LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (and/or Queer), Intersex, Agender (and/or Asexual), and more since romantic/sexual orientations and gender identities are limitless, and the glossary is constantly evolving and expanding.
Around 1988, when movements for sexual “minorities” rights became really active, the four-letter (LGBT) initialism was adopted to group individuals of these minorities - various gender identities and sexual/romantic orientations. This acronym was the first step in an evolution towards inclusion.
The addition of the “Q” began to become popular at the turn of the new century. Some people think the “Q” stands for “questioning” (individuals who are unsure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity) while others insist that it means “queer” - a term that used to be considered derogatory but is now gaining more acceptance and popularity. Now, there is also the “I” letter that stands for intersex, and the “A”, for agender or asexual, or even ally according to some people.
Times and the level of acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people are definitely changing - as reported by a recent international survey, LGBTQIA+ individuals are now seen in a very positive way by most. So it is only logical that the gender identity/sexual orientation language and terminology are also changing to become more and more inclusive of all genders and sexual/romantic orientations.
Facebook introduced several gender options in 2014, seven US states started offering a third gender option on driver licenses in 2019. A significant number of employers have been creating a more welcoming culture for their LGBTQIA+ employees, more schools have been increasing visibility for students and inclusive and creating inclusive classroom communities. It comes as no surprise - there are an estimated 1.4 million trans people in the USA today, which is about 0.6% of the country’s population. According to the results of another recent study, about 2.7% of American teens identify as genderqueer, trans, genderfluid, or are questioning their gender.