What Does It Mean to Be Part of the LGBTQIA+ Family?

What does the L mean in LGBTQIA+? What does the G mean? What do the rest of the letters mean? These questions may come to mind for someone who is unfamiliar with our amazing community. Of course it means Lesbian, of course it means Gay, of course it means, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual, and Asexual. The plus symbol represents our diverse and ever-inclusive family. But, wait. What does it really mean when it comes to being part of the LGBTQIA+ family?  

U.N.I.T.Y 

Diverse and colorful are to only name a few marvelous words that describe our incredible community, but one thing remains certain. At our core, we come together in unity to not only celebrate our truth, but to support one another, stand side-by-side, hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder to fight against discrimination, racism, bigotry, prejudice, and bullying; fighting against things that all point to hate. Being part of this family is about sharing love, spreading love, and giving love to all, regardless of sex, gender, ethnicity, and how someone identifies. Like our shirt, We’re Here, We’re queer (We’re LGBTQIA+) and we are absolutely proud of who we love and who we are, no doubt about it. 

The A in LGBTQIA+ Also Means Ally 

Are you straight or identify as heterosexual and are wondering if you can be part of our global rainbow family? Of course! You can and will be our beloved ally, fighting for love, equality, acceptance, and inclusivity. Celebrate a beloved who you protect and unequivocally adore as part of our community of loving and caring unique individuals. Show the world you stand on the right side of history by being the courageous ally hero that you are! 

Want to Do More to Help?  

Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or as an ally, the best thing you can do to help each other is to support each other by reporting bullying, harassment, violence, and any activity that does harm to another person mentally and physically to the authorities. You can also stop these situations from occurring by safely preventing the event from escalating. Start by standing up for yourself or your beloved, if it is safe to do so. If you begin to feel that the situation is becoming dangerous, step back and remove yourself and loved one away from the altercation and contact the authorities immediately.  

Staying Connected for Support and Guidance 

If you have not done so, visit our resources page to gain access to a wealth of self-help information that includes foundations and organizations that help connect our community together, no matter where we are in the world. You will find the support and guidance you or your loved one may have been searching for by visiting the page. After all, being part of the LGBTQIA+ family means more than just celebrating our uniqueness, it means love, acceptance, and support to help you and your beloved be who you truly are and love who you love without fear. So, grab a LGBT merch shirt or two, and while you are at it, check out some must-have accessories to add to your collection of Pride things to start supporting our wonderfully fantastic and beautiful community today!