LGBTQIA+ The Alphabet of Identity

There can be a lot of misunderstandings around the identities in the LGBTQIA+ community. To help make it easier, here is a list of some of the more commonly used identities. This is not a comprehensive list and there are many more identities and many more being named and beginning to be discussed.

L is for Lesbian a female identifying human attracted to other female identifying humans

G is for Gay a male identifying human attracted to other male identifying humans

B is for Bisexual a person who is attracted to two or more genders

T is for Trans a person who does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth

Q is for Queer a person who identifies as anything other than cisgender and/or straight, an all-encompassing identity for those who do not know how they feel, but identify as different. Also, a movement to take back a previously derogatory term for people in the LGBT+ community.

Q is also for Questioning an identity for those who are unsure how they feel or don’t feel comfortable identifying as any specific identity

I is Intersex are individuals born with both male and female chromosomes and/or sex characteristic. Not all intersex humans identify as part of the community, but they are welcome to the community if they wish!

A is for Asexual an identity for those who do not feel sexual attraction.

+ is for:

Two-spirit is a gender identity that was coined by Indigenous people in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1990s. It describes people who express both masculine and feminine traits.

Non-binary is used when someone identifies as neither female or male and often identifies as not fitting in either.

Pansexual is an identity for people who are attracted to people of any gender or regardless of gender.

Demisexual is an identity describing when people do not feel physical attraction right away.

Aromantic is an identity for those who do not feel romantic attraction to others.

Genderfluid is used for someone who feels that their gender identity can be expressed differently depending on the moment.

Agender is another identity to describe when someone does not identify with either binary genders, male or female.

There are lots of different identities and each one can have a unique meaning to each person. The important things to remember are that these identities can help people understand themselves.

One of the best uses for therapy is to take the therapy space as a place to process and understand. Therapy can be used to help understand an identity, help cope with anxieties some people may experience as they learn about their own identities, and a place to help process how to be supportive and understanding of these identities.

If you feel that therapy could help you explore and understand your identity, manage any challenges, or simply provide support, we’re here for you. Feel free to reach out to us to get started or learn more about our services.