What does the term “LGBTQ” and other terms within this community mean?
LGBTQ
The LGBTQ acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. People often use LGBTQ+ to mean all of the communities included in the “LGBTTTQQIAA” community (“What does LGBTQ+ mean?”), while include the following
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Transsexual
2/Two-Spirit
Queer
Questioning
Intersex
Asexual
Ally + Pansexual + Agender + Genderqueer + Bigender + Gender Variant + Pangender
However, this term is does not limit or define the community; at times it is known as the “rainbow community” or the “queer community”. It’s also mentionable that just like the community is always evolving, the acronym also changes along with it, so memorizing is not necessary. Another important concept to keep in mind is to respect people despite of their identification.
Sexual Orientation Another relevant topic to what the definition of the LGBTQ term is the definition of the term “sexual orientation.” This relates to a person’s physical or romantic attraction to members of the same or opposite sex. The term “sexual preference” is preferred to be avoided as it suggests that it is a choice or it is curable within the community. It is important to emphasize that sexual experience is not necessary to know one’s sexual orientation.
Coming Out, Out, Closeted, Outing Coming out refers to the process of self-acceptance. A lot of people will shape their identity to themselves and then may reveal it to others.
A person that is Out refers to a person who self-identifies as LGBTQ in any aspect of their lives and lets
other people know.
A person that is Closeted is a person who is not open about their sexual orientation. They can be referred to as being "not out" about being LGBTQ. Some individuals may be out to certain people, but not others due to fear of rejection, harassment, violence, losing one's job, or other concerns.
Outing is the act of publicly declaring or revealing another person's sexual orientation or gender identity without that person's consent. (Generally considered inappropriate by many people in the community).
In this constantly changing world, it is always important to respect people for who they are and not by who they identify as because they are, nonetheless, human.
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