sex over the other also identify themselves as bisexual.
T
Trans
T
Trans
Trans
denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex.
An umbrella term used for people whose gender identity is not in harmony with their birth assignment, either wholly or partially, or who experience their gender identity as radically different from what is expected of a "man" or "woman." It includes but is not limited to people who identify as transgender, trans woman, trans man, transsexual, gender non-conforming, gender variant or gender queer. There are many communities that live under this umbrella and there is no single or universal experience of what it means to be trans.
T
Two-Spirit
T
Two-Spirit
Two-Spirit
Two-Spirit
Two-spirit is a First Nations identity of person who has both a masculine and a feminine spirit.
A cultural and spiritual identity used by some First Nations peoples to describe having both masculine and feminine spirits. For some, Two-Spirit describes a societal and spiritual role that people played within traditional societies, as mediators, keepers of certain ceremonies, transcending accepted roles of men and women, and filling a role as an established middle gender.
The term is a translation of the Anishinaabemowin term niizh manidoowag, two spirits. The use of these terms by people who are not descendants of the First Nations is considered cultural appropriation.
The use of these terms by people who are not descendants of the First Nations is considered cultural appropriation.
Q
Queer
Q
Queer
A term to that includes everyone and all identities under the magical lgbt2q+ rainbow. This is our favorite way to refer to the entire LGBTT2QQIAAP community.
An umbrella term used proudly by some people to identify themselves as members of the lesbian, gay, bi, and/or trans communities or cultures.
Occasionally used by someone who wishes to defy gender or sexual restrictions.
Q
Questioning
Q
Questioning
Someone who is not so sure they are the standard type heterosexual.
A period where a person explores their own sexual and/or gender identity, reflecting on such things as upbringing, expectations from others, and inner landscape. The person may not be certain if s/he is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans and may be trying to figure out how to identify themselves.
I
Intersex
I
Intersex
Intersex
A person whose physical parts cannot easily be distinguished as either male or female.
Intersex people are born with sex characteristics (including genitals, gonads and chromosome patterns) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies. Some intersex persons may be assigned and raised as a girl or boy but then identify with another gender later in life, while most continue to identify with their assigned sex.
A
Asexual
A
Asexual
Asexual
A person who does not feel the need to have sex very often, if at all
A sexual orientation that refers to a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction and who chooses to call themselves asexual.
Asexuality exists on a continuum from people who experience no attraction or desire for sexual activities, to those who experience low levels, or only under specific conditions will they experience sexual attractions.
Ace is a common term used by individuals to refer to themselves as on identity that falls within asexuality.
A
Agender
A
Agender
Agender
Agender is a term which can be literally translated as 'without gender'. It can be seen either as a non-binary gender identity or as a statement of not having a gender identity.
A person with no (or very little) connection to the traditional system of gender, no personal alignment with the concepts of either man or woman, and/or someone who sees themselves as existing without gender. Can also refer to a person whose gender identity is genderless or neutral
P
Pansexual
P
Pansexual
Pansexual
Someone who finds themselves attracted to people from all the different genders.
A person who has romantic or sexual attractions to people of any gender identity (both binary and non-binary).
Flags of the Queer Community
There are a number of different flags that can be found when attending queer celebrations and events. Many of the common flags are displayed below, to learn more about the design on LGBT2Q+ flags, check out the Queer Corner blog post - Queer Community Flags
Abrosexual
Aegosexual
Agender
Aromantic
Asexual
Food for Queers
Stay Safe. Not Hungry
Providing support for 2SLGBTQ+ folks experiencing food insecurities within the city of London