The ever-expanding initialism used to describe the queer community defeated Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a recent speech.
THE QUOTE
“I will never apologize for standing up for LGDP — LGT — LBG — LGBTQ2+ kids’ rights to not have to undergo conversion therapy,” Trudeau said as a nearby aid tried to set him straight.
Trudeau — an international liberal icon — made the remarks on Sept. 11 while delivering a campaign speech.
- He went on to narrowly retain his premiership in Tuesday’s national election.
ETYMOLOGY
In the 1980s, “LGB” began to replace the word “gay” as an umbrella term for the LGBT community — and the initialism has been growing ever since.
- LGBT: A rise in awareness of transgender identity led to the addition of a “T” at the end of the acronym in the 1990s.
- LGBTQIA: Eventually, “Q,” “I” and “A” were added to represent those who identify as queer, intersex and asexual, respectively.
- LGBTQIA+: Some have appended a plus sign to assure they don’t leave out any affiliated communities.
- LGBTQ2+: The version preferred by Trudeau includes the number two in honor of people who identify as “two-spirited.”
