What Does 2SLGBTQIA+ Mean? Identity & Inclusion Explained
The term 2SLGBTQIA+ is more than just a collection of letters—it’s a representation of diverse identities, experiences, and histories. Each part of this acronym speaks to a community that has fought for recognition, rights, and respect. But what do all these letters mean? Let’s break it down.
2S – Two-Spirit
The 2S at the beginning of the acronym stands for Two-Spirit, a term used by some Indigenous North American communities to describe people who embody both masculine and feminine spirits or hold unique gender roles within their culture. This term is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions and is not interchangeable with non-Indigenous concepts of gender and sexuality. The placement of 2S at the beginning of the acronym acknowledges the long history of Two-Spirit people in Indigenous cultures, predating colonization.
L – Lesbian
A lesbian is a woman (or non-binary person) who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women. This term has been a cornerstone of queer identity and activism, representing a community that has fought for visibility and equal rights for decades.
G – Gay
While gay is often used to describe men who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other men, it is also used as an umbrella term for the broader queer community. Historically, “gay” was one of the first widely recognized terms for non-heterosexual identities, making it a key part of LGBTQ+ advocacy.
B – Bisexual
A bisexual person is someone who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to more than one gender. Bisexuality has often been misunderstood or erased within both straight and queer spaces, but it is a valid and distinct identity with its own unique experiences.
T – Transgender
A transgender person is someone whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Being trans is not about appearance, medical transition, or fitting into a specific binary—it's about identity and self-recognition. Trans people may be men, women, non-binary, genderfluid, or hold other gender identities outside of traditional categories.
Q – Queer or Questioning
Queer is a broad and reclaimed term that encompasses diverse sexual orientations and gender identities that exist outside of the heterosexual and cisgender norm. While historically used as a slur, many in the LGBTQIA+ community have reclaimed “queer” as a powerful and inclusive identity.
Questioning refers to individuals who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity and may not yet have a specific label for themselves.
I – Intersex
An intersex person is born with physical sex characteristics (such as chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy) that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex people may or may not identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, but their experiences are often aligned with the fight for bodily autonomy and medical rights.
A – Asexual or Aromantic
Asexual (Ace): Someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction to others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and some ace individuals may still experience romantic attraction.
Aromantic (Aro): Someone who experiences little to no romantic attraction. Aromanticism, like asexuality, exists on a spectrum, and people may still form deep emotional connections without romantic attraction.
+ – The Plus: More Identities, More Inclusion
The plus (+) in 2SLGBTQIA+ represents all the other identities that don’t fit neatly into these categories but are still valid and important. This includes, but is not limited to:
Non-binary – A gender identity outside the traditional male/female binary.
Pansexual – Attraction to people regardless of gender.
Demisexual – Someone who only experiences sexual attraction after forming a deep emotional connection.
Genderfluid – A gender identity that changes over time.
Agender – Someone who does not identify with any gender.
The plus reminds us that language is ever-evolving and that inclusion means continuing to acknowledge and uplift those whose identities are often overlooked.
Why Language Matters
The term 2SLGBTQIA+ isn’t just about labels—it’s about visibility, respect, and community. Every letter represents real people, real struggles, and real histories. The more we understand these identities, the more we can support and advocate for those who need it most.
No matter how you identify, one thing is certain: you deserve to be seen, heard, and valued.
