The ABCs of LGBTQIA+

If you’ve experienced queer spaces and cultures over the last decade, you’ve probably seen the Pride flag evolve with new colours and shapes and the acronym that describes our community along with it. Perhaps you’ve nailed down what L, G, B and T stand for but what about the other letters? You might have wondered, why does this keep getting more complicated?

Not too many years ago, this was me. A newly ‘out’ member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’d feel a faint panic that someone would ask me to explain the meaning of all the letters and a profound sense of guilt that if they did, I would fail. Was I officially a ‘bad queer’?

The ABCs of LGBT+, a condensed introduction to the key terms and language of the queer community offered by charity ShoutOut, would have saved me from my days of hesitant research. A charity committed to educating schools and workplaces on LGBTQIA+ issues, ShoutOut offers workshops that answer the questions (queeries?) we might be afraid to ask - and one such session was offered to Sitecore employees during Pride month. Alongside definitions of some of the key terms and language, ShoutOut gave us insights, tips and context on navigating the world of LGBTQIA+ identities. Here are a few:

• We’re not trying to be confusing by ‘adding letters’ or describing different dimensions of the LGBTQIA+ experience (promise!). People’s identities shift and change over time and language evolves to express that.
• We should think about these ‘labels’ as ways people can understand and express their identities through language. They’re not boxes for people to fit into, they simply describe some shared experiences.
• Many of the identities are describing points on a spectrum rather than distinct categories, for example, your sexual orientation may range from exclusively men to exclusively women, with a lot of space for other identities in between.

So, what do those letters stand for?

L = lesbian

G = gay

B = bisexual

T = trans or transgender

Q = queer

I = intersex

A = asexual or ace

P = pansexual

The + implicitly recognizes the identities not named above.

Understanding the letters is just the start though, there’s a lot more you can do as an ally:

• Take time to understand the definitions for the identities above and learn more about the challenges and histories of each.
• Make space for friends and colleagues to describe their identities, listen to what they say and use the terminology (and pronouns) they do. For example, don’t assume that because one of your friends describes themselves as ‘queer’ (as I do), it’s ok to refer to other LGBTQIA+ folk in the same way.
• Don’t ask intrusive questions about someone’s identity, or any questions at all unless you’re invited to. If you want to understand something, there are plenty of LGBTQIA+ resources on the internet – you could start with Stonewall’s free-to-access glossary and resources.
• Don’t assume you know someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity from their appearance, actions or relationship status.
• Absolutely celebrate Pride – but do so meaningfully. If you commit to understanding more about the LGBTQIA+ community, call out instances of discrimination, and listen to what your LGBTQIA+ friends and colleagues have to say about where they need support, you’ll likely be welcome at the parties.

And something I finally figured out: not knowing something doesn’t make you a ‘bad ally’ (or a ‘bad queer’!), as long as you take the time and trouble to go and learn it.

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