LGBT is an acronym.
An acronym is a word or name formed as an abbreviation from the initial components in a phrase or a word , usually individual letters ( as in NATO or laser ) and sometimes syllables ( as in Benelux ) . Acronyms are a type of word formation process , and they are viewed as a subtype of blending . LGBT , or GLBT , is an initialism that stands for lesbian , gay , bisexual , and transgender . The initialism , LGBT , is intended to emphasize a diversity of sexuality and gender identity-based cultures . The LGBT community or GLBT community , also referred to as the gay community , is a loosely defined grouping of lesbian , gay , bisexual , and transgender ( LGBT ) and LGBT-supportive people , organizations , and subcultures , united by a common culture and social movements .