lgbtq: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighFormal, neutral, and inclusive; standard in official, academic, and media contexts.
Quick answer
What does “lgbtq” mean?
An acronym standing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (or Questioning).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An acronym standing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (or Questioning).
A collective term used as an umbrella for the community of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Often extended to LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIA+ to be more inclusive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. The order of letters is occasionally debated (e.g., 'LGBT' vs 'GLBT'), but 'LGBTQ' is standard. The '+' suffix (LGBTQ+) is common in both.
Connotations
Universally connotes inclusivity, diversity, and advocacy for equal rights. In both regions, it is the standard, respectful term in public discourse.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both public and media discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “lgbtq” in a Sentence
[LGBTQ] + community/rights/organisationmember/supporter/ally of + [LGBTQ]champion/advocate for + [LGBTQ] + rightsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lgbtq” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The charity works to **LGBTQ-include** marginalised groups. (rare, non-standard)
- The policy was designed to better **LGBTQ-represent** the workforce.
American English
- The organization aims to **LGBTQ-advocate** for legislative change. (rare, non-standard)
- We need to **LGBTQ-center** our outreach efforts.
adverb
British English
- The event was organised **LGBTQ-inclusively**. (highly rare/constructed)
- They campaigned **LGBTQ-specifically** on that issue.
American English
- The curriculum was designed **LGBTQ-affirmingly**. (highly rare/constructed)
- The group lobbied **LGBTQ-focusedly** in the state capital.
adjective
British English
- She is an **LGBTQ** activist.
- The company has strong **LGBTQ** inclusion policies.
American English
- He works for an **LGBTQ** rights organization.
- The city hosted a large **LGBTQ** pride parade.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, HR guidelines, and corporate social responsibility reports.
Academic
Standard in sociology, gender studies, psychology, and public health research discussing sexuality and gender.
Everyday
Common in news, social discussions, and when referring to community events, rights, and representation.
Technical
Used in legal documents (anti-discrimination laws), medical guidelines (inclusive care), and demographic surveys.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lgbtq”
- Using 'a LGBTQ' instead of 'an LGBTQ' (the acronym is pronounced with an initial vowel sound /ɛl/).
- Referring to an individual as 'an LGBTQ' (e.g., 'He is an LGBTQ') instead of 'an LGBTQ person' or 'a member of the LGBTQ community'.
- Assuming the 'Q' only stands for 'Questioning'; it can also mean 'Queer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It most commonly stands for 'Queer' or 'Questioning'. 'Queer' is an umbrella term reclaimed by many, while 'Questioning' refers to people exploring their identity.
It is 'an LGBTQ' because the acronym is pronounced letter-by-letter, starting with the vowel sound /ɛl/ (el).
No. 'LGBTQ' describes a community or a set of identities. For an individual, say 'an LGBTQ person', 'a member of the LGBTQ community', or specify their identity (e.g., a gay man, a transgender woman).
LGBTQ+ uses the '+' symbol to explicitly include other identities not represented in the five letters, such as Intersex, Asexual, and others. They are often used interchangeably, but '+' emphasizes broader inclusivity.
An acronym standing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (or Questioning).
Lgbtq is usually formal, neutral, and inclusive; standard in official, academic, and media contexts. in register.
Lgbtq: in British English it is pronounced /ɛl dʒiː biː tiː kjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛl ˌdʒi ˌbi ˌti ˈkju/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Under the rainbow flag”
- “Part of the alphabet mafia (slang, reclaimed/reappropriated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Let's Get Better Treatment, Quietly? (Acrostic for L-G-B-T-Q, linking to the goal of equality.)
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COMMUNITY IS A SPECTRUM/A RAINBOW (diversity, inclusion, range of identities).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate use of 'LGBTQ'?