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What is LGBTQ+?

LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (or Questioning), with the plus sign (+) representing a wider range of sexual orientations and gender identities not captured by those five initial letters. The term is used globally as an umbrella label to refer to individuals whose sexual orientation or gender identity differs from what has historically been considered the societal norm.

The acronym has evolved considerably over the decades. Earlier versions used the initialism LGB (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual) before transgender identities were more widely recognised. Over time, additional letters and symbols have been incorporated to be more inclusive of other communities.

It is important to note at the outset that sexual orientation and gender identity are distinct concepts. Sexual orientation refers to who a person is romantically or sexually attracted to, while gender identity refers to a person’s internal, deeply held sense of their own gender. These two aspects of a person’s identity are independent of each other.

Breaking Down the Acronym

L — Lesbian

A lesbian is a woman who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to other women. The term is most commonly used by cisgender women (women whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth), though some non-binary and transgender women also identify with the label. The word ‘lesbian’ derives from the Greek island of Lesbos, the home of the ancient Greek poet Sappho, whose writings are associated with love between women.

G — Gay

The term ‘gay’ broadly refers to a person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of the same gender. While historically applied primarily to men attracted to men, ‘gay’ is sometimes used as a general term that encompasses all same-sex attraction, including by lesbian women. In common usage today, gay men refers specifically to men attracted to men.

B — Bisexual

A bisexual person experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender. The ‘bi’ prefix does not imply a strict binary; many bisexual individuals describe their attraction as extending to people regardless of gender. Bisexuality is a valid and distinct sexual orientation and is not a phase, a form of confusion, or a stepping stone to another identity. Research by the Williams Institute and the Pew Research Center has consistently shown that bisexual people make up the largest segment of LGBTQ+ populations.

T — Transgender

Transgender (often shortened to ‘trans’) is an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person assigned male at birth who identifies as a woman is a transgender woman. A person assigned female at birth who identifies as a man is a transgender man.

Being transgender is not a mental illness. In 2019, the World Health Organization removed ‘gender identity disorder’ from its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and replaced it with ‘gender incongruence,’ categorised under sexual health rather than mental disorders. This change reflects the scientific and medical consensus that being transgender is a natural variation of human experience.

Transgender people may or may not undergo medical interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery. A person does not need to have undergone any medical procedure to identify as, or be recognised as, transgender.

Q — Queer / Questioning

‘Queer’ was historically used as a derogatory slur but has been reclaimed by many LGBTQ+ individuals as a broad, inclusive self-identifier. As a sexual orientation or gender identity label, queer can encompass anyone whose identity does not fit neatly within heterosexual or cisgender norms. Some people prefer it precisely because of its flexibility.

Questioning’ refers to individuals who are in the process of exploring or are uncertain about their sexual orientation or gender identity. It acknowledges that identity formation is often a gradual process.

It is worth noting that not all LGBTQ+ people embrace the term ‘queer,’ particularly older generations who experienced it primarily as a slur. The use of any identity label should always be a personal choice.

+ — The Plus Sign

The plus sign is intended to encompass the full spectrum of identities beyond the initial five letters. These include, but are not limited to, identities discussed in the following section of this article. It signals that the LGBTQ+ community is not a fixed, closed category but an evolving and diverse one.

Additional Terms and Identities Within the Spectrum

The language around sexual orientation and gender identity is broad and continues to develop. The following terms appear frequently in discussions of LGBTQ+ issues and are important for a full understanding of the topic.

Sexual Orientation Terms

Pansexual: Describes individuals who experience romantic and/or sexual attraction to people regardless of gender. Where bisexuality is often understood as attraction to more than one gender, pansexuality is often described as attraction that is not limited by or dependent on gender at all. Many pansexual and bisexual people see significant overlap between the terms.

Asexual (Ace): An asexual person experiences little to no sexual attraction to others. Asexuality is a sexual orientation, not a medical condition or a result of trauma. Asexual people may still experience romantic attraction and may have fulfilling relationships. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, often referred to as the ‘ace spectrum.’

Aromantic (Aro): An aromantic person experiences little to no romantic attraction to others. Aromanticism is distinct from asexuality, though some people identify as both aromantic and asexual. Aromantic people may still experience sexual attraction and maintain a wide range of meaningful relationships.

Demisexual: A demisexual person experiences sexual attraction only after developing a strong emotional bond with someone. It is considered part of the asexual spectrum.

