🌈 Why the “+” in LGBTQPIA+ Matters — Inclusion, Identity & Anti-Transphobia By V. Levy, LMFT, LPCC

Introduction

When someone writes “LGBTQPIA+,” the “+” isn’t filler. The “+” stands for the many people whose identities fall outside those listed explicitly — identities that are too often erased or dismissed.

Using the “+” is a deliberate act of recognition. It affirms that sexual and gender minority identity(ies) are infinite, evolving, and valid. Using the “+” 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 “+” stands for all additional sexual, romantic, intersex, and gender-diverse identity(ies) not captured by the letters.

• L — lesbian

• G — gay

• B — bisexual

• T — trans

• Q — queer and/or querying

• P — pansexual / polysexual / panromantic / poly-romantic depending on identity)

• I — intersex

• A — asexual / aromantic / agender / ally / and many more identity as self-defined

• 2S- Two-Sprite/Two Spirit/ Two-Spirited/ two spirit /two-spirited / and many more

• + — 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 “+” is critical: it signals we don’t attempt to name or limit every identity — we acknowledge existence, validity, and dignity of all.

Why the “+” Matters — Inclusion Is Liberation

1. It acknowledges people erased by abbreviation

Without the “+,” many people who identify outside cis/hetero norms are erased — especially non binary, intersex, ace/aromantic, pansexual, two-spirit, and culturally specific identities. The “+” affirms their presence.

2. It resists cis-supremacy and binary identity enforcement

Using only “LGBT” or “LGBTQIA2S” — without the “+” — 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 “+” pushes back against that erasure.

3. It creates spaces where identity can exist and evolve

Identity isn’t fixed. People’s understanding of themselves — of attraction, identity, expression — changes over time. The “+” leaves room for growth, self-definition, and difference.

4. It demands respect for complexity and intersectionality

Many people hold multiple identity factors — e.g., racial, ethnic, neurodivergent, intersex, queer, trans, etc. The “+” reminds us that people are more than a single label — and deserve respect for all parts of themselves.

What “+” Includes — Some Examples

Here are just a few of the many identity(ies) the “+” stands for:

• non binary

• fluid / queer

• two-spirit (for Indigenous and First Nations people)

• pansexual / polysexual / panromantic

• aromantic / asexual / ace-aromantic

• intersex

• demisexual / gray-ace / gray-sexual / gray-romantic

• trans + cultural-identity (cultural, ancestral, non-Western identity)

• queer identities that resist Western labels

• Intersectional identities — race, disability, neurodivergence, body-diversity, spiritual, etc.

And more. The “+” recognizes identity is expansive.

What It Means for Providers, Allies, and Community Members

• Use “LGBTQPIA2S+” or “LGBT+” (or another inclusive acronym) — don’t leave out the “+.”

• When creating intake forms, surveys, community spaces, or group settings: include open-ended fields for identity. Don’t force people into limited or binary boxes.

• Understand that visibility ≠ safety for everyone. Allow anonymity, privacy, and self-definition.

• Share — but don’t police — pronouns, identity, and orientation inclusively and humbly. Never demand disclosure.

• Continuously educate yourself about evolving identity terminology and respect how people self-identify.

• Don’t Put “other” instead Put “another identity not listed”

Why the “+” Is Not Optional or Decorative — It’s Essential

To remove the “+” isn’t 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 “+” is a statement of solidarity, recognition, and commitment to justice. It says to every person whose identity isn’t named:

“You belong. You exist. You matter.”

Omitting the “+” rejects that commitment.

Conclusion — The “+” 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 — including the “+” 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 “+,” you choose inclusion over exclusion — you choose respect over assumption — you choose humanity over silence.

That matters. It changes lives.