LGBTQ+ identities

LGBTQ+ includes people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Sexual orientation refers to whom someone is attracted to—such as lesbian, gay, or bisexual—while gender identity relates to how someone experiences their own gender, like cisgender (aligns with assigned sex), transgender (differs from assigned sex), or non-binary (not exclusively male or female). The "+" encompasses additional identities like queer, intersex, and more. Recognizing this diversity promotes understanding, acceptance, and respect for individuals’ authentic selves.