When hearing the acronym “LGBTQ+”, some of us may be familiar with what each letter stands for. Others may have heard it before, but aren’t entirely sure what it means. Some of us have never heard of it at all! No matter the case, it’s important to educate ourselves about terminology surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. By learning about what terms mean, using proper terminology, and being respectful in our use and speech of such terms helps us to promote equality, create a safe environment, and help others to know that we are an ally to all!
So, what do each of the letters stand for in “LGBTQ+”?
L – Lesbian
G – Gay
B – Bisexual
T – Transgender
Q – Queer or Questioning
+ – Represents other sexual identities
Now that we know what the letters stand for, what do they mean?
Lesbian – A woman who is only attracted to another person of the same gender.
Gay – A man who is only attracted to another person of the same gender. Lesbians may also refer to themselves as gay.
Bisexual – Someone attracted to both men and women.
Transgender – Someone whose gender identity does not correspond to their sex at birth.
Queer – A term used by those who view their sexual orientation or gender identity outside of societal norms.
Questioning – Refers to a person who is unsure about their sexual orientation/gender identity.
For even more definitions and information, please reference our LGBTQ+ Equality Presentation powerpoint here at JSK Stories!
If you are ever in a situation where you hear a word that you’re not familiar with, just ask! Asking polite, sincere questions is always okay. Sometimes we may feel that we might offend someone if we ask them what these terms mean. Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, never shy away from asking questions when you hear an unfamiliar term! Asking questions leads to learning. Learning leads to proper use and respectful speech in our daily conversations! Ultimately, this leads to happier, safer, and equality-promoting communities.
LGBTQ+ Scenario #1
In a small group with either classmates or friends, read the following conversation scenario. Then, discuss the follow-up questions.
Margaret: Hey, James! How was your summer break?
James: It was good! I spent most of my time at my family’s cabin at the lake so let’s just say getting back into the swing of things with school is gonna be tough!
Margaret: Haha I’m sorry! Well, we can tough it out together. My summer break I read lots of my favorite books and binged WAY too many shows on Netflix so I got too used to being lazy.
James: It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in this!
Margaret: Speaking of alone, where’s Isaac? I remember last school year you guys went everywhere together!
James: Isaac actually moved to Texas! Both of his parents are in the military so his whole life they’ve always moved to lots of different places in the country.
Margaret: Oh wow! I’m sorry, that must’ve been hard for you when he moved. I know you guys had only just started dating but that still must’ve been rough.
James: Yeah, at first I was sad but we’re still friends and we talk every week so that’s been nice!
Margaret: That’s good! So do you think you’ll just skip on this year’s beginning of the school year dance?
James: Actually no! I’ve been really good friends with this girl named Shelby ever since we were freshmen. Her locker is right next to mine and we’ve had lots of classes with each other in the past so I think I might ask her!
Margaret: Oh Shelby, nice! But wait, I thought you were….
James: ….gay becuase I dated Isaac? Yeah, I’m still trying to figure out my true self and sort of where I fit in the grand scheme of things, but I’m bi!
Margaret: Oh okay! I actually don’t think I know what that means. Would you mind explaining it to me?
>In this scenario, Margaret and James are catching up on their first day of school. Their conversation leads to James sharing with Margaret that he is bisexual. Margaret was unfamiliar with that term and didn’t know what it meant.
>Do you think the way Margaret responded to James was respectful? If so, in what ways?
>If you were ever in a situation like Margaret was and weren’t familiar with a term that was said, how would you ask the person you’re talking to to explain the term to you?
>Even though James openly shared his sexual orientation with Margaret, why should Margaret not go around sharing that information with other people?
Download Learn More About: LGBTQ+ Terms and Definitions (English) here.