LGBTQIA Sexuality

LGBTQIA is an acronym to represent those who do not identify as straight and cisgender (whose gender identity and expression match the sex they were assigned at birth). Acronyms and terms to describe identity are constantly evolving and changing both in use and in meaning, though it is generally accepted to mean lesbian (a woman who is sexually and/or emotionally attracted to other women), gay (a man who is sexually and/or emotionally attracted to other men), bisexual (someone who is sexually and/or emotionally attracted to more than one gender), transgender (someone whose gender identity or expression does not conform to what is expected based on the sex they were assigned at birth), queer (anyone who is not straight or cisgender) or questioning (someone who is not sure how they identify), intersex (someone who naturally has biological traits which do not match typical male or female traits), and asexual (often referred to as “ace,” someone who experiences a low level of or no sexual desire). Other variations include the use of + or * to acknowledge that there are other identities not included in the acronym, such as pansexual (sexually attracted to all genders) or demisexual (where sexual attraction is predicated on an emotional bond).