Queer? What does “LGBTQIA+” mean?

MannMukti (Facebook, 6/18); CA A; Crystal Q., CC Liu, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Who are you to judge other females, Marsha?

What does the acronym LGBTQIA+ mean?

The letters refer to people (folx or folks) who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, asexual, and the “+” denotes other gender identities and sexual orientations not included in the acronym, like non-binary folx.

However, people have increasingly been referring to themselves as the Queer Community instead of LGBTQIA+ because of the unwieldiness of the acronym.

It's important to know what sexual terms mean.

The term “queer” has been used throughout history to denote something that is “strange” or made to feel “other” from society’s status quo.

Traditionally it has been used as a pejorative to describe individuals who are not heterosexual (straight, cisgender), or who fit into established heteronormative gender roles and identities.

Beginning in the 1980s, many in this community have sought to reclaim the term “queer” as a way of distinguishing the community from gay male identity.

Buddhism, Sexuality, and Gender (edited by Jose I. Cabezon)

Because of its broad nature and ambiguity, “queer” encompasses and recognizes the many gender identities and sexual orientations -- and the fluidity (instability, changeability) of those identities -- that an acronym, regardless of how many letters it adds in, can not or does not.

Referring to the LGBTQIA+ community as the Queer Community allows for the inclusion of often disregarded identities, as well as for the fluidity of identity, that is lost through the rigidity of labels. More

Toward LGBT+ Cultural Competence

Toward LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competence (Canadian Audiologist)

What's your big announcement, Lisa? - I'm Bu...

Culturally competent and non-discriminatory treatment of others has been identified as a key ethical responsibility.

At least it has for healthcare service providers by multiple regulatory bodies and professional associations worldwide.

In Canada, the Ontario Human Rights Code has a provision that prevents discrimination of care based on race, ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, sex, or sexual orientation [1].

The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario affirms that care is to be responsive and receptive to culturally diverse populations, in keeping with its code of ethics [2], which considers respect of clients as persons as a chief ethical principle [3]. More

• Government to CENSOR dissent and all "wrong" info

Consideration for others is caring, respecting,

and valuing the dignity and well-being of others

(regardless of their culture, orientation, or identity).