LGBTQIA: Understanding the Acronym

What does LGBTQIA stand for?

LGBTQIA is an acronym that represents the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. It stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual.

Breaking Down the Terms

Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to women.

Gay: A man who is attracted to men.

Bisexual: A person who is attracted to both men and women.

Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from their birth sex.

Queer or questioning: A person who identifies as neither exclusively heterosexual nor exclusively homosexual.

Intersex: A person who is born with variations in the development of their sex organs, hormones, or chromosomes.

Asexual: A person who does not experience sexual attraction.

Variations and Additions

The acronym LGBTQIA is sometimes extended to include additional letters, such as "C" for cisgender (a person whose gender identity matches their birth sex) or "P" for pansexual (a person who is attracted to all genders). This reflects the diversity within the LGBTQIA community.