We define LGBTQIA+ terms and signpost support for families. 

What does LGBTQIA+ mean? 

The letters LGB stand for lesbian, gay and bisexual. These terms mean: 

• lesbian – term for women sexually and romantically oriented toward other women 

• gay – any person attracted to the same gender 

• bisexual – those who are sexually and romantically attracted both to men and women 

The T in LGBTQIA+ can have several different meanings but typically deals with gender identity. Some words have fallen out of favour or their meanings are slightly different depending on the person. 

• trans – an inclusive term for anyone whose gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth 

• transsexual – can mean someone transitioning from one sex to another using surgery or medical treatments; not in common usage 

• transgender – term for someone who identifies as a different gender than what was assigned on their birth certificate 

What Does QIA Mean? 

QIA stands for questioning or queer, intersex and asexual. These terms mean: 

• questioning – when a person is exploring their sexuality, gender identity and gender expression 

• queer – an inclusive term or as a unique celebration of not moulding to social norms 

• intersex – used for individuals who don’t fit into specific gender norms of woman or man; can also be used for those with reproductive anatomy that isn’t biologically typical 

• asexual – uses for those who don’t feel sexual attraction to either sex or that don’t feel romantic attraction in the typical way 

The + in LGBTQIA+ 

The plus sign at the end of LGBTQIA+ can include members of other communities, including allies — people who support and rally the LGBTQIA+ cause even though they don’t identify within the community itself. Other identities included in the LGBTQIA+ are: 

• agender – refers to those who do not identify as any gender at all 

• demisexual – describes someone who requires an emotional bond to form a sexual attraction 

• genderfluid – describes one’s gender identity as self-expression and not static 

• graysexual – refers to the “gray area” between asexuality and sexuality 

• non-binary/genderqueer – a term used for those who do not conform to binary gender identities 

• pansexual/omnisexual – a term for individuals with desire for all genders and sexes 

• polyamorous – a term for those open to multiple consensual romantic or sexual relationships at one time 

• sapiosexual – describes a person who is attracted to intelligence, regardless of a person’s gender identity 

• two-spirit – a term used by Native Americans to describe a third gender (sometimes included as 2S in the main acronym as LGBTQIA2S+) 

Other terms used in the LGBTQIA+ community 

In today’s society, people are challenging social norms associated with relationships, sexuality and gender identity. These people may not be gay, so other terms to describe them were created or popularized. 

• ace – short for asexual 

• bi – short for bisexual or bicurious 

• cis – shortened version of cisgender (a person who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth) 

• closeted – state of being totally private about one’s sexual orientation or gender identity 

• coming out – the act of sharing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity with loved ones 

• fluid – term that describes one’s sexual identity or gender identity as not set or binary 

• gray-a – short for graysexual 

• pan – shortened version of pansexual 

• per – gender-neutral pronoun for those who do not identify as male or female (short for person) 

• poly – short for polyamory or polyamorous 

Be sensitive with slang 

It’s important to use these and any slang terms you may have heard sensitively. Even when someone outside the LGBTQIA+ community means well, they may unknowingly use one of these words in an offensive way. When in doubt, it’s best to ask someone from the LGBTQIA+ community or check a resource such as GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) about the use of these or any slang terms. 

The language of acceptance 

Learning how to speak to and about others, or teach your children to speak about others, with respect should be one’s ultimate goal in communication. For more information about the language of gender identity, check out: 

• Understanding Gender Terms 

• 42 Everyday Gender-Neutral Terms to Use 

• Why the Singular ‘They’ Has Always Made Sense in Context 

For more support, contact the following organisations:

• LGBT Foundation - a national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. They  provide services and activities that give a lifeline to those in need, offering hope and support on their journey towards achieving their aspirations.

• Proud 2 be Parents - Proud 2 b Parents is an inclusive organisation for all routes to parenthood. They deliver services for LGBT+ parents / carers to be, LGBT+ parents / carers and their children living in Greater Manchester (and the North West).

• Transparent Presence -  a transgender and non-binary support group in Cornwall. Their aim is to build confidence and well-being through bringing the community together to provide support and guidance. They specialise in supporting gender diverse people, their partners, parents and families, recognising that everyone has their own journey to take and deserves to have this validated.

• The Queer Birth Club - an organisation providing workshops to support people to understand inclusive language, why it matters, and how to use it with confidence.