LGBTQIA is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual. This acronym represents a diverse group of people who identify as non-heterosexual or non-cisgender. Each of these terms represents unique experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA community.
Lesbian
Lesbian refers to women who are attracted to other women. Gay refers to men who are attracted to other men. Bisexual refers to individuals who are attracted to both men and women.
Gay
The word Gay has some history to it. First, they defined the word Gay as being happy around the 12th century. It then changed around the 19th century to later became known as a homosexual man.
Bisexual
Sigmund Freud coined the word bi-sexual. He did research on homosexuality and came to the theory with his research that most humans were bisexual. A bisexual is someone who’s sexually attracted to both sexes and is not restricted to having a relationship with the opposite sex only.
Transgender
Transgender refers to people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Queer is an umbrella term used to describe people who do not identify as heterosexual or cisgender.
Questionable or Queer
The Q in L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. represents questioning or queer. An individual who’s unsure or not confident of their gender, their sexual orientation or how to identify sexually would fall under the questioning category. The term Queer is broadly used to categorize people who do not see themselves as their sex assigned at birth and are is not attracted to the opposite sex.
Intersex
Intersex refers to individuals who are born with sex characteristics (such as genitals, chromosomes, or hormones) that do not fit typical male or female categories. And Asexual refers to individuals who do not experience sexual attraction.
The LGBTQIA acronym has evolved over time to become a more inclusive representation of the community. It is important to recognize and respect each individual’s unique experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA community.
