LGBTQIA

LGBTQIA is a community of individuals that identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, or Asexual (or Ally or Aromantic). It comes from the LGBTQA acronym but includes intersex people, which are people born with several variations in sex characteristics that do not fit in the standard male or female category.

In 2019, members in the non-heteronormative community began using LGBTQIA more often, especially on social media, but it didn't get much exposure until June 2021. You may encounter the LGBTQIA acronym anytime throughout the year, but you will most likely see it in June during "Pride" month, where activists celebrate the LGBTQIA lifestyle.

What does each letter in LGBTQIA stand for?

• Lesbian - A homosexual woman.
• Gay - A homosexual person.
• Bisexual - A person attracted to both males and females.
• Transgender - A person who identifies with a gender identity different from his or her sex.
• Queer - A person who is transgender or not heterosexual.
• Intersex - A person who was born with several variations in sex characteristics that do not fit in the standard male or female category.
• Asexual - A person who is not sexually attracted to anyone or has very little interest in sexual activity. It may also stand for "Aromantic," which is a person who has no interest in romantic relationships, or "Ally," which is a person who joins together with members in the LGBTQIA community to help their cause (some people argue that allies should not be included in LGBTQA since they do not face the same challenges as individuals in the community).