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What’s the 2 in LGBTQ2?
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LGBTQ2 is a term created by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation to represent people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and/or two-spirited.
It’s not just one thing; it’s a movement towards equality and acceptance.
There are different types of LGBTQ2, such as LGBTQ2A, which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirited, Asexual, Intersex, and Questioning.
You might also hear about LGBTQ2K, which stands for Lesbian and Gay, Transgendered, Queer, Two Spirit, Kink, and Leather.
Why Is There a 2 in LGBTQ2? And Other Questions
There are two main reasons why there is a 2 in LGBTQ2. The first reason is because we’re not just gay men and lesbians anymore. We’re also bisexuals, transgender individuals, genderqueers, and others who identify outside of the traditional male/female binary.
The second reason is that many people still use the term “gay” to describe any sexual orientation outside of heterosexuality. So when we say “LGBTQ2”, we mean anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or otherwise non-heterosexual.
Two vs. One
There are two types of sexual orientation: heterosexuality and homosexuality. Heterosexuals are attracted to members of the opposite sex; homosexuals are attracted to members of their own gender.
Homosexuality is not a choice. Homosexuals were born this way. However, some people believe that being gay is a choice. This belief stems from the idea that there is no biological reason for homosexuality.
This view is false because there are many biological reasons for homosexuality. For instance, homosexuality may be linked to genetics, hormones, brain chemistry, and/or early childhood experiences.
Some studies suggest that homosexuality is linked to genes. For example, researchers found that identical twins who share 100% of their DNA are more likely to be homosexual than fraternal twins who only share 50%.
Other studies show that homosexuality is linked to hormone imbalances during fetal development. For example, women who take birth control pills during pregnancy tend to give birth to children who are more likely to become homosexual.
Another study suggests that homosexuality is linked to brain chemistry. Researchers found that men with certain variations in the gene COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) are more likely to be gay.
Finally, some studies suggest that homosexuality is associated with early childhood experiences. For example, parents who treat their sons differently when they’re young are more likely to raise sons who grow up to be homosexual.
If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind homosexuality, visit http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-being-gay-a-choice/.
Gender Identity
People who identify as transgender (or gender nonconforming) may be born biologically male or female, but feel differently inside. They often experience discomfort with their bodies and/or their assigned sex at birth.
They may wish to live full-time as members of the opposite sex, or they may prefer to live as their true selves, regardless of their biological sex.
Some transgenders may not express their gender identity until later in life. Others may transition early in life. Some may never transition.
Regardless of when they begin transitioning, most transgenders eventually seek medical help to change their physical appearance. This includes hormone therapy and surgery.
Transgender individuals face unique challenges in society because of their gender identity. Transgender people may encounter discrimination, harassment, violence, and rejection.
However, many transgender people find acceptance and support within their families, communities, and workplaces.
There are several different ways to refer to this group of people. The term used depends upon the context. Here are some examples:
• Genderqueer – refers to those whose gender identities fall outside traditional categories.
• Intersex – refers to those who were born with reproductive organs that did not develop properly.
• Transsexual – refers to those who desire to physically alter their body through hormones and surgery.
• Two-spirit – describes Native American men and women who embrace aspects of both genders.
• Third gender – refers to those who reject the binary system of male and female.
In brief
Understanding what the 2 means will help us understand who we are and why we’re different from one another.