LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term for people who aren't straight, aren't cisgender, or both. The letters stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or questioning). The "+" is there because the acronym doesn't cover every identity — it represents everyone else in the community who doesn't fit neatly into those five letters.

• L = lesbian, G = gay, B = bisexual, T = transgender, Q = queer or questioning.
• The "+" includes identities like asexual, intersex, pansexual, non-binary, and others.
• It's a community and an identity — a way of talking about the shared experiences of people who aren't straight or cis.
• You might also see LGBT, LGBTQIA+, or other variations. They all refer to the same broad community.
• LGBTQ+ people are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

What the letters mean

• Lesbian — a woman attracted to women
• Gay — attracted to the same gender (usually used for men, but anyone can use it)
• Bisexual — attracted to more than one gender
• Transgender — someone whose gender identity doesn't match the sex they were assigned at birth
• Queer — a broad term for anyone who isn't straight or cis. Some people love it as an umbrella term; others don't use it because of its history as a slur
• Questioning — someone who's still figuring out their sexuality or gender identity
• + (plus) — includes asexual, intersex, pansexual, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and many other identities

The acronym keeps evolving because language around identity keeps evolving. You might see LGBTQIA+ (adding intersex and asexual) or other variations. Don't worry about memorising every possible letter — the point is inclusion, not a perfect acronym.

The word "queer"

"Queer" has a complicated history. It was used as a slur for decades — and some people, especially older LGBTQ+ people, still find it hurtful. More recently, many people have reclaimed it as a positive, broad identity label. It's useful because it doesn't require you to be specific — you can say "I'm queer" without having to pick a more precise label.

Whether you use it for yourself is entirely your choice. Don't use it for someone else unless you know they're comfortable with it.

Why the community matters

LGBTQ+ people share some common experiences — coming out, navigating a world built around straight and cis assumptions, dealing with discrimination or prejudice, and finding people who understand what that's like. The community provides visibility, support, and a sense of belonging.

That doesn't mean every LGBTQ+ person has the same experience. A gay white man, a Black trans woman, and a bisexual non-binary teenager all face different challenges. The community is diverse, and recognising that matters.

Things people get wrong

"LGBTQ+ is just about sexuality." The T (transgender) and some identities under the + are about gender, not sexuality. The community includes both.

"Queer is always offensive." It depends on the person. Many people proudly identify as queer. Others don't. The key is respecting individual preference.

"You have to pick a label to be part of the community." You don't. Questioning counts. Not having a label counts. If you're not straight or not cis, you're welcome — and even if you're an ally, you can support the community without needing to be in it.

Things people ask about LGBTQ+

Am I LGBTQ+?

If you're not straight, not cisgender, or you're questioning either of those things — then yes, you're part of the community if you want to be. There's no entry test.

What if I don't know which letter I am?

That's fine. You can use "queer" as an umbrella, or just say you're questioning. Labels are tools to help you, not boxes to trap you. Use one that fits, or use none.

How do I find other LGBTQ+ people?

School LGBTQ+ groups (sometimes called GSAs — gender and sexuality alliances), local youth groups, and online communities are all options. Organisations like Stonewall and The Proud Trust support LGBTQ+ young people in the UK.

Where to get help

• Switchboard (0800 0119 100) — LGBTQ+ helpline, open for anyone wanting to talk about sexuality or gender.
• Stonewall — information, resources, and campaigns for LGBTQ+ equality.
• The Proud Trust — supports LGBTQ+ young people through youth groups and peer support across the UK.
• Childline (0800 1111) — confidential support for under-19s on any topic, including LGBTQ+ identity.

LGBTQ+ is a group of letters that stand for different ways people can be. L is for lesbian — girls who fancy girls. G is for gay — usually boys who fancy boys. B is for bisexual — people who fancy more than one gender. T is for transgender — people who feel like a different gender from what they were called when they were born. Q is for queer or questioning — queer is a broad word some people use, and questioning means still figuring it out.

The + at the end is there because there are more identities than those five letters. It includes people who don't feel sexual attraction at all, people who are born with bodies that don't fit neatly into male or female, and others.

LGBTQ+ is also the name for a community. People in this community often share similar experiences, like coming out or dealing with people who don't understand them.

You don't need to pick a label to be part of this community. If you're not straight, or you're not sure, or you don't feel like the gender you were called at birth, you belong.

In the UK, LGBTQ+ people are protected by law from being treated unfairly because of who they are.