LGBT or GLBT is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Gay is used to describe persons, specifically men, who are romantically or sexually attracted to persons of the same sex. Lesbian is a preferred term for women who are romantically or sexually attracted to women. Bi-sexual refers to persons who are romantically or sexually attracted to persons of any sex or gender identity. Sometimes bisexual is used interchangeably with pansexual. Transgender is an umbrella term for those whose gender identity or expression is different from their sex assigned at birth. Being transgender does not require one to undergo surgeries or make changes in physical appearance.
LGBT has been seen as a positive symbol of inclusion. To enhance such inclusion and create a sense of acceptance for a greater community, more and more people are now using the term LGBTQ, with Q standing for queer or questioning. Once used as a disparaging term against LGBT people, queer now refers to people who are not exclusively heterosexual. This term can be used by anyone within the LGBTQ community.
[Last updated in August of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team]