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 ) . LGBT . The initialism has become mainstream as a self-designation ; it has been adopted by the majority of sexuality and gender identity-based community centers and media in the United States , as well as some other English-speaking countries .