What is LGBTQI+?
This acronym is for various gender and sexual identities. Variants include GLBT, lgbtqia2s+, LGBTQIA+
For a detailed look at each letter, please visit GLAAD.
I = Intersex. People whose bodies do not match male or female, such as chromosomes that are not XX or XY, or two sets of reproductive organs
A = Asexual. People who generally do not feel sexual attraction.
2S = Two Spirit. People who have both masculine and feminine spirit; used by indigenous communities
P = Pansexual. People attracted to anyone, regardless of gender.
Plus sign (+) = Some people feel they do not fit in with any of these identities; some have multiple. The plus sign represents everyone who doesn't fit a label.
L = Lesbian. Women primarily attracted to the same gender
G = Gay. Men primarily attracted to the same gender
B = Bisexual. People attracted to the same and to different genders
T = Trans, transgender. People whose sex does not match their gender identity/presentation.
Q = Queer or Questioning. "Queer" is a reclaimed word that is often used to represent LGBT+ as a whole. "Questioning" is used for people who are unsure about their identity.
What is biological sex? What is gender?
The National Academy of Medicine provides this explanation for sex and gender:
“In the study of human subjects, the term sex should be used as a classification, generally as male or female, according to the reproductive organs and functions that derive from the chromosomal complement [generally XX for female and XY for male].
“In the study of human subjects, the term gender should be used to refer to a person's self-representation as male or female, or how that person is responded to by social institutions on the basis of the individual's gender presentation.
“In most studies of nonhuman animals, the term sex should be used.” (“What do we mean by sex and gender?” Yale School of Medicine)
Biological sex is the body:
one’s chromosomes and organs.
Gender is cultural expectations.