The term 'LGBTQ+' originates from the combination of initial letters of the words 'Lesbian', 'Gay', 'Bisexual', 'Transgender', and 'Queer/Questioning', with the '+' signifying inclusivity of other sexual orientations and gender identities.

The acronym evolved from 'LGB' to 'LGBT' in the 1990s, and later expanded to 'LGBTQ+' to include a broader spectrum of identities.

Initially, it referred to the core identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, but has since expanded to include a wider range of sexual orientations and gender identities.