The LGBTQ+ term is constantly used and spoken of, but not many know that there is more to the rainbow community than simply lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals. There is a much broader range to look at to fully understand the full spectrum. Further self-research is always encouraged, as this article is only meant to give short definitions as an overview. Here is a brief written piece to help spread awareness and love of the diversity that exists.

Lesbian: A female-identified person who is attracted romantically, physically or emotionally to another female-identified person.

Gay: Typically a male-identified person, who is attracted romantically, physically or emotionally to another a male-identified person.

Bisexual: A person who is attracted romantically, physically or emotionally to both men and women. Transgender: A person who is a member of a gender other than that expected based on anatomical sex.

Queer: A term to identify one who embraces a variety of sexual preferences, orientations and habits, different from the majority of people. The term queer includes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender individuals and intersex persons. This is a broad term for those who may not identify with a specific identity.

Questioning: A period of self-exploration for individuals unsure of personal sexual orientation and identity. Individuals who are not ready to identify themselves with a social label fall under this category.

Intersex: Someone whose physical sex characteristics are not categorized as exclusively male or exclusively female.

Asexual: A person who does not have a sexual orientation, nor experiences sexual attraction to others, but can experience a romantic, emotional or aesthetic attraction to another person.

Pansexual: A person who experiences sexual, romantic and/or physical attraction for people of all identities, regardless of the gender expression the partner has chosen to identify with.

Two-Spirited: A term traditionally used by native Americans to recognize individuals who fulfil roles of both male and female genders.

Another “A” word belongs to “Ally”: a person who does not identify as LGBTQ+, but supports the rights and safety of those who do. In reading this short informative piece, we hope we were capable in educating readers who were not previously clear on the definitions, as well as encouraging an accepting and loving environment for all to live in. Let us all be allies.