Queer: Originally used as a pejorative slur, queer has now become an umbrella term to describe the myriad ways people reject binary categories of gender and sexual orientation to express who they are. When you hear someone say "gender stereotypes," they're referring to the ways we expect people to act and behave based on their sex. Gender: The societal constructions we assign people based on their sex characteristics. Sex: The label you are assigned at birth based on your anatomical features, chromosomes and hormones. Speaking of intersex: Born with sex characteristics such as genitals or chromosomes that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female.
![baby gay definition baby gay definition](https://gdb.voanews.com/cdb4fd6c-67ea-4cd9-875c-8bbdd8deef00_w1200_r1.jpg)
I stands for intersex and A for asexual/aromantic/agender. You may also see LGBT+, LGBT*, LGBTx, or LGBTQIA. LGBTQ: The acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.” Some people also use the Q to stand for "questioning," meaning people who are figuring out their sexual orientation or gender identity. But also be careful not to put the burden of your education on other people when there's a whole wide world of resources out there. If you're puzzled by a term and feel like you can ask someone you love in the LGBTQ community to help you make sense of it, do it.
![baby gay definition baby gay definition](https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/images/gender-sexual-identity-icons.png)
This list is by no means exhaustive, and some of these terms – because they are so personal – likely mean different things to different people. If you want to be an ally, these terms might help – but be aware that many have been used derogatorily by straight, white, cisgender (defined below) people, and were reclaimed over time by the LGBTQ community. Millions of Americans identify as LGBTQ, and like any group, they have their own language to talk about who they are and the challenges they face in a society that doesn't fully accept or protect them.