To be perfectly queer...
The initialism, LGBTQIA+, is constantly evolving and changing. The terms and definitions below often mean different things to different people. It is important that each individual define themselves for themselves, meaning their respective term is up for their own interpretation.
2019 Boston pride parade
"Pride is the word I'm looking for." — Lin Manuel Miranda, Hamilton
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ the most common form of the initialism. It is often used as an umbrella term that groups additional identities in the community under the "+." LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning.
Lesbian - homosexual women or women who is sexually attracted to others women
Gay - homosexual men, though it is often used as an umbrella term that groups all individuals with same-sex attraction
Bisexual - an individual who is sexually attracted to one's own and the opposite sex
Transgender - an individual whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to them at birth; many preferring pronouns like "they," "them," and "theirs"
Queer - individuals who are not heterosexual or cisgender, but prefer more fluid boundaries than what the above terms suggest; can be viewed as derogatory by some
Questioning - individuals who are still exploring their sexual and/or gender identity
LGBTQIA+?
The initialism has grown to become more inclusive in the previous years with the additional letters, "I" and "A." These letters stand for intersex and asexual or ally.
Intersex - individuals who are born with sexual anotomy and genetics that do not fit into the "traditional" male/female binary; inconsistencies of reproductive organs and/or chromosomes
Asexual - individuals who do not experience sexual attraction; some still experience romantic attraction
Ally - individuals who support the rights and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community; can identify as LGBTQ or not
"Find out who you are and be that person. That’s what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth, and everything else will come." — Ellen DeGeneres
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