LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term for members of this community. The acronym, as is, stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and more.
There are a few expanded versions of the acronym which can include LGBTQIA+, LGBTQIAPD and many, many more. The community is ever evolving as we begin to break down social constructs of gender identity and sexual orientation and accept love as it is.
We have compiled a few of the most commonly referenced identifications to help our community stay informed. At IMPACT, we aspire to be as inclusive and accepting as possible, and we encourage you all to do the same!
Sex: Biological attributes and distinctions
Gender: Social constructed roles associated with one’s sex
Sexual Orientation: one’s sexual identity that encompasses who someone loves
Cis: a person who identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth
Straight: a person who is attracted to the opposite sex/gender
Gay: a homosexual, particularly in reference to a man. This term can often be used as a overarching simplifier for the LGBTQ+ community
Lesbian: a homosexual woman
Bisexual: a person who is attracted to two or more genders
Transgender: a person who doesn’t not feel intrinsically connected with their birth sex, and identify differently
Questioning: a person who identifies with the community but is unsure of how to categorize or label who they love. The community respects the need for everyone to discover themselves at their own pace.
Intersex: a person who is born with both sets of genetalia
Asexual: a person, regardless of gender and sexual orientation, who does not experience sexual attraction for any gender. It is different for everyone, and is usually described as a spectrum. Though not experiencing sexual attraction, some may choose to form intimate relationships and some may even choose to have sex.
Aromatic: a person, regardless of gender and sexual orientation, who does not experience or experiences very little romantic attraction to any gender. It is different for everyone and is usually described as a spectrum. Though not experiencing romantic attraction, some still may choose to form intimate attractions.
Pansexual (P): a person who is attracted the person itself, regardless of gender or sexual orientation
Demisexual (D): a person who cannot experience sexual relations until a strong emotional bond is formed, regardless of gender or sexual orientation
Queer: an offensive term that should not be used to identify a member of the community. The term originated in the 16th century defined as “odd” or “peculiar”, then later adapted to identify with feelings of sickness or illness and “counterfeit money” before becoming a derogatory term to label a homosexual. It has recently been reclaimed by the community for people who don’t identify with traditional categories surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation. Do not use this term to refer to the community as a whole, or to anyone who does not use it to describe themselves.
If you are questioning and wish to speak to someone, check out the resources below.
http://google.com/lgbtqBeing a part of the LGTBQ+ community is not a choice. Identifying as a member of the community is a choice, and a validated one. From the days of Matthew Shepard and beyond, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been silenced, tortured, humiliated, threatened, beaten, raped and murdered for being their truest shelves.
Projections of your religious beliefs or otherwise don’t carry the weight throughout the entire globe. Being homophobic is your own choice, but don’t ever suggest that your beliefs should be adopted by everyone just because you have declared yourself higher and mightier than all.
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