LGBTQIA+

LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex, and asexual (or aromantic/agender), with the “+” signifying the inclusion of additional sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions not explicitly represented by the preceding letters. The term serves as an umbrella for diverse identities within the broader community of people whose experiences may differ from heterosexual and cisgender norms. In the United States, LGBTQIA+, often shortened to LGBTQ, emphasizes inclusion of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, while LGBTI is used more commonly in international and human rights contexts, and highlights the recognition of intersex individuals as a distinct group within global legal and policy frameworks.

  • Lesbian refers to women who are romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
  • Gay refers to individuals, often men, who are romantically or sexually attracted to people of the same sex.
  • Bisexual describes people who are attracted to more than one sex or gender identity. It is sometimes used interchangeably with pansexual, which emphasizes attraction regardless of gender.
  • Transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity or gender expression differs from their sex assigned at birth. Transition may, but does not necessarily, involve medical or physical affirmation.
  • Queer is an inclusive term reclaimed to represent non-heteronormative or non-cisnormative identities. Questioning refers to individuals exploring or uncertain about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Intersex describes people born with physical, hormonal, or genetic traits that do not fit typical definitions of male or female anatomy.
  • Asexual, aromantic, or agender refer to people who experience little or no sexual attraction, romantic attraction, or gender identification, respectively.
  • The “+” at the end acknowledges the spectrum of additional identities and expressions, such as nonbinary, genderqueer, two-spirit, and pansexual, promoting inclusion within evolving social constructs and legal understandings of gender identity and sexuality.

[Last reviewed in November of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team] 

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