LGBT is the acronym made up of the initials of the words Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals. This acronym and way of naming had its origin in the 90s and came to replace the term “Gay community”, which did not adequately represent many homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals.
Although the term began to be used in the 1990s, the struggle for emancipation and equal rights before the law of people LGBT it started long before.
Reference is made to the survey of stone wallin 1969 in the United States, as a milestone in the struggle LGBT against the system that systematically persecuted homosexuals.
Often referred to as “Community” LGBT+” to this group of people who fight for sexual liberation in all its forms. However, not everyone agrees with that name, which they believe gives rise to misinterpretations such as considering that it is a “mafia”.
What does the “+” mean?
The sign at the end of the acronym implies that it represents all people whose sexual orientations and gender identities do not correspond to the dominant norm (also known as “heteronorm”).
In addition to lesbians, gayBisexuals and transsexuals, there are many other denominations of “dissenting” sexual identities. For this reason, many times the acronym is lengthened, with the incorporation of new letters.
For this reason, the expression LGBT+ to indicate that it is an inclusive expression. For example, they also include, but are not limited to:
intersex
They are people who jointly present masculine and feminine sexual (biological) characteristics.
gay
They are those who do not identify with the male-female binary gender models, but who consider it necessary to flow.
Pansexuals
Those who feel romantic or sexual attraction to individuals regardless of their gender and/or sex
asexuals
Those who have no sexual orientation.
Is it important to have an acronym to name yourself?
There are those who consider that it should not be necessary to name all people with sexual identities other than heterosexuality with an acronym or merge them into a “community”.
However, it is true that language creates, and that naming oneself many times is a political attitude, and a way of fighting for equal rights.
So, the important thing is not the meaning of each letter, but to understand that LGBT+ means that there are many people who do not adapt to an imposed social norm, and who deserve the same treatment and respect as any other.
Sources:
Left Journal
Wikipedia