You may have seen the acronym LGBTQQIP2SAA (LGBTQ+ for short) when describing the queer community. It’s a long list of letters that represents various groups within the community. To better raise awareness and show support to the LGBTQ+ community, you can now educate yourself on what these letters mean. 

This article will explain what the letters in LGBTQQIP2SAA mean and what other variations of the acronym exist. 

What Does LGBTQQIP2SAA Stand for?

• LGBTQQIP2SAA is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit (2S), androgynous, and asexual.

A Definition of the Letters 

L – Lesbian

A lesbian is a woman or non-binary person attracted to other women sexually, emotionally, or both.

G – Gay

Gay refers to men, women, non-binary, or gender-diverse people attracted to the same sex. It used to be applied specifically to cisgender men being attracted to other men, but is now more of a universal term. 

B – Bisexual

Bisexual people have attraction to more than one gender identity. It used to be only to those who were attracted to men and women, but since there are many gender identities, the term expanded to include anyone attracted to two genders or more.

T – Transgender

Transgender is a term for a person whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. 

Q – Queer

“Queer” is an umbrella term for people do not identify as straight or cisgender. It was once a derogatory slur for members of the LGBTQ+ community but has now been reclaimed by members of the LGBTQ+ community as a term of pride.

Q – Questioning

Questioning refers to anyone unsure of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

I – Intersex

Intersex people are born with sex traits that prevent them from fitting into the traditional gender ideas of male and female. These traits can be biological, hormonal, genetic, or anatomical. Intersex is an umbrella term for everyone who doesn’t fit the traditional gender definitions.

P – Pansexual

Pansexual people are sexually and/or emotionally attracted to all gender identities. While a similar concept to bisexuality, the significant difference is that bisexual people are attracted to two or more gender identities, while pansexuals are attracted to all genders.

2s – Two-Spirit

“Two-Spirit” is an umbrella term for members of Indigenous cultures that fulfill a traditional third gender or other variants in a ceremonial or social role. Two-Spirit identities are unique to every tribe, so the term Two-Spirit is a collective term.  

A – Androgynous

“Androgynous” is a person that possesses both masculine and feminine characteristics. It may be expressed through biological sex, gender identity, or gender expression.

A – Asexual

Asexual people lack sexual attraction to other people. They may feel romantic affection for others, but they do not have the desire to act on it sexually. Asexual is a different concept than abstinence and celibacy, as instead of abstaining from sexual activity, there is actually no desire to have it. However, asexual is an umbrella term, and each person is unique in their experience. Some asexual people do have a bit of sexual desire, while some may not have any. In other words, this term can mean different things for people. 

+

The plus sign found at the end of LGBTQ+ acronym refers to anyone who does not feel represented in the acronym. The LGBTQ+ movement continues to expand and be more inclusive so that everyone feels like they can be a part of the community.  

Other Variations of the Letters

When it first began, the acronym was solely LGBTQ. Now it has expanded into various letters. At LGBTQ and ALL, we use LGBTQ+ as a catch-all so that every group feels included. 

Here are some examples of other LGBTQ+ acronyms, as referenced by Canadians or Canadian organizations:

The Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce: they use the term LGBT*. The * is similar to the plus sign, which refers to other identities that may not be included in the more basic acronym – like two-spirited and intersex persons, for example.

The Egale Canada Human Rights Trust: they prefer the term LGBTQI2S. 

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau: he recently used LGTBQ2 “to include First Nations’ two-spirited communities.” However, the “2” is not necessarily secure in this example because the two-spirit has other acronyms like T, 2, or 2S. 

Pride Toronto: they have used LGBTTIQQ2SA, which refers to “‘a broad array of identities such as, but not limited to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, two-spirited, and allies.'” The longer version of this term is LGBTQQIP2SAA. In addition, at times a K is added, as in LGBTQIAPK or LGGBTQQIAAPPK

According to the Huffington Post, letters beyond LGBT can mean the following:

QQ: Questioning and/or queer

I: Intersex

P: Pansexual

2S: Two-spirit

A: Asexual

A: Ally (a person not a part of the LGBTQ+ community or doesn’t have a queer identity but supports LGBTQ+ people)

Takeaway

The meaning of the LGBTQ+ acronym continues to expand and be more inclusive. If you’re an ally, now you know what the acronym LGBTQQIP2SAA stands for, and you can show more Pride to the queer community.

Many people don’t know enough about LGBTQ+. If you support or belong to them, you can share this knowledge and ideas with them, such as hosting parties and lectures. You can prepare some gifts, such as stickers and lanyards, which can play a good role in publicity.

You can also prepare some custom metal pins that promote the LGBTQ+ community and give them to other allies. The pins can play a good role in publicity and can be worn as accessories as a symbol of ally status.

If you are a part of the LGBTQQIP2SAA community and looking to find a counselor, be sure to navigate our resources on our Lifestyle blog, or you can find a counselor in our directory. 

Happy 2023 Pride everyone! 

LGBTQ and ALL Gender Inclusive SHOP