LGBTQIA
LGBTQIA (adjective) means relating to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual or aromantic; used as an inclusive umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities. Example: “The council funds an LGBTQIA youth group that meets on Thursdays.”
How to Use LGBTQIA
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short way of naming people who are not straight or not cisgender.
Neutral and standard in journalism, policy and everyday use; written in capitals, with or without a following plus sign.
It is normally used before a noun ("LGBTQIA students"); avoid using it as a label for an individual person.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The council funds an _____ youth group that meets on Thursdays.
Etymology
An initialism of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex, and asexual (or aromantic).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for LGBTQIA
See all rhymes for LGBTQIA →Frequently Asked Questions
What does each letter in LGBTQIA stand for?
L is lesbian, G is gay, B is bisexual, T is transgender, Q is queer or questioning, I is intersex, and A is asexual, and often also aromantic or agender. A plus sign is frequently added to signal that the list is not exhaustive.
What is the difference between LGBT and LGBTQIA?
They refer to broadly the same community, but LGBTQIA is the longer and more explicitly inclusive form, naming queer or questioning, intersex and asexual people as well. LGBT is the older and shorter abbreviation and is still widely used.
Does the A stand for ally?
In most style guides and community usage the A stands for asexual, and often aromantic and agender as well. Some organisations have used it for "ally", but this reading is contested, since allies are supporters rather than members of the community.