The LGBTQ+ Alphabet

LGBT, LGBTQ, LGBTQIA, LGBTQQIAAP, LGBTQIAP+… Many different acronyms are used to represent sexual orientations and gender identities, and you might be familiar with at least one of these terms. But what about the others? What do all these letters mean?

Consider LGBT as a base or foundational acronym representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Then comes Q, I, A, P, 2, +, and so on: letters added to the base acronym in different orders and quantities.

Q stands for queer or questioning.

I stands for intersex.

A can stand for asexual, aromantic, agender, or ally.

P stands for pansexual

2 stands for two-spirit.

And the + acknowledges that there are many other sexualities and gender identities which are not included in the acronym.

A good general rule? Regardless of the acronym you choose to use, add + to the end. It’s important to recognize as many identities as we can, so that all people are included and respected.

Two other terms you should know? Cisgender, which refers to a person whose gender identity corresponds with the sex they were assigned at birth; and heterosexual, which refers to someone who is exclusively attracted to the opposite gender.

To learn more, browse the LGBTQ+ alphabet included below. Understanding the terms that people use to describe their identity will help you act respectfully, avoid offense, and connect with others.