History of LGBT and LGBTQIA+ explained
History of LGBT and LGBTQIA+ explained
LGBT is short for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. It means there are people who love others of the same gender (Lesbian and Gay), some who love both boys and girls (Bisexual), and people whose gender identity might be different from the one they were told when they were born (Transgender). It's about understanding and accepting everyone, no matter who they love or how they identify. LGBT people share experiences and challenges, and they work together to make sure everyone is treated with kindness and fairness.
The history of the LGBTQIA+ community spans centuries, with ancient cultures like Greece and Rome acknowledging same-sex relationships. The modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement emerged in the mid-20th century, marked by events like the Stonewall Riots, leading to significant strides in legal protections and social acceptance.
LGBT: This acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. It was one of the earliest versions and a powerful symbol of unity and visibility for our community.
LGBTQIA+: Expanding the Spectrum! This includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and more. Each letter represents a unique and valid part of our diverse community, ensuring no one is left out.
The Pride Flag
was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978 to provide visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during a time when they faced widespread discrimination and prejudice. It serves as a powerful symbol of hope, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for equal rights and acceptance. Today, the flag is widely recognized as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, promoting understanding and celebrating the diverse identities within the community. Each color comes with a different meaning:
Red: Symbolizing Life
Orange: Signifying Healing
Yellow: Representing Sunlight
Green: Embracing Nature
Blue: Evoking Harmony
Purple: Reflecting Spirit
We designed jewelry to express your connection to the LGBTQIA+ Community. Each item is meticulously crafted in Prague using premium materials and natural gemstones, ensuring both quality and style!
Gender Symbols and LGBTQIA+ Flags explained
is a word used for people who are emotionally, romantically, or physically attracted to others of the same gender, like a gay man or gay people. Sometimes, women use the term gay too, although many prefer the word lesbian. Being gay is about how someone feels and identifies, and it doesn't necessarily mean they've had any particular experiences.
refers to a person who identifies with both male and female genders, and sometimes even a third gender. This means they feel a connection to different gender identities at different times or in different situations. Embracing a bigender identity illustrates the fluidity and complexity of gender, highlighting that individuals can experience and express their gender in diverse and unique ways.
is an adjective used to describe a person who doesn't exclusively identify as a man or a woman. These individuals may see themselves as both male and female, somewhere in between, or completely outside these traditional gender categories. While many non-binary people also identify as transgender, it's important to note that not all individuals who identify as non-binary necessarily consider themselves transgender.
people are sexually or romantically attracted to people of the opposite sex. Heterosexual men are sexually or romantically attracted to women, and heterosexual women are sexually or romantically attracted to men.
refers to someone who is emotionally, romantically, or physically attracted to people regardless of their gender or biological sex. It's about the attraction they feel, not necessarily their experiences. Pansexual individuals are inclusive of all gender identities, often falling under the broader category of bisexuality.
are words in language used instead of names to refer to someone. In English, "he" and "she" are common third-person pronouns, indicating gender. Gender-neutral pronouns don't imply any gender and can be used for anyone. People with nonbinary genders might pick new pronouns during their transition, often opting for gender-neutral ones to avoid being perceived as strictly male or female.
describes a woman who is emotionally, romantically, or physically attracted to other women. Being a lesbian is about feelings and connections, and it doesn't depend on whether someone has had any specific experiences. It's all about who they are attracted to.
also called demiguy, is someone whose gender identity is only partly male, regardless of their assigned gender at birth. They may or may not identify as another gender in addition to feeling partially a boy or man. They may also define their identity as both male and genderless (agender).
falls within the nonbinary and transgender identities, describing individuals whose gender identity lies between the traditional female and male genders, possibly blending aspects of both. The term has been coined independently by various people and has maintained a consistent meaning. While some argue that "intergender" should only apply to intersex individuals, it has been used for over sixteen years as an identity open to people of any birth sex, emphasizing its inclusivity and diverse usage.
is a word used for people who are emotionally, romantically, or physically attracted to others of the same gender, like a gay man or gay people. Sometimes, women use the term gay too, although many prefer the word lesbian. Being gay is about how someone feels and identifies, and it doesn't necessarily mean they've had any particular experiences.
individuals usually resist fixed ideas about gender and instead embrace a flexible sense of gender identity, and sometimes sexual orientation. Those identifying as "genderqueer" might view themselves as both male and female, neither, or entirely outside these categories, highlighting the diversity of gender experiences.
, often called trans, refers to a person whose gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth. This term includes various identities like female to male (FTM) or male to female (MTF), and others like genderqueer or gender expansive. Transgender people might choose to change their bodies through hormones or surgeries, but not everyone does. It's an umbrella term covering diverse gender identities, such as transsexual, genderqueer, and androgynous, among others, highlighting the variety of experiences within the transgender community.
is someone who only partially (not wholly) identifies as a girl or woman, whatever their assigned gender at birth. They may or may not identify as another gender in addition to feeling partially a girl or woman. May also use the terms demigal, demifemale or demiwoman.
