The LGBTQIA+ community is an incredibly diverse and resilient group of individuals that have long been the subject of discrimination and marginalization. Despite the progress that has been made in recent years, members of the LGBTQIA+ community still face a disproportionate amount of discrimination and violence.
The term “LGBTQIA+” is an acronym that stands for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual, plus any other gender and sexual identities that exist.” It is used to refer to a diverse range of individuals and communities that identify as something other than heterosexual, cisgender, or monogamous.
The LGBTQIA+ community has a long history of activism, fighting for civil rights, and pushing for social change. In 1969, the Stonewall Riots in New York City were a major turning point for the LGBTQIA+ community, as it was the first major demonstration of public resistance against the discrimination and marginalization that members of the community faced. Since then, the LGBTQIA+ community has made significant strides in terms of visibility and representation, though there is still much work to be done.
Today, the LGBTQIA+ community is more visible than ever, and there is a growing acceptance and understanding of the diversity of gender and sexual identities that exist. While there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving true equality, the LGBTQIA+ community is an incredibly resilient and powerful force that will continue to fight for their rights and visibility.
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer or Questioning Intersex Asexual or Ally
Learn more about LGBTQIA terms and definitions with this helpful guide from the UC Berkeley Gender Equity Resource Center: Definition of Terms.
