The ABCs of LGBT
There are many identities that fall under the LGBT+ umbrella. Let's take a look at some of them... (This list is not entirely comprehensive)
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Lesbian: A female-identified person attracted to other female-identified people.
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Gay: A male-identified person attracted to other male-identified people.
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Bisexual: Attraction to two or more genders.
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Transgender: Someone who's assigned sex at birth is not the same as the gender they identify as.
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Queer: A sexuality or gender (genderqueer) loosely defined as 'not straight' or 'not cisgender'. It is also sometimes used as an umbrella term. IE: "The queer community". It is important to note that queer is a reclaimed slur, so allies should not use it unless someone specifically tells you they identify as queer and want their identity to be referred to in that way.
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Questioning: Someone who is still exploring or is not yet sure of their identity.
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Intersex: Someone whose genitalia, chromosomes, or hormones are outside of what is typically associated with 'male' or 'female'. Not all intersex people consider themselves LGBT, but we put them in our acronym to recognize that they face some of the same struggles we do, to raise awareness on their behalf, and to let them know they are welcome in our community. See this video for more detail.
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Asexual: Lack of sexual attraction. This identity exists on a spectrum, meaning the amount of attraction and circumstances under which attraction is felt varies between individuals who identify as asexual.
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Pansexual: Attraction to all genders.
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Two Spirit: An umbrella term covering native American only identities, the definition of which varies among native communities. Not all 2S people consider themselves LGBT, but we put their name in our acronym for the same reasons as intersex. See this video for more detail.
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Non-binary: Someone who identifies outside of the gender binary of male and female.
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Gender Fluid: Someone whose gender identity and pronouns vary.
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Cisgender: Someone whose assigned sex at birth matches their gender identity.
Bisexual vs Pansexual
These terms are similar but distinct. Everyone makes their own decision about which to identify with based on what feels right to them. Some bisexual people like the history of the term bisexual. Some pan people use the phrase, "hearts not parts", as they don't see gender as factoring into their attraction. It's up to the individual!