Heterosexual / Straight: A person whose romantic and sexual attraction is directed toward people of a different gender. While not a minority identity, this term is often defined in LGBTQ+ educational contexts as the reference point from which sexual minorities are distinguished.

Gender Identity Terms

Cisgender (Cis): A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. The prefix ‘cis’ comes from Latin, meaning ‘on the same side.’ It is the counterpart to ‘transgender.’

Non-binary: Non-binary is an umbrella term for gender identities that do not fit strictly within the male/female binary. Non-binary people may identify as both male and female, neither, somewhere in between, or as a gender entirely outside this framework. Non-binary is not the same as being intersex, and it is not a new concept; many cultures throughout history have recognised gender identities beyond two.

Genderqueer: Similar to non-binary, genderqueer describes identities that fall outside or blend the traditional categories of man and woman. Some people use genderqueer and non-binary interchangeably; others see distinctions.

Genderfluid: A genderfluid person’s gender identity shifts or changes over time. They may feel more male on some days and more female on others, or experience other variations. This fluidity is a genuine aspect of their identity, not inconsistency.

Agender: An agender person identifies as having no gender, or as gender-neutral. Some agender people see themselves as existing outside the concept of gender entirely.

Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous North American peoples to describe a person who fulfils a traditional third-gender or other gender-variant role. The term was adopted in 1990 as an English umbrella for various culture-specific roles across Indigenous communities. It is a culturally specific identity and should not be appropriated or casually applied outside Indigenous contexts.

Intersex: Intersex refers to people born with reproductive or sexual anatomy, chromosomes, or hormones that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female. Intersex is a biological condition, not a gender identity or sexual orientation. Intersex people may identify with any gender identity or sexual orientation. Approximately 1.7% of the global population is estimated to be intersex, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Other Important Terms

Gender Expression: Refers to how a person presents their gender to the outside world through clothing, hairstyle, behaviour, and other outward characteristics. Gender expression may or may not align with a person’s gender identity and is separate from both gender identity and sexual orientation.

Sexual Orientation: A person’s enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to others. Major health organisations, including the APA, affirm that sexual orientation is not a choice and cannot be changed by therapy or other interventions.

Gender Dysphoria: A clinical term describing the psychological distress that can result when a person’s gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria. The APA includes gender dysphoria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) not to pathologise transgender identity, but to allow individuals who seek medical treatment to access it through healthcare systems.

Coming Out: The process by which an LGBTQ+ person discloses their sexual orientation or gender identity to others. Coming out is a personal decision and a continuous process; a person may be out in some contexts but not others. It often carries significant social, emotional, and sometimes physical risks depending on one’s environment.

Outing: The act of revealing someone else’s sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent. This is widely considered a serious breach of privacy and can have severe consequences for the person outed, including job loss, family rejection, and physical danger.

Ally: A person who does not identify as LGBTQ+ but supports the rights, dignity, and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Being an ally is an active, ongoing commitment, not simply a stated position.

Homophobia / Biphobia / Transphobia: Terms referring to negative attitudes, fear, prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed toward gay or lesbian people (homophobia), bisexual people (biphobia), and transgender people (transphobia). These attitudes can manifest at individual, cultural, and institutional levels.

Conversion Therapy: Practices that attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Major medical and psychological organisations globally, including the WHO, APA, and the American Medical Association, have condemned conversion therapy as ineffective and harmful. It has been banned or restricted in a growing number of countries.

What the Science Says

Sexual orientation and gender identity have been studied extensively by medical, psychological, and social scientists. The following represents the current scientific consensus as established by major international health and research bodies.

On sexual orientation: The American Psychological Association states that sexual orientation is not a choice and cannot be changed to fit religious, social, or political views.’ Research has explored genetic, hormonal, and environmental contributors, and while no single cause has been identified, the consensus is that sexual orientation is a natural and normal variation of human experience.

On being transgender: The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all affirm that being transgender is a natural variation of human gender expression and not a disorder. Research, including twin studies, has suggested a biological component to gender identity.

On mental health: LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality not because of their identity per se, but because of stigma, discrimination, family rejection, and violence. Research published in journals including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has consistently shown that social acceptance and support dramatically improve LGBTQ+ mental health outcomes.

On intersex: The United Nations and the World Health Organization recognise that intersex variations are biological realities, not disorders, and have called for an end to non-consensual medical interventions on intersex infants.

LGBTQ+ Rights: A Global Overview

The legal status and social treatment of LGBTQ+ people vary enormously across the world. This section presents factual information about that landscape without advocating for any particular legal or policy position.

