The 21st century, besides other factors, is defined by its inclusivity and an overall attitude of acceptance, and one group that is at the forefront of this charge is the LGBTQIA+ community, and after being much ostracized, they’re gradually gaining the place that they always deserved in our increasingly homogenous society. As homophobia gets relegated to the past, and transgender equality is on the rise, we are getting there slowly but certainly. Here, we would be taking a look at the various different groups that make up this classification. Since the concept is an ever-evolving one, dynamism is a part of the subject perennially. So, let’s start.

The classifications

Although the classifications associated are somewhat defined, they are pretty fluid and can be modified as time progresses, but we would talk about the main ones here and the general group that adheres to them. 

• Lesbian

Since time immemorial, humans have been culturally and socially seasoned to be attracted to someone who belongs to the opposite gender, even if they did not wish to do so. As the cultural walls continue to dissolve over time, people who do not conform to these prehistoric social norms can express themselves freely without the fear of repercussions in most parts of the world. One such group is the lesbians or girls/women who are attracted to other women, be it physically or emotionally. You see, homosexuality had been frowned upon for most of known history, but the advent of the pride culture has given them a platform to express themselves freely. 

• Gay

As the shackles of homophobia break down, another group that has emerged are the gays, or boys/men who find themselves attracted and connected to other like-minded men/boys, either physically or emotionally or both. As society improves and becomes more inclusive, homosexual roles have become a part of popular culture as well, besides pride rallies. One prime example of this phenomenon is the inclusion of the character or Captain. Raymond Holt in the hit TV series, Brooklyn 99. In spite of all these, homophobia still rears its ugly head in some form or the other in certain parts of the world and needs to be addressed at a war footing. 

• Bisexual

Once we have learned about the lesbian and gay classifications, we move on to the next group, who are the bisexuals. This refers to the people who aren’t restricted by gender boundaries, and are attracted to all genders equally, be it sexually or emotionally. They make up a crucial, and arguably the largest component of the entire LGBTQIA+ community. An inclusive society has enabled them to express themselves openly, but a lot of work remains to be done in this regard. Popular culture has taken dearly to them as well, and several bisexual characters have played a critical role in dramas, books, movies, and web series alike, thereby firmly securing their position in society. 

• Transgender

There are several misconceptions and prejudices associated with this group, so let’s see what this actually means. So, what is transgender? Well, this refers to any person who doesn’t conform to a particular gender identity and prefers to maintain a gender-fluid stance. Many of them do not adhere to the gender they were assigned at birth. Many of them may undergo medical and surgical procedures to transform their gender to what they associate with. Since the term is pretty fluid, and due to widespread ignorance and prejudice, transgenders have to face a lot of hardship in their day-to-day lives, and many are deprived of good career opportunities and basic human rights as well. Due to all these, having a strong agenda for transgender equality is crucial at several levels. 

• Queer

The term is a collective used to denote people who do not conform to heterosexuality, be it a gay or lesbian, or bisexual. The term was used derogatorily to indicate people who were different and weird but as knowledge proliferates and people become more accepting, the term isn’t used negatively anymore. Since the classification is pretty fluid as well, queer equality, just like transgender equality, is something that should be addressed as well. 

• Intersex

At first glance, one may mistake someone who is intersex and assume them to be what is transgender, but that’s really not the case. To be precise, an intersex person is someone who displays traits of both males and females, be it in the form of their voice, physical build, hair growth, etc, and they continue to be a pretty misunderstood community as well. Thankfully, as awareness spreads its colourful wings, people are becoming more and more welcoming to them and making society a better place to live and prosper in. 

• Asexual

A rather unique and well-defined classification, being asexual refers to a lack of desire or attraction towards a partner-based relationship, be it physical or emotional. A point that must be clarified is that asexuality isn’t the same as celibacy, since asexual people can and do engage in sexual activity if they so wish.

Final take:

An ever-inclusive world means a prettier and happier society wherein each and everyone is welcome, and wouldn’t be made unwanted and criminalized. Transgender equality, mutual respect, widespread acceptance, tolerance, and education as some of the factors that can transform society and improve it immensely. As time passes, various new classifications would be added on, and our world would certainly become truly inclusive. 

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