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LGBTQ Issues

What does the 'Q' stand for in LGBTQ? How the community reclaimed the word.

Clare Mulroy
USA TODAY

The number of Americans in the LGBTQ community has reached a record high, according to a 2024 Gallup poll, with 7.6% of U.S. adults identifying as LGBTQ. 

Pride Month is almost here, so it's important to refresh your knowledge on the terms, identities and history encompassed in the LGBTQ community. Asking your LGBTQ friends and family is an option but be mindful of placing the burden of your education on others when there are many free resources at your disposal.

Here's what you need to know about the letter "Q" in the acronym.

What does the 'Q' in LGBTQ stand for?

The Q in LGBTQ stands for queer in most settings, but it can also mean questioning. LGBTQ is an acronym of identities related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

What each letter in LGBTQ means:

In recent years, many have added I and A — intersex and asexual — to the lineup. The plus sign is another addition to the acronym to represent identities in the community that perhaps don’t fit into the other letters like pansexual, polyamorous, Two-Spirited or others who don’t want to label their sexuality.

The 'B' in LGBTQ:History, definition, difference between bisexual and pansexual

u0022Queeru0022 can encompass a variety of identities; there isn't just one way of identifying as queer.

What does queer mean?

Queer is an adjective used by those who are not exclusively heterosexual. The term is often used as a self-identifier for those who don't feel their sexuality fits into other terms like lesbian, gay or bisexual. Many LGBTQ individuals feel some labels are "too limiting and/or fraught with cultural connotations they feel do not apply to them," GLAAD writes.

According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 0.3% of Americans and 4.3% of LGBTQ Americans identify in the "other" category, which includes queer. 

Reclaiming the word

For many, reclaiming words that were once used as offensive or controversial is an empowering practice. For others, using that word is a painful reminder of the past. 

The first documented use of queer as a slur was in 1894 when John Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry, discovered his son was in a relationship with Oscar Wilde. "Snob Queers" was used as a derogatory term to describe gay men in a lengthy court case brought on by Douglas. Flipping the term on its head, protesters in the midst of the Aids epidemic began using the word queer in chants — "We're here, we're queer, we're not going shopping!" and "We're here, we're queer, get used to it!"

In 1990, activist organization Queer Nation was founded with a mission to increase visibility and decrease LGBTQ violence. Queer Nation mobilized protests, hung banners and distributed pamphlets that read "We're here, we're queer and we'd like to say hello!"

Widespread use grew from there. GLAAD officially added the Q to the acronym in its resource guide in 2016, and the Associated Press wrote in 2018 that adding Q to LGBT was acceptable style for journalists. Younger LGBTQ Americans in particular are reclaiming the word as they embrace a shift toward fluidity in identity. But it's still important to keep in mind that some members of the LGBTQ community, particularly older ones who grew up hearing it as a slur, might be uncomfortable with it. 

The bottom line? Let your friends self-identify — don't try to use a label for them.

Is it OK to use the word queer?:LGBTQ folks share perspectives, history of language

What does 'questioning' mean?

According to GLAAD, questioning is an adjective used to describe the process of exploring sexual orientation and gender identity. It's sometimes used as the Q in LGBTQ in youth support settings. 

Advocacy organization PFLAG puts it this way: "They have a feeling they might be different but are still in a process of exploration. Using the term allows them to identify themselves as part of the community, while avoiding labels and still honoring that they are in a process of self-identification."

Self-identification is an important part of any LGBTQ person's journey. It's important to remember when talking to friends who are questioning that they do not owe an explanation of their sexuality to anyone, and should feel comfortable to explore it in their own time and way. 

Resources

If you're questioning your identity or looking for how best to support your LGBTQ loved ones, these resources can help. Find organizations with free education, crisis intervention, peer support and information below:

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What does camp mean?" to "What is the most common birthday?" to "What is deadnaming?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you. 

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