LGBT2Q+ is an initialism used to refer to a spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. It stands for:
- Lesbian: A woman who is emotionally, physically, spiritually and/or sexually attracted to women.
- Gay: A man who is emotionally, physically, spiritually and/or sexually attracted to men.
- Bisexual: An individual attracted to more than one gender.
- Transgender: A person whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
- 2-Spirit: An identity used by some Indigenous peoples to describe someone with both masculine and feminine spirits.
- Q can represent:
- Queer: A broad term for anyone who doesn’t identify as heterosexual or cisgender.
- Questioning: Someone who is exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The plus sign (LGBTQ+ or LGBT2Q+) acknowledges the existence of other sexual orientations and gender identities beyond those included in the specific letters.
According to a Statista survey [STATISTA LGBTQ WORLDWIDE], around 3% of people globally identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
A 2023 Pew Research Center study in the US found 17% of adults under 30 identify as LGBT, compared to only 2% of those 65 and older [PEW LGBT ADULTS].
Comparing LGBTQ+, LGBTQ+ and LGBT2Q+
| Feature | LGBTQ+ | LGBTQ+ | LGBT2Q+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Letters | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Included Identities | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (sometimes Questioning) | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, 2-Spirit, Queer (sometimes Questioning) |
| Focus | More common abbreviation, emphasizes core identities | Same core focus as LGBTQ+ | Includes a specific Indigenous identity (2-Spirit) |
| Inclusivity | Acknowledges other identities with the “+” sign | Same inclusivity as LGBTQ+ | Same inclusivity as LGBTQ+ |
| Use Case | General use, widely understood | May be preferred by some who want to explicitly include questioning individuals | May be preferred in contexts that include Indigenous communities |
How LGBT2Q+ is Related to LGBTQCIA?
LGBT2Q+ and LGBTQCIA are both initialisms used to represent the LGBTQ+ community, but they include different letters to encompass a broader range of identities. Here’s a breakdown of the connection:
- Similarities:
- Both represent a spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Both use the “+” sign to acknowledge identities beyond the listed letters.
- Differences:
- Focus: LGBT2Q+ emphasizes core identities and may include “2-Spirit” to acknowledge an Indigenous identity. LGBTQCIA aims to be more inclusive with additional letters.
- Specific Identities:
- LGBT2Q+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, 2-Spirit, Queer (sometimes Questioning)
- LGBTQCIA: Can include Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and more (the order and specific letters can vary).
- Length: LGBT2Q+ is shorter (6 letters) compared to LGBTQCIA (8 or more letters).
Here’s a table summarizing the key points:
| Feature | LGBT2Q+ | LGBTQCIA |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Core identities, may include 2-Spirit | More inclusive, wider range of identities |
| Specific Identities | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, 2-Spirit, Queer (sometimes Question Questioning) | Varies, may include Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and more |
| Length | 6 Letters | 8+ Letters |
