Gender Identity

QTPOC/QPOC - What is it? What does it mean?

Julia Sotska

Updated on November 05, 2024 | 4 min read

QTPOC is an acronym specifically referring to queer and trans people of color. The abbreviation stands for queer, trans people of color can be written as QPOC to indicate queer people of color. People of color stands for people who are non-Caucasian meaning QTPOC includes Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, and other communities who often face similar issues.

Queer people of color as well as trans people of color face issues of discrimination and racism in their daily lives. The acronym QTPOC referring to queer transgender people is specifically inclusive. The QPOC abbreviation may be used in order to add descriptions to events that specifically matter to trans people of color and queer people of color.

Terminology

The term QTPOC and QPOC was developed to discuss the issues trans people of color and queer people of color face in the LGBTQ+ communities.

The abbreviation referring to QTPOC means queer people who are not only people of color but also transgender people can feel the issues they face - matter.

History

Transgender and queer people of color were at the forefront of legal LGBTQ + rights movement. QPOC groups played a physical role in raising the issues transgender and queer people of color dealt with.

Queer people of color as well as black trans people of color face issues in queer communities that are different from the issues Caucasian LGBTQ+ people encounter in their daily lives. QPOC, especially Black queer people of color took physical stands in the legal fight for equality.

The Stonewall Rebellion was specifically started by QPOC activists. Black and Latinx queer and transgender people like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Riviera showed their physical support by leading the groups in the uprising.

Today, QTPOC and QPOC especially black trans woman still face harassment and racism. This is why queer people of color need acronyms like QPOC and QTPOC to discuss issues that may add legal support to their communities.

Flag and Symbols

It is important to add that when referring to a QTPOC and QPOC flag many people still think of the inclusive rainbow flag.

Pride flag

In 2017, Philadelphia decided to add brown and black to the rainbow flag to support QPOC and QTPOC.

Rainbow flag with brown and black

Progress Pride Flag stands for the progress in LGBTQ+ community. A chevron which has black and brown colors to represent QPOC as well as pink, blue and white that stands for transgender people overlays the six-striped rainbow flag.

Progress Pride Flag

QTPOC Pride Flag is mainly referring to an intersection of black queer and people of color communities. Historically the raised fist was a symbol for sign of unity and support for people as well as defiance and resistance, and the various colors on the fist represent diversity of people.

QTPOC Pride Flag

Pronouns

QTPOC and QPOC use a variety of pronouns in their daily lives. These people can have specifically gendered pronouns like she/her or he/him, gender-neutral pronouns like they/them or pronouns of their choice. QTPOC and QPOC term includes all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

In order to avoid potential issues and show your support, it is always best to add your pronouns first. Ask the person what pronouns they prefer using.

Am I a QTPOC?

Gender can be a complicated matter, add race to the mix and there are many things to discuss. If you are LGBTQ+, a person of color then you may identify as QPOC or QTPOC. The acronym stands for non-Caucasian people who are members of the LGBTQ+ communities.

Many people question whether they specifically can use the QPOC abbreviation as they do not identify as queer. The short answer is if you are Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, or any other non-Caucasian then the term may be used when referring to you as a member of not only the LGBTQ+ but also other groups.

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