A spoonful of alphabets? LGBTQ2+

November 26, 2021 - Ginger Lamoureux

The Government of Canada utilizes the acronym LGBTQ2+ to encompass all those who self-identify as having a sexual orientation or gender identity which is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender.

The Treasury Board of Canada recognizes that terminology associated with this segment of the population is continuously evolving and the acronym is a starting point for supporting the community, raising awareness and educating people.

LGBTQ2+ is an abbreviation that stands for: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and two-spirited. The “+” signifies all other identities not listed and is meant to be inclusive of all persons within the community.

The order of the lettering acts as a historical record of the evolution of the community. The “L” leads the way as a sign of respect for the role that lesbians played in providing medical care and support for afflicted community members during the 1980s and 1990s AIDS crisis. The increase in gay/lesbian solidarity pushed the move to show how women in general were marginalized throughout history, both inside the community and by society as a whole, and was seen as an important political statement regarding women’s rights.

The rise of bisexual and transgender movements in the 1990s provoked the additional letters “BT.” The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD) advocacy group recommended the “Q” be added to represent those questioning their sexual or gender identification or those who identified as queer. The number “2” is an Indigenous identity representing two-spirits, as many within this community believe they have both male and female spirits within them. The “Q,” “2” and the “+” have been added within the last decade to further show the evolving complex nature of sexual orientation and gender identities.

Much like the acronym, the Pride flag has also evolved over time to become more inclusive. Originally devised by artist Gilbert Baker, the eight‑colour rainbow flag design has undergone several revisions since its debut in 1978. In June 2018 designer Daniel Quasar redesigned the Philadelphia flag and the Trans pride flag to create the progressive flag. It included chevrons representing marginalized people of colour and those living with HIV/AIDS.