Learn what the acronym LGBTQIA+ means and the importance of the term in social inclusion

The International LGBTQIA+ Pride Day, celebrated this Tuesday (28), brings reflections that must be guided daily in our daily lives. Among them, the importance of knowledge around the acronym LGBTQIA+ for the social and professional inclusion of different groups.

In the 1990s, the initial acronym of the movement gained strength: GLS. That included gays, lesbians and supporters. However, over the years, the S was removed and the acronym evolved according to the urgent need for more representation regarding sexual option and gender identity.

As a result, LGBTQIA+ became an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, with a “+” sign to recognize the unlimited sexual orientations and gender identities used by members of that community.

The acronym is still widespread in other ways, with more or less letters, and according to the specialist in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion William Ramos, there is no right or wrong in this matter.

“There is no entity that determines which is right and which is wrong. In Brazil, the organization Forum for Rights in LGBTI+ Companies has agreed that in companies today, in Brazil, the term LGBTI+ is being used. But it is a living acronym, which changes every moment”, said the expert.

“It’s not wrong to say LGBTQA, LGBTQIA+, LGBTQIAP+, it varies even according to the interlocutor and according to the geography of where you are,” added Ramos.

The meaning of each letter

The LGBTI+ Communication Manual, prepared by the LGBTI+ National Alliance, names identifications in the acronym as follows:

• L (lesbians) : Women who feel affective/sexual attraction to the same gender, that is, other women;
• G (gays): Men who feel affective/sexual attraction to the same gender, that is, other men;
• B (bisexuals): It concerns men and women who feel affective/sexual attraction towards 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 division “male and female”;
• Q (queer): ‘Queer’ people 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 body 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.

“From the moment we name sexual orientations and gender identities, we give visibility to the problems involved with these groups and manage to think of solutions to guarantee basic rights to individuals belonging to these groups”, says Ramos.

Check out images from the LGBTQIA+ parade around the world: