LGBTQIA+

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym used to signify Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual people collectively. See below more information about each of these terms.

Lesbian – Women and women aligned people who are sexually and romantically oriented toward other women and woman aligned people.

Gay – A term used to describe any person who’s attracted to the same gender.

Bisexual – Someone who’s sexually and romantically attracted to people of any gender.

Transgender – A term used to describe any gender identity where the assigned sex at birth does not match a person’s present gender identity.

Queer or Questioning- Queer is used as a term for people who are not straight or who don’t identify with their assigned sex at birth. People may also identify as queer if they don’t feel that the above terms lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans fully represent them. The “Q” can also stand for questioning which is used to describe someone who’s in the process of exploring their gender or sexual orientation but is unsure or concerned about applying a social label to themselves.

Intersex – Used to describe someone who has a variation in sex characteristics (such as reproductive organs) that may not allow them to be distinctly identified as female or male.

Asexual – An umbrella term to describe someone who does not experience sexual attraction to people of any gender. This exists on a spectrum.

+ – The plus sign is there to include members of other sexualities and gender identities. It also includes allies — people who support and rally the LGBTQIA+ cause even though they don’t identify within the community itself.

‘Coming out’ is a phrase used when members of the LGBTQIA+ community choose to share their sexual orientation or gender identity with others.

The Proud Trust have more information about coming out on their website here.

Yes, whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or you’re just starting to explore  your gender or sexual orientation, there’s a range of support services you can access either in person or online. All information is kept anonymous.

You don’t have to tell anyone anything you don’t want to.

However, it can be difficult hiding something from the ones you love and this could affect other parts of your life, taking up your energy and focus.

There are a number of positive reasons to come out:

• You can be yourself and live openly the way you want to live
• You will become a positive role model for others who might be scared of coming out
• You can educate others and break down stereotypes

How to come out to your family and friends is entirely up to you, there isn’t one ‘right’ way to do it. No one should force you into it, so make sure you do it at a time which feels right for you.

Planning ahead can help you think of the best way to tell people. The best place to start is by choosing somewhere you feel comfortable and can have the other person’s full attention.

The Proud Trust have a range of resources and stories from people who’s come out themselves. Search ‘Coming out’ in their It Gets Better Campaign to see what other people did.