As of 2024, same-sex relationships are criminalised in approximately 64 countries, with punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment and, in some nations, death. Conversely, same-sex marriage is legally recognised in more than 35 countries, including the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe.

In Ghana, same-sex intimacy is prohibited under Section 104 of the Criminal Offences Act (1960), which prescribes imprisonment for ‘unnatural carnal knowledge.’ In 2024, Ghana’s parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, a bill that would significantly expand restrictions on LGBTQ+ expression and advocacy, though as of early 2025 it had not received presidential assent.

International human rights bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Committee and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, have consistently stated that the criminalisation of consensual same-sex conduct violates international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Many African countries have strong cultural, religious, and legislative opposition to LGBTQ+ identities. At the same time, South Africa’s constitution, adopted in 1996, was the first in the world to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Cultural, Religious, and Social Perspectives

Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ identities are shaped by a complex interplay of cultural tradition, religious belief, historical context, and political environment. This article acknowledges the diversity of these perspectives without dismissing or endorsing any particular viewpoint.

Many of the world’s major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, contain internal debates and diverse theological positions on sexuality and gender. Within each of these traditions, there are communities and denominations that affirm LGBTQ+ identities, as well as those that teach that same-sex relationships or gender non-conformity are contrary to religious doctrine.

Across African cultures, attitudes are similarly varied. Some scholars have documented the existence of same-sex practices and gender-diverse roles in pre-colonial African societies. Others maintain that same-sex relationships are fundamentally incompatible with African cultural values. This debate continues in academic and public discourse.

The claim that homosexuality is ‘un-African’ or a Western import has been widely contested by African scholars and historians, who point to documented historical evidence of gender diversity and same-sex relationships across the continent prior to European colonisation. At the same time, many contemporary Africans hold sincere cultural and religious convictions about gender and sexuality that lead them to different conclusions.

What is not in dispute is that LGBTQ+ people exist in every country, culture, and religious community in the world, and that how societies choose to respond to their existence has measurable impacts on those individuals’ health, safety, and dignity.

Language, Respect, and Practical Guidance

Language around LGBTQ+ identities continues to evolve. The following points provide general guidance on usage without being prescriptive.

• Use the terms and pronouns that individuals use for themselves. Using incorrect pronouns or names after being informed of a person’s preferences is widely considered disrespectful.
• Transgender should be used as an adjective, not a noun. Say ‘a transgender person,’ not ‘a transgender’ or ‘a transgendered person.’
• ‘Sexual preference’ implies a choice; ‘sexual orientation’ is a medically and scientifically defined term.
• Not all LGBTQ+ people are comfortable with or use the same labels. Most individuals define themselves.
• Homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic language, even when used casually or as humour, has documented psychological effects on LGBTQ+ individuals who hear it.

Summary

LGBTQ+ is an acronym representing a broad and diverse community of people whose sexual orientations and/or gender identities differ from heterosexual and cisgender norms. The acronym encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning identities, with the plus sign acknowledging the full spectrum of related identities, including pansexual, asexual, non-binary, intersex, and many others.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are distinct dimensions of human experience. Major global health organisations recognise both as natural variations of human life, not disorders or choices. The scientific consensus holds that neither can be changed through therapy or other interventions. It is worthy to note that religious opinions and legal frameworks vary; the topic requires more study.

LGBTQ+ people exist in every society, culture, and religion. Their legal rights, social acceptance, and personal safety vary widely across the world. Regardless of one’s personal, cultural, or religious perspective on LGBTQ+ identities, understanding the terminology and the human realities it describes is essential to informed and responsible engagement with one of the defining social conversations of the contemporary world.

Key Sources and References

American Psychological Association. (2023). Sexual orientation and gender identity. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. https://www.justice.gov.za/legislation/constitution/saconstitution-web-eng.pdf

Human Rights Watch. (2024). World report 2024: Rights trends in a world under threat. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024

Pew Research Center. (2023). LGBT Americans and religion. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/07/20/lgbtq-americans-and-religion

United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2019). Intersex awareness. https://www.ohchr.org/en/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity/intersex-people

Williams Institute. (2023). LGBT identification in the United States. UCLA School of Law. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/research/census-lgbt-demographics-studies/lgbt-adults-us-2023

World Health Organization. (2019). International classification of diseases, 11th revision (ICD-11). https://icd.who.int/en

World Health Organization. (2022). Gender and health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender

This article may contain errors. Readers are advised to engage with other materials for more information.