Beyond the Letters: Exploring the evolution of LGBTQIA+ terminology
The question of why there are so many letters that signify the rainbow community and why we continue to add and change the letters is one that I am frequently asked about.
The letters, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQIA2S+, etc, and more importantly the diverse groups that make up these letters, have actually existed for centuries. The rainbow community is now breaking away from much of the religious dogma, cultural prejudice, and social standards that have only recently emerged to obstruct the visibility and understanding of this beautiful group.
As we stand on the cusp of Mardi Gras in Australia, an iconic celebration of diversity, love, and unreserved self-expression, it’s a fitting moment to explore the rich tapestry of LGBTQIA+ terminology.
This colourful vocabulary not only defines identities within this beautiful and diverse community but also symbolises the myriad of experiences, struggles, and achievements represented within each letter of LGBTQIA+. Each is a testament to the individual's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance, a reminder for those navigating their path, and a bridge fostering understanding and solidarity among us all. The vibrant mosaic of human identity, the LGBTQIA+ community, is a resilient group. But what do these letters mean, and why have they evolved over time to include more identities? This post explores the significance of each letter, the importance of inclusive language, and the reasons behind the evolving abbreviations that strive to represent the vast spectrum of human sexuality and gender identity.
The Rainbow Colours of Identity
L - Lesbian
The term "lesbian" refers to women who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women. The journey of lesbian visibility and rights has been marked by struggles against societal norms, but also by profound acts of courage and solidarity. The word “lesbian” comes from the name of the Greek island Lesbos, where Sappho was born. She was an ancient Greek woman who wrote poems that included homosexual themes. The term “sapphic,” named for this poet, also refers to female homosexuality. Lesbians may also refer to themselves as gay women or simply as gay.
G - Gay
"Gay" is a term used to describe individuals who are attracted to members of the same sex, though it is more commonly used in reference to men. The gay rights movement has been pivotal in the fight for equality, challenging laws and attitudes that discriminate against them. In 1951 the word gay appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary for the first time as a slang for homosexual. In the 1890’s the word was used in Europe to describe a younger man travelling with an older man and may be the first known description of a homosexual relationship.
B - Bisexual
Bisexuality refers to the attraction to both one's own gender and other genders. Bisexual individuals often face misconceptions and invisibility within both the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities, making their fight for recognition and understanding all the more critical. People have been attracted to more than one gender all throughout history, but it was 1859 when anatomist Robert Bentley Todd used the word ‘bisexuality’ to describe male and female characteristics in the same body. This today is better know as Intersex. It was not until 1910 when the term bisexuality shifted to today’s current use of the terminology.
T - Transgender
"Transgender" is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The trans community's fight for rights and recognition challenges deeply ingrained societal norms about gender and identity. Many mistakenly assume that the trans movement is relatively new, however history has recorded that transgender people have existed for centuries among different cultures around the globe.
Q - Queer/Questioning
"Queer" is a reclaimed term once used pejoratively against LGBTQ+ individuals. Today, it serves as an inclusive, umbrella term for people who reject traditional gender identities or sexual orientations. "Questioning" refers to the process of exploring one's own sexual orientation or gender identity.
I - Intersex
Intersex individuals are born with physical sex markers (genitals, chromosomes, gonads, or hormone levels) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies. Intersex rights include issues of bodily autonomy, medical consent, and legal recognition.
A - Asexual/Aromantic
Asexuality refers to the lack of sexual attraction to others, whereas aromanticism is the lack of romantic attraction. These identities challenge the assumption that sexual and romantic desires are universal human experiences.
+ - The Plus Sign
The plus sign signifies the inclusivity of all other identities and experiences that are not specifically covered by the preceding letters, recognising the fluidity and complexity of human sexuality and gender.
Why the evolving abbreviations?
The LGBTQIA+ acronym reflects the community's growth, their hardships existing today and also in the past, and the increasing awareness of the diversity within it. As understanding deepens and more people find the language to express their identities, the abbreviation adapts to include them. This evolution signifies progress towards a more inclusive society that acknowledges and respects the complexity of human identity. You may have noticed other acronyms, i.e., LGBT, GBT , LGBTQIA2S+, or LGBTQ+, being used interchangeably with LGBTQIA+. These variations may stem from regional differences, personal preferences, or historical contexts. Is there one that speaks about all the groups? Well no, there really isn’t a preferred or right abbreviation. Any of these can be used. Regardless of the specific acronym, the intention remains the same: to create a more inclusive and affirming space for all individuals within the community.
Inclusivity and Representation
The expanding acronym challenges us to think beyond binary conceptions of gender and sexuality. It acknowledges the presence and rights of individuals who, for far too long, have been marginalised or invisible in discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and experiences even though these groups have been around for centuries.
A Living Language
Language is dynamic, evolving to reflect changes in societal attitudes and understanding. The LGBTQIA+ acronym is a testament to this, showcasing how language can be a powerful tool for advocacy, empowerment, and identity formation.
Solidarity and Unity
The inclusive nature of the LGBTQIA+ abbreviation embodies the community's commitment to solidarity and support for all its members, regardless of how they identify. It's a reminder that, while each letter represents a distinct identity, together they create a unified front against discrimination and for equality.
Embracing the Spectrum
The evolution of the LGBTQIA+ acronym is more than just a change in terminology; it's a reflection of the ongoing journey towards understanding, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. Each letter represents a world of experiences, challenges, and joys. By embracing the full spectrum of identities, we not only acknowledge the validity of each person's truth but also move closer to a world where everyone can live authentically and freely.
The journey of inclusivity is ongoing, and language plays a crucial role in this journey. As we continue to learn and grow, it's essential to remain open and respectful of the myriad ways people understand and express their identities. The LGBTQIA+ acronym, in all its complexity, serves as a shining example of hope and unity, reminding us that in diversity there is strength, and in inclusion, there is love and, of course, understanding.