In psychology, the acronym LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,, Transgender, and Queer individuals) is a term used to describe people who have a non-heterosexual orientation or a non-binary gender identity.
Here are some examples of how these identities can manifest in psychological contexts:
-
Lesbian: A woman who is primarily attracted to other women. Lesbian identity can influence mental health outcomes, as lesbians may experience minority stress, discrimination, and internalized homophobia.
-
Gay: A man who is primarily attracted to other men. Gay identity can influence mental health outcomes, as gay men may experience minority stress, discrimination, and internalized homophobia.
-
Bisexual: A person who is attracted to people of more than one gender. Bisexual identity can influence mental health outcomes, as bisexual individuals may experience biphobia and discrimination from both heterosexual and LGBTQ communities.
-
Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender identity can influence mental health outcomes, as transgender individuals may experience discrimination, stigma, and dysphoria.
-
Queer: An umbrella term used to describe people who identify as non-heterosexual or non-cisgender. Queer identity can be empowering for some individuals, but others may find it triggering due to its historical use as a slur.
Other terms related to LGBTQ identity that may be encountered in psychological contexts include:
-
Intersex: A person who is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit typical male or female categories.
-
Asexual: A person who does not experience sexual attraction to others.
-
Pansexual: A person who is attracted to people of all genders.
-
Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe people who embody both male and female spirits.
It's important to note that there is a great deal of diversity within LGBTQ communities, and not everyone who identifies with these labels will have the same experiences or preferences. As with any identity category, it's important to approach each person as an individual and not make assumptions based on their label.