LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, which includes people who identify themselves outside the gender binary, intersex, and people who have a fluid or nonconforming gender expression. These identities can be expressed through clothing, hairstyles, mannerisms, behavior, language, or physical characteristics. People who identify as LGBTQ may experience discrimination, harassment, violence, or exclusion from social groups because of their identity. They may also face prejudice within families, schools, workplaces, healthcare institutions, religious organizations, and law enforcement agencies.
Some communities, businesses, educational institutions, governments, and religions provide safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals to express their sexuality and gender identity without fear of retribution.
Identifying oneself as an LGBTQ person requires self-reflection, exploration, and validation. Some individuals experience multiple aspects of identity simultaneously, while others are unsure about their sexual orientation or gender identity. As they navigate different environments, such as school, college, workplace, family gatherings, religious services, medical appointments, and political rallies, LGBTQ individuals must negotiate between personal truths and societal expectations. This negotiation involves balancing privacy with visibility, safety with risk-taking, and individualism with belongingness. LGBTQ individuals may hide their identity in some settings and openly express it in others.
They may wear masculine or feminine clothes, use male or female names, or use pronouns that correspond with their gender expression. They may participate in protests, marches, and Pride parades to celebrate diversity but avoid discussing their private lives with coworkers or neighbors.
Despite affirmative spaces, LGBTQ individuals still encounter discrimination based on their appearance, behavior, language, relationships, or attire. Some people believe that being gay is immoral, unnatural, or abnormal. Others view transgender people as mentally ill or confused about their sex or gender. Some employers, landlords, and service providers reject LGBTQ applicants or customers because of their sexual preferences. Religious leaders condemn same-sex marriage, relationships, or lifestyles as sinful. Some politicians propose laws that limit LGBTQ rights, education, healthcare access, and freedom of expression. In these situations, LGBTQ individuals can feel threatened by prejudice, exclusion, violence, or social stigma.
Supportive communities provide safe havens for self-expression and acceptance.