LGBTQ+ is an acronym that is used to describe lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer persons or the community. LGBTQ is frequently expanded in corresponding ways, as in LGBTQIA (to include intersex and asexual), or is rendered more simply as LGBTQ+. LGBTQ communities have been understood to encompass a variety of sexual orientations and identities beyond those directly referred to in the acronym, LGBTQ, since the early 21st century. Among them, for example, "questioning”, "intersex” and "agender” or “asexual”.
LGBTQ inclusion is beneficial to businesses. According to a US report by Out Now, titled "LGBT 2020 - LGBT Diversity Show Me the Business Case", if companies adopted more successful inclusion policies for their LGBTQ+ employees, the US economy could save $9 billion yearly. This financial saving is partly attributed to the reduction in stress and health problems that LGBTQ+ employees face, when they experience prejudice or feel they must conceal their identities at work. The LGBTQ+ market's purchasing power and customer loyalty were also mentioned in the survey. Furthermore, clients are more likely to depart from establishments where instances of prejudice have been made public.
