What does LGBTIQ mean, and how do you sign it in Auslan?
In this QAT video, Deafblind Auslan teacher Steve Ripley shares his understanding of what each letter means, and demonstrates relevant Auslan vocabulary. Steve signs clearly and slowly, making the video useful for Auslan learners and deafblind Auslan users.
Access to information is not equal for everyone. Deafblind people can miss information that is shared through spoken conversations, audio and visual media. Learning identity terms in Auslan can help people understand themselves, communicate with others and take part in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Watch Steve’s video below and practise the signs with him. Were any of these words or signs new to you? Do you use different signs? We would love to hear from you.
QAT brings together LGBTQIA+ deafblind people and allies to make social connections and practise tactile Auslan and deafblind communication. More in-person QAT activities are planned in the second half of 2026. Contact DBV if you are interested in joining us!
Video translation:
“Hello. This video will model some signs in Auslan used by the LGBTIQ community.
Keep in mind that signs can vary, and change over time. The meaning of a sign can also change, as concepts evolve through use. We should expect that.
L stands for lesbian. The sign looks like this [Steve shows the sign]. It refers to women who are attracted to women.
G is for gay. [Steve shows the sign]. In the Deaf community, this sign implies a man who is primarily attracted to men. Nowadays, it may also be used to include lesbians.
B is bisexual [Steve shows the sign]. A bisexual person is attracted to both men and women. Some people understand this sign to refer to people who are attracted to a number of genders.
T is transexual [Steve shows the sign meaning trans]. It could be used for a person who appears to be a boy when they are born, but feels inside that they are a girl, or a person that appears to be a girl at birth, but understands themself to be a boy. A trans person may seek medical intervention to help make their body better align with their identity, such as hormones or surgery. They may choose not to change their body at all, but use clothes to express their gender identity.
I is for Intersex. There is no established sign in Auslan for this identity, so it’s best to fingerspell the word. It refers to people who are born with ambiguous sexual characteristics.
Q is for queer [Steve shows the sign]. Queer can be an umbrella term used by any of the LGBTI identities, for those who embrace it.”
