LGBTQIA: Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

LGBT: A Term with a Wide Scope

LGBT is an acronym that encompasses individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. It represents a diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities and may include anyone who falls outside of societal norms for these aspects of their identity.

Expanding the Acronym to LGBTQIA2S

In recent years, the acronym has been expanded to LGBTQIA2S to include additional identities and experiences. It now encompasses the following:

• Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to other women.
• Gay: A man who is attracted to other men.
• Bisexual: An individual who is attracted to both men and women.
• Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Queer: An umbrella term that includes all non-heterosexual identities.
• Intersex: A person who is born with traits that do not fit the typical definition of male or female.
• Asexual: A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction.
• Two-Spirit: A term used by some Native American cultures to refer to individuals who embody elements of both male and female genders.