π Why the β+β in LGBTQPIA+ Matters β Inclusion, Identity & Anti-Transphobia By V. Levy, LMFT, LPCC
The β+β in LGBTQPIA+ isnβt optional or decorative β itβs a commitment to inclusion for all sexual and gender minorities. This article explains why the β+β matters, who it includes, and how to honor identity and resist cis-supremacy.
Introduction
When someone writes βLGBTQPIA+,β the β+β isnβt filler. The β+β stands for the many people whose identities fall outside those listed explicitly β identities that are too often erased or dismissed.
Using the β+β is a deliberate act of recognition. It affirms that sexual and gender minority identity(ies) are infinite, evolving, and valid. Using the β+β refuses the idea that identity is binary or limited. It is an act of anti-transphobia.
What LGBTQPIA+ Means
The letters in LGBTQPIA+ represent some identities, and the β+β stands for all additional sexual, romantic, intersex, and gender-diverse identity(ies) not captured by the letters.
β’ L β lesbian
β’ G β gay
β’ B β bisexual
β’ T β trans
β’ Q β queer and/or querying
β’ P β pansexual / polysexual / panromantic / poly-romantic depending on identity)
β’ I β intersex
β’ A β asexual / aromantic / agender / ally / and many more identity as self-defined
β’ 2S- Two-Sprite/Two Spirit/ Two-Spirited/ two spirit /two-spirited / and many more
β’ + β all additional sexual, romantic, identity, intersex, cultural, or identity-based variations (non binary, gender fluid, two-spirit, queer-of-color identities, and more)
Because identity is infinite and evolving, the β+β is critical: it signals we donβt attempt to name or limit every identity β we acknowledge existence, validity, and dignity of all.
Why the β+β Matters β Inclusion Is Liberation
1. It acknowledges people erased by abbreviation
Without the β+,β many people who identify outside cis/hetero norms are erased β especially non binary, intersex, ace/aromantic, pansexual, two-spirit, and culturally specific identities. The β+β affirms their presence.
2. It resists cis-supremacy and binary identity enforcement
Using only βLGBTβ or βLGBTQIA2Sβ β without the β+β β implicitly suggests identity can be boxed or capped. That supports systems that erase, gatekeep, or invalidate trans, non binary, intersex, and other marginalized identity(ies). The β+β pushes back against that erasure.
3. It creates spaces where identity can exist and evolve
Identity isnβt fixed. Peopleβs understanding of themselves β of attraction, identity, expression β changes over time. The β+β leaves room for growth, self-definition, and difference.
4. It demands respect for complexity and intersectionality
Many people hold multiple identity factors β e.g., racial, ethnic, neurodivergent, intersex, queer, trans, etc. The β+β reminds us that people are more than a single label β and deserve respect for all parts of themselves.
What β+β Includes β Some Examples
Here are just a few of the many identity(ies) the β+β stands for:
β’ non binary
β’ fluid / queer
β’ two-spirit (for Indigenous and First Nations people)
β’ pansexual / polysexual / panromantic
β’ aromantic / asexual / ace-aromantic
β’ intersex
β’ demisexual / gray-ace / gray-sexual / gray-romantic
β’ trans + cultural-identity (cultural, ancestral, non-Western identity)
β’ queer identities that resist Western labels
β’ Intersectional identities β race, disability, neurodivergence, body-diversity, spiritual, etc.
And more. The β+β recognizes identity is expansive.
What It Means for Providers, Allies, and Community Members
β’ Use βLGBTQPIA2S+β or βLGBT+β (or another inclusive acronym) β donβt leave out the β+.β
β’ When creating intake forms, surveys, community spaces, or group settings: include open-ended fields for identity. Donβt force people into limited or binary boxes.
β’ Understand that visibility β safety for everyone. Allow anonymity, privacy, and self-definition.
β’ Share β but donβt police β pronouns, identity, and orientation inclusively and humbly. Never demand disclosure.
β’ Continuously educate yourself about evolving identity terminology and respect how people self-identify.
β’ Donβt Put βotherβ instead Put βanother identity not listedβ
Why the β+β Is Not Optional or Decorative β Itβs Essential
To remove the β+β isnβt neutral. It is a choice that erases and excludes. It says: only the identities we listed are valid.
That choice upholds cis supremacy. It keeps gatekeeping alive. It denies people the dignity of existing fully.
The β+β is a statement of solidarity, recognition, and commitment to justice. It says to every person whose identity isnβt named:
βYou belong. You exist. You matter.β
Omitting the β+β rejects that commitment.
Conclusion β The β+β Is an Act of Resistance, Inclusion and Care
If you are working in mental-health, medical care, community support, activism, education, or just being a human striving for justice β including the β+β is one of the smallest but most powerful acts you can do.
It is not about political correctness.
It is not about ticking a box.
It is about honoring humanity.
It is about validating identity.
It is about resisting transphobia and erasure.
When you include the β+,β you choose inclusion over exclusion β you choose respect over assumption β you choose humanity over silence.
That matters. It changes lives.
Van Ethan is a qualified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, based in San Diego, United States.
With a commitment to mental health, Mx Levy (they | elle) provides services in English, including Advocacy, Assessment, Awareness, Mindfulness, Psychotherapy (Adolescent), Psychotherapy (EMDR), Therapy, Therapy (Individual) and Youth Development.
Mx Levy (they | elle) has expertise in Abuse, Attachment Issues, Child and/or Adolescent Issues, Cross Cultural Issues, Gay, Lesbian and Same Sex Counselling, Relationship Counselling, Sexuality and Trauma.
Click here to schedule a session with Mx Levy (they | elle).
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