: The community represents a massive range of identities. Resources like NAMI and The Center highlight how sexual orientation (who you are attracted to) and gender identity (who you are) intersect to create unique life experiences.
LGBTQ+ culture is defined by shared symbols, history, and communal support systems designed to navigate a world that has historically marginalized these identities. blackshemalepictures
: Individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female, or whose identity shifts over time. : The community represents a massive range of identities
: According to Funders for LGBTQ Issues , transgender individuals face staggering rates of HIV infection, lack of access to gender-affirming care, and high rates of attempted suicide due to lack of support. : Individuals who do not identify exclusively as
: Because of systemic barriers, the culture relies heavily on "chosen families" and community spaces that provide safety and belonging. Key Challenges and Realities
: The community is constantly refining how it describes itself to be more inclusive. The acronym has expanded from LGBT to LGBTQIA+ (including Intersex and Asexual) and sometimes even longer strings to represent the full spectrum of human identity, as detailed in this guide to the LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA acronym .