Majority uses the acronym LGBTQ+ in referring to the community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and the plus sign that signifies inclusiveness. This simplified acronym raises doubts in the Philippine government.
During the hearing for the Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill in 2020, the boundaries of the “plus sign” were questioned. Lawyer Lyndon Caña from the Coalition of Concerned Families argued that the acronym LGBTQ+ does not define the boundary or limitation of gender identity and sexual orientation.
The lawyer questioned if necrophilia and pedophilia will be associated with the LGBTQ+ community. Necrophilia is the sexual attraction to the dead while pedophilia is the sexual attraction to children.
This was slammed by Bataan 1st district Representative Geraldine Roman. “We are here in the House of Representatives. Do you seriously think that we would legislate something that would allow necrophilia and pedophilia? How dare you!” she said.
Over the years the acronym has grown as more gender identities and sexual orientation are added. Today the recognized expanded acronym for LGBTQ+ is the LGBTQQIP2SAA which stands for:
Lesbian. A woman who is attracted to to other women. Some lesbians prefer to be identified as gay or gay woman.
Gay. Men who are attracted to other men are referred to as gay. But today, this adjective has become a generic term for people who are attracted to people of the same sex.
Bisexual. People who are attracted to both of the same gender and those of another gender.
Transgender. People whose gender identity or expression does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Not all transgender undergo medical procedures or surgery to align their bodies with their gender identity. Transgender identity is not dependent on physical appearance.
Queer. Usually younger people whose sexual orientation are not exclusively heterosexual.
Questioning. People who are still exploring or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Intersex. People whose bodies are biologically different. Some intersex may have both male and female genitalia while others are born with a mix of female and male features like having uterus and testicles. This is more medical than political but intersex people are free to choose their gender identities and sexual orientations.
Pansexual. People who may describe their attraction as focused on personality and not on gender.
2S or Two-spirit. People who fulfil a traditional third-gender ceremonial role usually among indigenous tribes. Two-spirit in its essence is a religious role.
Androgynous. People who have both male and female characteristics. Someone who is identifying as neither masculine nor feminine.
Asexual. People who do not associate themselves with sexual activities or feelings.