LGBTQ+ acronyms and terms explained – from LGBTQQIP2SAA to pansexual
Pride Month begins on June 1 in the UK and other parts of the world – and lasts until the end of June.Often, it is celebrated with Pride parades, events and Pride flags, of which there are many representing types of sexuality and identity.Throughout Pride Month – and indeed all year – you’ll likely come across acronyms LGBTQ+ along with terms such as pansexual, non-binary, gender fluid and perhaps even LGBTQQIP2SAA.Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of key acronyms and terms that every good ally should know – along with easy-to-understand definitions.There are many more important terms that you may hear, but below are some of the most commonly used ones.LGBT+ = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and othersLGBTQ+ = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and othersThe ‘+’ is important as it includes all the identities that do not fall under ‘LGBT’, such as asexual and gender-fluid.But which is the ‘right’ one to use?
The answer is that both are correct, and it’s totally up to you. Some people avoid using ‘LGBTQ+’ as although the term ‘queer’ is being reclaimed by the LGBT+ community, some folks still aren’t comfortable with it and consider it a slur.‘LGBT+’ is the best term to use if you aren’t sure.LGBTQQIP2SAA = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer, Intersex, Pansexual, Two-spirit (2S), Androgynous and Asexual‘Two-spirit’ is term used by some indigenous North Americans to describe those who fulfil a traditional third-gender ceremonial role.This one isn’t commonly used, so can leave people scratching their heads when they see it.
