Widow 101

Many people are already familiar with the acronym LGBTQ, which was widely adopted in the 1990s. In case you’re not familiar, LGBTQ stands for:

• L – Lesbian
• G – Gay
• B – Bisexual
• T – Transgender
• Q – Queer

These terms represent a range of sexual orientations and gender identities that, for many years, were underrepresented or misunderstood in mainstream society.

However, because the LGBTQ community is built on the values of visibility, inclusion, and respect, additional letters have been added in recent years to ensure more identities are acknowledged and supported. That’s where LGBTQIA+comes in.

What Do the New Letters Mean?

• I – Intersex: This term refers to individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex is an umbrella term covering various conditions and is not the same as being transgender. According to the Intersex Society of North America, this variation is naturally occurring and more common than most people realize.
• A – This can stand for Asexual or Allies:
  • Asexual individuals do not experience sexual attraction and may or may not experience romantic attraction.
  • Allies are those who don’t identify as LGBTQIA+ themselves but actively support the community through advocacy, education, and solidarity.
• + – The plus sign is especially important because it represents the many other identities not captured by the specific letters. These may include pansexual, demisexual, nonbinary, genderfluid, and more—reminding us that identity is expansive and deeply personal.

Why Does the Acronym Keep Expanding?

The evolution of this acronym reflects a deep commitment to inclusion and recognition. Every letter and symbol acknowledges real people and real experiences that deserve to be seen, respected, and celebrated. While the length of the acronym may continue to evolve, its message remains the same: everyone has a right to feel seen and accepted.

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or someone looking to better understand and support others, learning about the meaning behind each letter is a step toward greater empathy and equality.