Video Transcription

What Does LGBTIQA+ Mean To You? | headspace

Young people all over Australia are trying to figure out who they are. For many, that means exploring their gender identity and sexuality, and it can be a really challenging experience. But having the right words to express how you’re feeling can make it a whole lot easier. Many young people identify as being in the LGBTIA+ community, but what exactly does that mean?

A is for lesbian. That’s when someone who identifies as a woman is attracted to other people who identify as women. If you’re gay, you’re someone who is attracted to people who identify as the same gender. Bisexual people are interested in two or more genders. If you’re transgender, it means you don’t identify with the gender you were assigned at birth. An intersex person means a person is born with chromosomes, reproductive organs, or genitals that don’t fit the narrow medical or social expectations for what it means to have a male or female body. Q is for queer, a word the LGBTIA+ community has reclaimed as a proud way to say they don’t fit into cisgender or heterosexual roles. Asexual people experience little or no sexual attraction, but they may still be interested in romantic relationships.

There are many other ways people can identify and express themselves, and the list keeps on growing. That’s where the plus comes in.

So, if you’re feeling a little confused, that’s okay. But if life becomes overwhelming, headspace is a safe space for you to come and talk about everything you’re going through. We’ve helped thousands of young people from the LGBTIA+ community get the vital support they need. To find out how headspace could help you, visit our website now at headspace.org.

Video by headspace