The “Q” in LGBTQIA+ stands for Queer or Questioning. According to their description of the acronymn on The Center’s website, this is what they Queer and Questioning in LGBTQIA+ means:
QUEER
An adjective used by some people whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual. Typically, for those who identify as queer, the terms lesbian, gay, and bisexual are perceived to be too limiting and/or fraught with cultural connotations they feel don’t apply to them. Some people may use queer, or genderqueer, to describe their gender identity and/or gender expression. Once considered a pejorative term, queer has been reclaimed by some LGBTQ people to describe themselves; however, it is not a universally accepted term even within the LGBTQ community.
QUESTIONING
Sometimes, when the Q is seen at the end of LGBT, it can also mean questioning. This term describes someone who is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.
You can read their entire post here.
It’s normal and natural to search for a word to define yourself. A group to feel part of. And like a cat, a box to curl up in and feel safe and at rest. And that’s okay. It’s also okay to venture outside of the labels and just be. Be alive. Be curious. Be adventurous. And be you, whatever that means to you.
Whatever word you use (if any) to identify yourself, you are perfect just the way you are. And if you’re questioning, remember that you never have to know. Just be you, whatever that means for you today, in this moment. Explore. Experiment. Learn and grow. And be proud of who you are! You are one of a kind — special, unique, beautiful, priceless, and unreplaceable.
There is no one else exactly like you. There never was. There never will be. And we love you for it!
