The acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ represents a wide and vibrant range of gender and sexual identities, but what does each letter actually mean? These terms hold unique histories, meanings, and relationships to gender, sexuality, and community. While this article offers a brief overview of each part of the acronym, we explore each identity more deeply, and we’ll link those articles below. This guide introduces the meaning behind each letter and why this language matters in creating more inclusive, affirming spaces.
2S – Two-Spirit
Two-Spirit is a term used by some Indigenous people in North America to describe a sacred, spiritual, and gender-diverse identity. It is rooted in Indigenous cultures and should not be used to describe non-Indigenous people. Two-Spirit people often hold unique roles in their communities, combining gender, spirituality, and cultural tradition.
L – Lesbian
A lesbian is a woman (or someone who identifies with womanhood) who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women. Not all lesbians identify the same way, some may also be nonbinary or gender-diverse.
G – Gay
Gay usually refers to someone who is attracted to people of the same gender. While commonly used to describe men attracted to men, some women, nonbinary, or gender-expansive people also use the term to describe their attraction.
B – Bisexual
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to people of more than one gender, typically one’s own and other genders. It’s often misunderstood, but bi people exist across all genders and relationship styles.
T – Transgender
Transgender describes someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may or may not transition socially, medically, or legally. Being trans is about identity, not appearance or surgery.
Q – Queer or Questioning
Queer is an umbrella term for identities that fall outside heterosexual and cisgender norms. Some people use it to express fluidity or resistance to traditional labels.
Questioning refers to those who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity and haven’t landed on a specific term yet.
I – Intersex
Intersex people are born with physical sex traits (such as chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy) that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex is about biology, not gender identity, and intersex people may identify across the gender spectrum.
A – Asexual or Aromantic
Asexual refers to people who experience little or no sexual attraction.
Aromantic refers to people who experience little or no romantic attraction. Some people identify as both, some as one, and each experience is valid and diverse.
+ – Plus
The plus acknowledges that language is always evolving and there are many more identities not explicitly named in the acronym. This includes pansexual, agender, genderfluid, demisexual, bigender, and more.
Sources
The Trevor Project – Glossary & Identity Resources
InterACT – Intersex FAQ and Education
Native Youth Sexual Health Network – Two-Spirit Identity