, or androgynous gender, is a nonbinary and transgender identity, derived from the Latin and Greek words for "man" and "woman." Androgynes have a gender identity that may blend aspects of both binary genders or exist outside these categories entirely. They might describe themselves as between female and male, masculine and feminine, or simply 'in between.' Some individuals identifying as androgyne may not align with either femininity or masculinity, and the symbol ⚨ is used to represent this gender identity.
describes a woman who is emotionally, romantically, or physically attracted to other women. Being a lesbian is about feelings and connections, and it doesn't depend on whether someone has had any specific experiences. It's all about who they are attracted to.
individuals are attracted to multiple partners simultaneously, and they can identify as bi, straight, gay, pan, or any other sexual orientation. These relationships can be fulfilling and joyful for those involved. It's essential to respect that what works for one person might not work for another, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse relationship choices.
means someone who can be attracted emotionally, romantically, or sexually to people of the same gender and people of different genders or gender identities. It's important to note that being bisexual doesn't mean having equal experiences with different genders—it's about feelings and how someone identifies. Bisexuality is a broad term that includes various identities, like pansexual, and is sometimes referred to as bi or bi+.
describes someone whose identity encompasses all or many gender identities and expressions. This means they may feel a connection to various genders, transcending the boundaries of traditional male or female identities.
is a term in Latin America for individuals who were assigned male at birth but identify with a feminine gender. In South America, new terms have emerged to differentiate it from cross-dressing, drag, and pathologizing connotations, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of this gender identity.
, often called trans, refers to a person whose gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth. This term includes various identities like female to male (FTM) or male to female (MTF), and others like genderqueer or gender expansive. Transgender people might choose to change their bodies through hormones or surgeries, but not everyone does. It's an umbrella term covering diverse gender identities, such as transsexual, genderqueer, and androgynous, among others, highlighting the variety of experiences within the transgender community.
means a person who doesn't feel sexual attraction to others. The asexual community is diverse, and each asexual person's experiences with relationships and attraction can vary. Asexuality is different from celibacy or abstaining from sex because it's a natural sexual orientation and doesn't necessarily involve choosing not to engage in sexual behaviors.
means a person who doesn't feel sexual attraction to others. The asexual community is diverse, and each asexual person's experiences with relationships and attraction can vary. Asexuality is different from celibacy or abstaining from sex because it's a natural sexual orientation and doesn't necessarily involve choosing not to engage in sexual behaviors.
is a gender-neutral identity falling under the nonbinary and transgender categories. While some associate neutrois with gender dysphoria and a wish for a gender-neutral appearance, the diverse range of people identifying as neutrois means not everyone shares these traits. Neutrois can be embraced by individuals of any cultural background, and people identifying as neutrois may use any pronouns of their choice.
In diverse cultures worldwide, gender identities have varied beyond the Western binary system. While some see "man" as one of two genders, history reveals numerous gender expressions, acknowledging those who don't strictly identify as male or female. Ancient societies recognized multiple genders; for instance, ancient Egyptians described three genders, and classical Jewish literature acknowledged six. Therefore, "man" isn't inherently binary but one of many gender identities. Some people identify partly as men but don't fully fit that label, embracing the term "nonbinary men." In understanding manhood beyond binary confines, it becomes a unique identity rather than an opposite pole, emphasizing the rich diversity of human gender experiences.
means someone who can be attracted emotionally, romantically, or sexually to people of the same gender and people of different genders or gender identities. It's important to note that being bisexual doesn't mean having equal experiences with different genders—it's about feelings and how someone identifies. Bisexuality is a broad term that includes various identities, like pansexual, and is sometimes referred to as bi or bi+.
individuals are attracted to multiple partners simultaneously, and they can identify as bi, straight, gay, pan, or any other sexual orientation. These relationships can be fulfilling and joyful for those involved. It's essential to respect that what works for one person might not work for another, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse relationship choices.
describes someone who doesn't identify with any gender. It means they don't feel a connection to being male, female, or any other gender. Agender individuals might choose to express their identity in different ways, challenging traditional gender norms and highlighting the diverse ways people experience their gender identity.
individuals usually resist fixed ideas about gender and instead embrace a flexible sense of gender identity, and sometimes sexual orientation. Those identifying as "genderqueer" might view themselves as both male and female, neither, or entirely outside these categories, highlighting the diversity of gender experiences.
People with a female gender identity can be women or girls. Womanhood isn't defined by specific traits like appearance or the ability to give birth, as women have diverse experiences and identities. Being a woman is determined by self-identification, regardless of one's body parts or assigned gender at birth. Both cisgender, transgender, and intersex women are equally women, irrespective of their sexual orientation. Traditional gender systems have limited the understanding of womanhood, but historically, cultures have recognized diverse gender identities. In ancient societies like Egypt and classical Jewish literature, there were multiple genders. The concept of binary gender is relatively new, and gender isn't inherently binary. Therefore, "woman" is just one of many valid gender identities, acknowledging the rich diversity of human experiences.
describes someone who doesn't identify with any gender. It means they don't feel a connection to being male, female, or any other gender. Agender individuals might choose to express their identity in different ways, challenging traditional gender norms and highlighting the diverse ways people experience their gender identity.
became widely recognized as a representation of lesbian and gay rights, but its exact origins remain unclear. While there isn't a definitive explanation, some speculate that it could be linked to the Greek lowercase letter "l," symbolizing liberation in the LGBTQ+ context.
