What the q in lgbtq stand for

A Brief History of the LGBTQ+ Acronym

Folks in the LGBTQ+ community have many different ways of spotting. Some might prefer the umbrella term “queer,” which can be used to include any non-cisgender, non-heterosexual identity, or LGBTQ+ initialisms. Others might identify as gay, bisexual, bigender, pansexual, or transgender, among other terms. Each identity within the LGBTQ+ acronym carries significant meaning and there’s a long history surrounding the abbreviation that dates back decades. To be inclusive of all identities that construct and describe the LGBTQ+ community, it’s crucial to know and understand the meaning behind each letter.

“LGBT” stands for lesbian, gay, double attraction, and transgender. This has evolved from the word “gay,” which, according to PBS, became a prevalent word in the mid-20th century to describe lgbtq+ relationships. The outlet reports that the word “gay” actually dates back to the 13th century when it was known to mean “happy” or “joyous.” But in the 1940s and ‘50s, “gay” emerged as a code synonyms used within the collective to describe sexuality and express same-sex desire. By the 1960s, the synonyms was embraced by the community as a highlight of pride and was a

Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone. 

For many people who are brand-new to the LGBTQIA+ group, this acronym can come across confusing or overwhelming. 

If you are new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today. 

And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to learn more about how the society has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too. 

The way the LGBTQIA+ collective interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly transforming. We strive to comprise everyone and to craft everyone feel seen and understood. 

What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?

For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to describe the community. 

Now, many people worry about how to come out, but coming out before the 1970s wasn’t even an option, as many states illegalized what they called “homosexuality” or “sodomy.” There was also no acronym at all, restricting the inclusivity of our community.

Once an acronym appeared, all versions of it began with “L” – for an important reason. 

In the early days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian community often felt dismissed or

What does LGBTQ+ withstand for?

Lesbian A gal who has a sexual and/or affectionate attraction towards women. Some women elect to define themselves as gay instead of lesbian.


Gay A man who has a sexual and/or romantic attraction towards men. The word can also be used to portray homosexuality in general. Some women also identify as gay.


Bisexual Someone who has sexual and/or idealistic attraction to both women and men. It is often used as an umbrella term which can include any other orientations where there is attraction to more than one gender, whether that be intimate or sexual attraction.


Trans An umbrella phrase used to narrate any gender self where the assigned sex at birth does not compare a person’s show gender identity. Trans* identities can fit within the binary (female or male) or outside of it. There is a whole spectrum of non-binary gender identities.


Queer or Questioning Queer is often used as an umbrella term for people who are not straight or who don’t distinguish with their assigned sex at birth. People may also identify as lgbtq+ if they don’t feel that the terms lesbian, homosexual, bisexual or transitioned fully represent them. The “Q&rdqu
what the q in lgbtq stand for

Orientations and Identities: What does the Q in LGBTQ stand for?

Content warning: Discussions of Homophobia, Hate speech

Disclaimer: The content of this post is to clarify the differences in how a term is used, and does not explore to make claims one way or the other. LGBTQ+ community members contain a multitude of singular experiences and it’s significant to take all of these into account with thoughtfulness and empathy. 

If readers have any questions about the material covered in these posts or would like to share their personal experiences, they should feel free to extend out to North Shore Pride at info@northshorepride.org for additional resources and answers. 

What does the Q in LGBTQ stand for?

The Answer Requires thoughtful consideration and empathy. 

The word “Queer” is a complicated legal title that means different things to different people. For some it is a badge of pride, an umbrella term encompassing gender identities and sexual orientations that don’t fit under normal categories and labels. For others it can be offensive, as it refers to a contemptuous slur that has been used in homophobic abhor speech against LGBTQ+ collective members. 

Tolerance.org refers to the

What does the 'Q' stand for in LGBTQ+? How the community reclaimed the word.

Pride Month is almost here, so it's important to refresh your awareness on the flags, terms, identities and history encompassed in the LGBTQ+ people. Asking your Homosexual friends and family is an option but be mindful of placing the burden of your education on others when there are many free resources at your disposal.

Here's what you need to recognize about the letter "Q" in the acronym.

What does the 'Q' in Diverse stand for?

The Q in LGBTQ+ stands for queer in most settings, but it can also signify questioning. LGBTQ+ is an acronym of identities related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

What each letter in LGBTQ+ means:

Need a break? Engage the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

In recent years, many have added I and A (intersex and asexual) to the lineup. The plus sign is another addition to the acronym to stand for identities in the community that perhaps don’t fit into the other letters like pansexual, polyamorous, Two-Spirit or others who don’t want to label their sexuality.

What does queer mean?

Queer is an adjective used by those who are not exclusively heterosexual. The term is often us