And as our society changes, so does our language.
Just take the initialism LGBTQIA+ for an example.
The plus represents other sexual identities, including pansexual and Two-Spirit.
Pollyana Ventura / Getty Images
Because, yes, representation is (and will always be) essential to marginalized groups.
What Does Each Letter Mean?
Why has the acronym changed over time?
Words and meanings are always evolving.
Bisexual, as defined bySigmund Freud, originally meant a person was both a man and a woman.
The addition of the plus is better able to fully capture that diversity.
Reminder
It is also important to understand that gender is not the same as sex.
Sex is biological, while gender is influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors.
It also means that these individuals are able to gain greater recognition by society as a whole.
Rather than being erased, ignored, or denied, acknowledgment can help foster greater visibility of marginalized identities.
Visibility
Visibility can also help create a greater sense of self-affirmation of a person’s identity.
Research has found that offering inclusive and affirmative environments is important for LGBTQ+ youth.
This can be particularly important since representation has long been lacking in mainstream media.
The good news is that there have been improvements made in recent years to change this.
Uses of the LGBTQIA+ Acronym
The acronym LGBTQIA+ has become more popular and accepted.
When to Use It
So how do you know when to use the term LGBTQIA+?
If someone tells you how they identify, focus on honoring their individual identity.
Impact of the LGBTQIA+ Acronym
LGBT and related acronyms have become widely used in recent years.
It has also played a role in raising the visibility of marginalized groups, including transgender individuals.
Research suggests that while attitudes have shifted towards greater acceptance, LGBTQ+ people still face considerable homophobia and discrimination.
Harassment, bullying, and workplace discrimination are not uncommon.
One advantage of utilizing a unified terminology is the ability to engage in political advocacy.
Unifying terms like LGBTQIA+ can help people feel connected to a larger group of people with shared experiences.
These communities have some things in common, but each identity has its own unique experiences and needs.
The goal of using more inclusive terms like LGBTQIA+ is to improve visibility, recognition, and acceptance.
It is important to remember that LGBTQIA+ people continue to face discrimination.
Terms and definitions are always evolving.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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