QueerEvents.ca - What Does LGBT2Q+ Mean?

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

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Lesbian

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Lesbian

Human Definition

A woman who is attracted only to other women.

Everday Use
My moms are lesbians
Official Definition

A woman who is emotionally, physically, spiritually and/or sexually attracted to women.

G

Gay

Human Definition

A male who is attracted to other men

Everday Use
I am a happy gay man
Official Definition

A sexual orientation referring to a male person whose primary attraction is to other male folks

Note:

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

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Bisexual

Human Definition

A person who is romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender.

Everday Use
Marriage is not the only issue facing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Official Definition

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

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Trans

Human Definition

denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex.

Everday Use
We have a large trans community.
Official Definition

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

Two Spirit Flag

Two-Spirit

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QueerEvents.ca - Queer Flags - Two Spirit Flag Image

Two-Spirit

Human Definition

Two-spirit is a First Nations identity of person who has both a masculine and a feminine spirit.

Everday Use
The fluid gender identities of the First Nations' Two Spirits were seen as a gift.
Official Definition

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.

Note:

The use of these terms by people who are not descendants of the First Nations is considered cultural appropriation.

Q

Queer

Human Definition

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.

Everday Use
Queer Events helps me be more connected to the queer community
Official Definition

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

Human Definition

Someone who is not so sure they are the standard type heterosexual.

Everday Use
Lately I've been questioning my sexual identity, I think I may be a lesbian.
Official Definition

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

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Intersex

Human Definition

A person whose physical parts cannot easily be distinguished as either male or female.

Everday Use
Some people are both intersex and transgender.
Official Definition

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

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Asexual

Human Definition

A person who does not feel the need to have sex very often, if at all

Everday Use
I'm asexual but I still enjoy going on dates.
Official Definition

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

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Agender

Human Definition

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.

Everday Use
Kye realised that identifying as agender wasn't an immediate realization but a gradual awakening, a recognition that what applied to other girls didn't seem to apply to Kye.
Official Definition

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

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Pansexual

Human Definition

Someone who finds themselves attracted to people from all the different genders.

Everday Use
I'm pansexual, Im attracted to people for reasons outside of their gender
Official Definition

A person who has romantic or sexual attractions to people of any gender identity (both binary and non-binary).

QueerEvents.ca

Wondering about Pronouns? Don't worry, QE got you covered with our Pronouns 101

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

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Aegosexual

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Agender

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QueerEvents.ca - Queer Flags - Akiosexual/Lithosexual Flag Image

Aromantic

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Asexual

QueerEvents.ca - Queer Flags - Asexual Flag Image
Food for Queers Community Program

Food for Queers
Stay Safe. Not Hungry

Providing support for 2SLGBTQ+ folks experiencing food insecurities within the city of London

No questions. No contact. Just Support!

Future is Queer! #QueerEvents