Glossary
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ is a widely used acronym where the plus sign signals that the community reaches beyond the specific letters named.
LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning, with a plus sign that acknowledges the many other sexual orientations and gender identities the letters do not spell out, including intersex, asexual, aromantic, and Two-Spirit people. The acronym grew over decades from earlier short forms such as LGB and LGBT as the community worked to name more of its members. The plus is a shorthand for inclusion: no fixed string of letters can capture everyone. Because the acronym keeps evolving, people and organizations differ on how many letters to use, and LGBTQ+ has become one of the most common everyday choices.