Identities, genders and orientations are rich and varied. To better reflect this diversity, the acronym LGBTQIA+ has expanded over time to give everyone words that fit. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge or simply better understand the world around you, this article explains each letter clearly, accessibly and with care. 

Love, desire and identity are wonderfully vast territories. Together, we’ll unpack the acronym in its full form, giving you everything you need to understand it in a spirit of kindness and openness. ✨

In short, LGBTQIA+ is the full acronym encompassing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual people, along with all other minority gender identities and romantic and sexual orientations (represented by the ‘+’).

This term brings together people whose sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics differ from traditional norms (heterosexuality and cisgender identity).

Each term offers a way to better understand ourselves or others. These words aren’t rigid labels: everyone is free to choose the terms they feel comfortable with.

L — Lesbian

Refers to a woman (cisgender or transgender) who is attracted to other women. The word has its roots on the Greek island of Lesbos, where the poet Sappho wrote verses about love between women.

G — Gay

Refers to a man who is attracted to other men. In everyday use, the word is sometimes used more broadly to refer to homosexuality.

B — Bisexual

Being bisexual means feeling romantic or sexual attraction to more than one gender. It doesn't mean being attracted to different genders in a fixed 50/50 split: attraction can naturally change over a lifetime. To explore these nuances further, take a look at our guide to understanding bisexuality, pansexuality and asexuality. 

T — Transgender

Unlike the first three letters, which concern attraction (who we love), the T is about identity (who we are). A transgender person does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. A person whose gender identity matches the gender they were assigned at birth is called cisgender.

Q — Queer (or Questioning)

Proudly reclaimed over time, the word Queer is a broad umbrella term for people who do not identify with heterosexual or traditional gender norms. It can also mean Questioning, for those still exploring their identity.

I — Intersex

The I refers to biological characteristics. An intersex person is born with chromosomal, hormonal or anatomical characteristics that do not fit strict medical definitions of ‘male’ or ‘female’.

A — Asexual (and Aromantic)

An asexual person experiences little or no sexual attraction. That certainly doesn’t rule out love! Many asexual people have fulfilling romantic relationships. The A also includes aromantic people (who experience little or no romantic attraction).

And what do the ‘+’ (and ‘2S’) stand for?

The ‘+’ ensures no one is left out without making the acronym impossible to read. It includes, among others:

• Pansexual people (P): attracted to someone regardless of their gender identity.

• Non-binary people: those whose identity is not exclusively male or exclusively female.

• The abbreviation 2S (Two-Spirit): sometimes added in English-speaking countries (LGBTQ2S+) to honour the traditional gender identities of Indigenous peoples of North America.

This is the key to understanding the subject without getting your wires crossed.

Sexual orientation = WHO I’M ATTRACTED TO (Straight, Gay, Bi, Pan, Asexual...) 

Gender identity = WHO I AM (Cisgender, Transgender, Non-binary...) 

It describes the desire and romantic, emotional or sexual attraction we feel towards another person.

(Examples: heterosexuality, bisexuality, pansexuality and asexuality).

It describes a person’s inner sense of their own gender. It has nothing to do with who they are attracted to.

(Examples: being a man, a woman, transgender, cisgender or non-binary).

☝️ Remember: A transgender person can be straight, lesbian, gay or bisexual, just like a cisgender person!

Seeing these colourful symbols go by can raise questions about where they come from.

A flag serves as a symbol of unity, visibility and safety. For minorities who have long had to live in hiding, displaying these colours signals a safe space where everyone is accepted as they are.

To find out more, read our article on the meaning of LGBT flags and their colours.

Designed in 1978 by artist Gilbert Baker in San Francisco, the original flag had eight stripes, later reduced to six for printing reasons:

• Red: Life

• Orange: Healing

• Yellow: Sunlight

• Green: Nature

• Blue: Harmony

• Violet: Spirit

Today, the Progress Pride flag builds on the classic design by adding a chevron at the side in white, pink and light blue (representing the trans community), and brown and black (representing people of colour and honouring those who died of AIDS). 

We believe there's no single way to enjoy intimacy. Whether you're on your own, in a couple, polyamorous, straight, gay, trans, bi, pan or still exploring, our shops and articles offer welcoming, safe spaces. Your consent, comfort and wellbeing will always come first.

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Take care of yourself, explore at your own pace, and remember: the most beautiful love is the kind that blossoms in complete freedom!