Introduction to the LGBTQ+ Acronym

A joint production by Baaham Organization and  Rainbow Afghanistan Organization

Baaham Organization and  Rainbow Afghanistan Organization have produced an educational video aimed at increasing awareness and promoting a clear understanding of concepts related to the LGBTQ+ community. In this video, Mitra Hashemi from Baaham and Ali Tawakoli from Rainbow Afghanistan  Organization explain the exact meaning of the LGBTQ+ acronym and highlight the importance of using related terminology with accuracy and respect.

In Afghan society, many people have heard the term “LGBTQI+” multiple times, yet they do not know what each letter stands for or which sexual and gender identities it refers to. The purpose of this video—and the accompanying text—is to provide clear, accurate, and understandable explanations of these identities; identities that have long been ignored in Afghanistan and about which very little information is available.

What Does the LGBTQ+ Acronym Mean?

L – Lesbian | لزبین

A woman who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women.

This identity applies only to women and refers specifically to their attraction to women.

G – Gay | گی

Usually refers to a man who is emotionally or sexually attracted to other men.

Although sometimes used for all homosexual individuals, its primary usage is for men.

B – Bisexual | بایسکشوال

A person who may be attracted to both genders—women and men.

This does not mean being in relationships with both at the same time; it refers to the spectrum of their attraction.

T – Transgender | ترنسجندر

A person whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth.

Being transgender is about identity—not the body or clothing.

Types of Trans Individuals:

• Trans woman – Assigned male at birth but identifies as a woman.

• Trans man – Assigned female at birth but identifies as a man.

I – Intersex | اینترسکس

Individuals whose biological characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, or sexual anatomy) do not fit typical definitions of “female” or “male.”

Unfortunately, in Afghanistan many intersex children undergo forced surgeries without their consent.

Q – Queer / Questioning | کوییر / کوئسچنینگ

• Queer: An umbrella term for identities and orientations that fall outside traditional “male/female” or “heterosexual” categories.

• Questioning: Individuals who are still exploring and understanding their identity or orientation.

Can Women Be Bisexual, Queer, or Intersex?

Absolutely, yes.

These identities are not exclusive to men. Any person—women, men, or non-binary individuals—can have these identities.

• Bisexual woman: A woman attracted to women and men.

• Queer woman: A woman whose identity or orientation doesn’t fit traditional categories.

• Intersex woman: A person with non-binary biological traits who may identify as a woman.

Language and Respect: Why the Words We Use Matter

In Afghanistan, many terms used to refer to the LGBTQI+ community are deeply derogatory, humiliating, and violence-inducing. Even many human rights activists unintentionally use such terms without realizing the negative meanings they carry.

Words That Should NOT Be Used:

Ezak – Dojensa – Mort – Zan-Sefat – Bacha-Baz – Lewatkar – Bacha Birish – and even “Degarbash.”

Here is a brief explanation of their harmful meanings:

• Ezak: Extremely insulting; rooted in homophobia and humiliation.

• Dojensa: Incorrect, unscientific, and offensive; often misused for transgender or intersex individuals.

• Mort / Zan-Sefat: Gendered insults used to belittle individuals.

• Bacha-Baz: Refers to child abuse but is wrongly used against gay men, which is extremely dangerous.

• Lewatkar: A historical and religious legal term associated with punishment and violence.

• Degarbash: Although seemingly neutral, it promotes “othering” and separates individuals from society.

Why It Is Better to Use “LGBTQ+” or “Rainbow Community”?

These terms:

✔ are neutral and carry no negative meaning

✔ acknowledge LGBTQ+ individuals as part of society, not “others”

✔ emphasize respect, solidarity, and shared humanity

Our language can be a bridge for acceptance and awareness — or a wall for discrimination.

The choice is ours.

In Conclusion

We invite you to watch the full video, share it with others, and send us your questions and thoughts.

Awareness is the first step toward acceptance, support, and change.

Thank you for standing with us.