LGBT
/elexebeˈte/Latin America
The English phrase lgbt refers to the Spanish adjective for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or transsexual. If unsure, use LGBT. Wiktionary also lists LGTB.
Meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or transsexual (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| LGBT | /elexebeˈte/ | Latin America |
| LGTB | /elexeteˈbe/ | Spain |
In formal contexts, you may also encounter more expanded or inclusive terms such as Comunidad LGBTQ+ (Comunidad Lésbica, Gay, Bisexual, Transgénero y Queer), Personas LGBTQIA+ (Personas Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Transgénero, Queer, Intersexuales y Asexuales) or the broader concept of Diversidad Sexual o de Género (Sexual or Gender Diversity).
Which one should you use?
While both acronyms represent the same concept, the order of the letters differs depending on the region: LGBT is the standard form in Latin America, whereas LGTB is the standard form used in Spain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the standard acronym is LGBT. In Spain, the standard acronym is LGTB. In the Caribbean, the word marica is used within some communities to refer to a gay man.
How do you pronounce it?
/elexebeˈte/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word gay is used as a borrowed term, but it is often treated as an invariant adjective that does not change its ending for gender or number.
- When discussing social movements in Spanish, you will often see 'Queer' incorporated into longer acronyms like 'LGBTQ', despite it being an English word.
- In many Spanish-speaking legal and social contexts, you will see the phrase 'Diversidad Sexual' used as a broad, respectful umbrella term for the entire community.
Examples in context
- A Sami lo evitaban por formar parte de la comunidad LGBT.Sami got shunned because he was in the LGBT community.This sentence shows the use of LGBT to describe a community member.Tatoeba #10268268 by Seael, translation #7219017 by OsoHombre
- Las comunidades LGBT de todo el mundo te tratan de "héroe" y dicen que te tendieron una trampa le explicó Al-Sayib—, pero las agencias del orden público te etiquetan como un asesino despiadado. ¿Cuál de los dos eres, Dima?"LGBT communities around the world are calling you a 'hero', and say that you were framed," Al-Sayib explained. "But the law enforcement agencies are all labeling you as a ruthless murderer. Which one are you, Dima?"This sentence contrasts the view of the LGBT community with that of law enforcement agencies.Tatoeba #583982 by Shishir, translation #582203 by FeuDRenais2
- Es insultante que penséis que las personas LGTBI hemos elegido ser LGTBI. ¿Qué creéis que hemos elegido? ¿Qué se rían de nosotros o romper con nuestras familias? ¿Que no nos alquilen pisos o nos rechacen en trabajos? ¿Creéis que es placentero veros dudar si merecemos derechos?The fact that you think LGBT people have chosen to be LGBT is insulting to me. What exactly have we chosen? Have we chosen for us to be mocked by others or break our families apart? For us to not get apartments rented or jobs? Do you believe it's pleasing for us to see you discussing whether we deserve rights?This sentence uses LGTB to discuss the identity and rights of people within the community.Tatoeba #9727202 by mialiesperantistas, translation #9727226 by mialiesperantistas
- Soy lesbianaI am a lesbian
- Mi hermano es gayMy brother is gay
- Respetemos la diversidad sexualLet's respect sexual diversity
- La comunidad LGBT+ lucha por la igualdadThe LGBT+ community fights for equality
- Ella es una drag queen muy talentosaShe is a very talented drag queen
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing an upcoming city event.
- SofíaMañana es el desfile LGBT de la ciudad.Tomorrow is the city's LGBT parade.
- MateoNo sabía, ¿quieres que te acompañe, Sofía?I didn't know, do you want me to go with you, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, sería genial que vinieras, Mateo.Yes, it would be great if you came, Mateo.
- MateoPerfecto, nos vemos allí entonces.Perfect, I'll see you there then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lgbt” translations and entries LGBT, LGTB, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
