LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender)
History
LGBT is an acronym representing the sexuality and gender identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Although today the term often includes other letters, to encompass a diversity of sexuality and gender-identities, the original initialism was adapted from “LGB”, which in turn grew from the term “gay community,” used during the 1980s. Before the 1950s, there was little non-derogatory vocabulary to reference the LGBT community. After the Second World War, however, the terms “homosexual” and “homophile” began to be used – during this time, the first organizations acknowledging gay men as an oppressed minority group were formed.Wikipedia, “LGBT” The 1960s Civil Rights movement in the USA greatly influenced the gay rights movement – sparking demonstrations as a form of active resistance, culminating in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a watershed moment for gay rights. More recent research has emphasized the roles that drag performers, minorities, and transgender individuals played in the six days of police raiding and riots.Huffington Post (2012), “Dis-membering Stonewall” During the 1970s, the growing feminist movement caused many lesbians – frustrated with male monopolies of power and leadership roles – to form their own collectives. However, the horrors of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s in many cases reunited gay and lesbian activists – during this time, the LGBT acronym became commonly employed.American Psychological Association, “History of Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Social Movements” The term LGBT often not only references the sexuality and gender identity its name encompasses, but additionally emphasizes the diversity of said identities. As such, some organizations have expanded the initialism to include the letters Q (Queer or Questioning), I (Intersex), and A (Asexual), amongst others.
Variations, Terms, and Definitions
There are different terms and definitions used.University of Michigan, “LGBT Terms and Definitions”