What does 2SLGBTQIA+ mean?

For some time we have been seeing the acronym appear. 2SLGBTQIA+ as a further evolution of the acronym LGBT, which encompasses all those people who identify based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual characteristics. But how did we arrive at this complex and inclusive acronym? In this article we are going to explore the origin of the term LGBT, its evolution, and the broader meaning given to the term 2SLGBTQIA+ today.

The origin of the acronym LGBT

The LGBT acronym has its roots in the 1980s, a time of great ferment for the gay community. It was during those years that the battles for civil rights and queer visibility began, which highlighted the need for a more inclusive language, capable of representing different groups within the queer community. Prior to the adoption of LGBT, the term “gay” was often used loosely, effectively excluding other identities. As a result, the acronym LGBT, which explicitly included lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, was born to recognize diversity within the community itself.

In the 1990s, the acronym expanded further with the addition of letters such as “Q,” which stands for queer or questioning. “Queer” was gradually reclaimed as a term of pride, despite its offensive past, while “questioning” denotes those who are exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation. This broadening process reflected a growing desire for inclusiveness within the community.

The expansion of the acronym: 2SLGBTQIA+

Over the years, the acronym has continued to expand to represent a broader and broader range of identities, eventually culminating in 2SLGBTQIA+:

• 2S: Two Spirits (Two-Spirit) is a term used by some indigenous communities in North America to describe people who embody both male and female characteristics, both spiritually and socially. This concept is deeply rooted in indigenous traditions and recognizes gender diversity as an essential part of culture.
• L: Lesbian, referring to women attracted to other women.
• G: Gay, men attracted to other men, but also often used as an umbrella term for the entire community.
• B: Bisexual, people attracted to more than one gender or identity.
• T: Transgender, individuals whose gender identity does not match the sex assigned at birth.
• Q: Queer, an umbrella term for nonnormative identities, or Questioning, for those who are exploring their identity.
• I: Intersex, people born with sexual characteristics that do not fit the traditional definitions of male or female.
• A: Asexual, for those who do not experience sexual attraction, or Ally, those who actively support the LGBTQIA+ community.
• +: Represents all other identities that are not explicitly included in the acronym.

The importance of the term 2S

The inclusion of the term “2S” at the beginning of the acronym is particularly significant. This term was officially introduced in 1990 at a gathering of LGBTQ+ indigenous leaders in Canada and is a recognition of the unique history and experiences of indigenous communities. It represents an important step in centering the narrative on indigenous identities and recognizing colonialism as a force that sought to suppress those identities.

Why the acronym keeps growing

The constant expansion of the acronym is a reflection of human diversity and the need to represent all voices within the community. The inclusion of new letters is not only symbolic, but has a real impact on the visibility and acceptance of lesser-known identities. However, there are also criticisms: some feel that an acronym that is too long can be confusing or impractical. This debate underscores the tension between inclusiveness and simplicity, but it also highlights how important it is to strike a balance that meets the diverse needs of the community.

A reflection on the meaning of the acronym

The evolution of the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ is not just a linguistic process, but a reflection of the social and cultural changes that have shaped struggles for equality and visibility. Each letter represents an identity that deserves respect, understanding, and celebration. The continued expansion of the acronym invites us to reflect on the value of diversity and the importance of building a more inclusive society that embraces all shades of human beings.