Pride Month is not just about parades and "rainbow capitalism"; it's a time for allies to educate themselves on the issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Understanding the identities within this community is essential, as each identity experiences unique marginalization based on gender identity or sexuality.

The LGBTQ acronym has evolved over the years, holding significant meanings often unknown to many. For instance, the "L" comes first in recognition of lesbian healthcare workers who supported gay men during the early HIV/AIDS crisis when many professionals refused to treat these patients.

What does LGBTQ stand for?

LGBTQ stands for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer," encompassing a variety of identities within the queer community. Some letters denote sexual orientation, while others represent gender identity. The “+” symbol acknowledges other diverse sexualities and gender identities like nonbinary, asexual, intersex, and genderqueer.

#### Breakdown of Each Letter:

The “L” in LGBTQ:

"L" stands for lesbian, referring to a woman attracted to other women. Some nonbinary individuals may also identify with this term. Learn about the word's origins and the colors of the lesbian flag.

The “G” in LGBTQ:

"G" represents gay, describing anyone attracted to the same gender. This identity is inclusive of men, women, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals. 

The “B” in LGBTQ:

"B" stands for bisexual, indicating attraction to more than one gender. The term often covers a broad spectrum of identities, with "bi" highlighting attraction to both similar and different genders. Explore the distinction between bisexuality and pansexuality.

The “T” in LGBTQ:

"T" refers to transgender, which is about gender identity rather than sexual orientation. A transgender person has a gender identity different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Their transition process, if any, varies widely. 

The “Q” in LGBTQ:

"Q" stands for queer or questioning. "Queer" is used by those who do not exclusively identify as heterosexual. It is also a reclaimed term from its historical use as a slur. 

What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?

LGBTQIA+ is a more inclusive acronym, with "I" for intersex and "A" for asexual. "Intersex" covers variations in reproductive anatomy. "Asexuality" describes those with little to no interest in sex but who may seek emotional intimacy. The "+" includes identities like pansexual, demisexual, and genderfluid, among others. The acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ includes Two-Spirit Indigenous identities.

It's important to respect each individual's relationship with their identity labels, as some may choose not to label themselves. The best approach is to ask and honor their preferred identification.