2. LGBTI+
Now that we are more aware of our frame of references and the norms we have learned, it’s time to talk about sex, gender, and sexual diversity. From this section onward, you may encounter the acronyms LGBTI+ and SOGIESC.
But what do they mean?
LGBTI...+?
To indicate gender, sex, and sexual diversity, we use the acronym LGBTI+. It stands for:
- Lesbian
- Gay
- Bi+
- Transgender
- Intersex
- + : all individuals who fall outside the (cis)gender and hetero norm but who do not fall under one of the previously mentioned letters.
Some people use other versions of this acronym, such as LGBT+, LGBTQIA+, LGBTQ+, etc. The additions “Q” and “A” in these acronyms stand for “Queer” or “Questioning” and “Asexual,” “Agender,” or “Aromantic.” You’ll learn the meanings of some of these words in Section 3.4, but feel free to explore the ILGA Europe glossary if you’re curious.
The choice of which letters to use in the acronym may be deliberate but isn’t always necessary. For instance, if you want to talk only about attraction, you might use just LGB. Remember, there’s vast diversity within the community, which can never be fully encompassed by any acronym.
SOGIESC
A more comprehensive term is SOGIESC. This international term stands for:
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity and Expression
- Sex Characteristics
It is primarily used in research. The difference between LGBTI+ and SOGIESC is that LGBTI+ refers to people, while SOGIESC refers to the themes (sex, gender, and attraction), making it applicable to everyone. Additionally, LGBTI+ is based on a Western frame of reference, whereas SOGIESC is not.