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Meaning of the acronym LGBTQIA+
Who doesn't remember the acronym GLS, which gained strength in the 90's? Its meaning was gay people, lesbians and well-wishers. Over time, the acronym has evolved to include people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Thus, each update that the meaning of the acronym LGBTQIA+ has undergone represents the representation of different groups, with the officialization of the nomenclatures.
With updates, it is normal to have doubts about what each letter means. Currently, the acronym undergoes changes according to the context in which it is used, to reflect the positions of those who use it. LGBTQIA+ is one of the most frequent forms. Want to know the meaning of the acronym LGBTQIA+? Continue reading.
What is the LGBTQIA+ movement?
LGBTQIA+ is the political and social movement that defends diversity and seeks more representation and rights for this population. Its name demonstrates its struggle for more equality and respect for diversity. Each letter represents a group of people.
The LGBTI+ Communication Manual, prepared by the LGBTI+ National Alliance, listed the meanings of each letter of the LGBTQIA+ acronym.
The meaning of the acronym LGBTQIA+
L = Lesbians
They are women who feel affective/sexual attraction towards the same gender, that is, other women.
G = Gays
They are men who feel affective/sexual attraction for the same gender,
that is, other men.
B = Bisexuals
It concerns men and women who feel affective/sexual attraction to
male and female genders.
Also according to the manifesto, bisexuality has no direct relationship
with polygamy, promiscuity, infidelity or unsafe sexual behavior. These
behaviors can be had by anyone, of any sexual orientation.
T = Transgender
Unlike the previous letters, the T does not refer to a sexual orientation, but to gender identities. Also called “trans people”, they can be transgender (male or female), transvestite (female identity) or non-binary person, which is understood beyond the “male and female” division.
Q = Queer
People with the 'Queer' gender are those who move between notions of gender, as is the case with drag queens. Queer theory argues that sexual orientation and gender identity are not the result of biological functionality, but of a social construction.
I = Intersex
The intersex person is between the feminine and the masculine. Their biological combinations and bodily development – chromosomes, genitals, hormones, etc – do not fit the binary norm (male or female).
A = Asexual
Asexuals are not sexually attracted to other people, regardless of gender. There are different levels of asexuality and it is common for these people not to see human sexual relationships as a priority.
+
The “plus” symbol at the end of the acronym appears to include other gender identities and sexual orientations that do not fit the cis-heteronormative pattern but do not appear prominently before the symbol.
In addition to these letters, which are the most common, currently, there are some currents that indicate a complete acronym. It is comprised of: LGBTQQICAAPF2K+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Curious, Asexual, Allies, Pansexual, Polysexual, Family, 2-Spirit and Kink).
Why is the LGBTQIA+ Movement important?
The LGBTQIA+ Movement is a civil and social movement that seeks to defend the acceptance of the people represented by these terms in society, in addition to full respect for the rights of these people.
Despite not being a centralized and unique movement in its most diverse nuclei around the world, there are numerous non-governmental organizations that work in this direction, offering support to this part of society.
Always facing waves of prejudice and hate, the LGBTQIA+ Movement acts in search of social equality. Whether through raising awareness of people against biphobia, homophobia, lesbophobia and transphobia. Either by increasing the representation of LGBTQIA+ people in the most diverse sectors of society.
Of course, like any social movement, the LGBTQIA+ movement is made up of a broad network of political activism. It includes the famous street marches, as well as groups focused on the media, the arts and even academic research.
Being an LGBTQIA+ person is still considered a crime in more than 70 countries, with 13 punishable with the death penalty.
How to support the LGBTQIA+ movement?
Even if you don't identify with any of the movement's acronyms, there are ways to support the cause and help people to be free from violations of rights, prejudice and violent deaths. Factors generated solely and exclusively by sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Going deeper into the subject through content like this is a great start. Know the cause, its goals and help spread honest information.
Another form of support is to help those on the front lines of the fight. The Brazil Fund supports projects that work in defense of LGBTQIA+ people.
We seek to strengthen the struggles that face the violence experienced daily by these groups. Prejudice, psychological, verbal and physical violence, in addition to violent deaths, are some of them. You can help us in this fight. Come and learn about and support the projects that receive funds through the Brazil Fund.
