What is the difference between LGBT and SOGIE?

While the two terms, LGBT and SOGIE, are related to gender, sexual, and romantic minorities (or GSRM,) they refer to quite different aspects.

What is LGBT?

LGBT stands for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual.” LGBT has evolved over the years to include more representation, and that is why we have similar acronyms like LGBTQ and LGBTQIA. Since our understanding of sexuality and identities grew beyond only binary (ie. only male/female), we have added new alphabets to include more representation. For example, Q was introduced to include “Queer” (for individuals who don’t identify with binary definitions) and “Questioning” (for individuals who are still figuring their profile out.)

You can learn more about each alphabet here: What is “LGBTQQIAAPPO2S?”

What is SOGIE?

SOGIE stands for “Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression.” For SOGIE, think of it as a guideline to help understand that there are three aspects when we talk about LGBT. All of us have a SOGIE profile, which can be thought of in various scales, all of which are acceptable. SOGIE is very useful because it reminds us how there is a difference between sexual orientation and gender identity.

SOGIE helps us to understand each other, especially the LGBT community

SOGIE is useful when individuals need a starting point to understand their personal profile and preferences. Especially for some Questioning individuals, SOGIE is a good reference to come back in a confusing time. SOGIE is also good because it can help us understand different varieties. In this respect, SOGIE may be able to help individuals figure out their personal orientation, identities and expressions, even beyond the current LGBTQQIAAPPO2S range.

SOGIE also shines because it differentiates between sexual orientation and gender identity, which can be confusing for some. It is easy to assume that identifying as female does not automatically mean a female-to-male sexual orientation. Not to mention it is possible to not identify as binary, for example, agender, where the individual doesn’t identify as male or female.

First step to understanding minorities better

Learning about LGBT and SOGIE is a good first step to learning other terms like cisgender and asexuality. It also helps us understand the issues that the GSRM community faces. Knowledge will help us connect with each other better.