2SLGBTQIA+

Here are the different definitions that make up 2SLGBTQIA+. Language, including this acronym, is constantly evolving to include many unique identities. 

2S - Two-Spirit A culturally specific term used within some Indigenous communities, encompassing sexual, gender, cultural and/or spiritual identity. 

L - Lesbian: A female who is mainly sexually and romantically attracted to women. This includes transgender and cisgender women.

G -  Gay: People who are sexually and romantically attracted to people of the same gender. 

B - Bisexual: A person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to two or more genders (not necessarily men and women). 

T - Transgender An umbrella term describing individuals whose gender identity differs from the one assigned to them at birth. This can include people who have a binary gender identity (transgender women and transgender men), as well as people who do not have a binary gender identity (non-binary people). 

Q - Queer or Questioning: A term that is vague on purpose to include anyone within the 2SLGBTQIA+ acronym. Questioning refers to someone in the process of figuring out their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 

I - Intersex A general term used for a variety of conditions where a person is born with biological traits that don't seem to fit the conventional definitions of female or male, including natural variations in chromosomal, hormonal, endocrinological and/or anatomical configurations. 

A - Asexual An individual who does not experience sexual feelings or desires. People who are asexual may feel romantic attraction toward others but may not have any interest in, or desire for, sexual intimacy. 

+ plus stands for many other identities under the umbrella (i.e. non-binary, genderqueer, pansexual, etc.) As society changes, attitudes to sexual identity and the terms used can also change.

Non-Binary: Non-binary is an umbrella term used for gender identities that are neither ‘woman’ nor ‘man’ (or not exclusively ‘woman’ or ‘man’). Nonbinary individuals may also identify as genderfluid, agender (without gender), genderqueer, or something else entirely.