What “Alphabet Mafia” Means & Where It Comes From

PDF download Download Article
Learn about the identities (& controversies) around this acronym
PDF download Download Article

“Alphabet mafia” is generally considered a derogatory, homophobic term for LGBTQIA+ people. But like all things to do with sexual and gender identities, there’s plenty of nuance and reclamation that make this term more interesting and complex than it seems at first. In this article, we’ll dive into what “alphabet mafia” means and how it’s used , plus explore why this term began popping up in recent years. (And, if you need a refresher, we’ll cover what LGBTQIA+ actually stands for , too.)

In this article, we use the term “queer” as a non-derogatory umbrella term for LGBTQIA+ people.

What is the “alphabet mafia”?

“Alphabet mafia” is a derogatory term for LGBTQ+ people. “Alphabet” refers to the acronym LGBTQ+, while “mafia” implies that LGBTQ+ people are aggressive or coercive in their efforts to gain understanding and equal civil rights. LGBTQ+ people have reclaimed the term and some use it ironically to refer to themselves.

Section 1 of 5:

What does “alphabet mafia” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. The “alphabet” part of the name refers to the letters in the acronym “LGBTQIA+” (and its variations) that describe the different sexual, gender, and romantic identities within the queer community. “Mafia” refers to the perceived notion by some that LGBTQ+ people and their allies use aggressive tactics to pressure individuals or organizations into adopting their values. The term was originally meant to be condescending, derogatory, or just plain homophobic, but has been reclaimed by LGBTQ+ people as a funny and ironic label.
    • In some cases, “alphabet mafia” is used by queer content creators to avoid having posts about innocuous LGBTQ+ content restricted or shadow-banned on social media sites under the guise of “content moderation.” [1]
    • “Alphabet mafia” may also sometimes be used as a criticism (from within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community) for the way the “LGBTQ+” acronym seems to be constantly changing and getting longer. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Is “alphabet mafia” positive or negative?

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    “Alphabet mafia” is negative when used by non-LGBTQ+ people in a derogatory way. While the acronyms LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIA+ are meant to reflect and highlight many diverse identities, “alphabet” reduces all queer people to one condescending umbrella term (similar to how “queer” was previously used as a slur for anyone not straight or gender-normative). [3] The term shows a lack of care, respect, or even belief in LGBTQ+ identities and is a way of “othering” queer people.
    • “Mafia” is also belittling, as it suggests efforts by LGBTQ+ people to protect and advance their civil rights, representation, and social acceptance are aggressive, coercive, or even illegal.
    • Many ultra-conservative commentators, like Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk, use phrases like “We must stand up to the alphabet mafia” or “Don’t pander to the alphabet mafia” to make it sound like LGBTQ+ people are a group to work against politically.
    • Essentially, “alphabet mafia” is a derogatory term used to erase LGBTQ+ visibility and vilify pro-LGBTQ+ values or policies. Terms like “alphabet soup” or “alphabet people” are also used this way.
  2. 2
    However, many LGBTQ+ folks now use the term in a humorous, ironic way. Like the term “queer,” “alphabet mafia” is now used ironically among some LGBTQ+ people to comically refer to themselves as family or agents within the ranks of the “mafia.” By adopting the term themselves, queer folks tell homophobic and transphobic people that their efforts to erase or insult them are ineffective. It’s the same kind of humor that queer people use when they joke about “choosing” to be gay (it’s not a choice) or enacting the sinister but vague “gay agenda” (which, for the record, is not real).
    • Some joke that the number of years you’ve been out of the closet determines your “rank” in the mafia. For example, newly out people are privates, while those with more experience in the community can be generals, colonels, captains, etc.
    • Others identify themselves by a military title corresponding to their label in the LGBTQ+ acronym. Lesbians can be lieutenants, bisexuals can be brigadiers, etc. (This Tumblr post from user @trixicbean shares the full mafia ranks list.)
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

Why did people start saying “alphabet mafia”?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cultural changes in the past 20 or so years have led to a lot more visibility, discourse, and understanding of sexual and gender diversity. Same-sex marriage and adoption laws, increased trans representation, and recognizing nonbinary individuals are all examples of the progress of LGBTQ+ people in the 21st century. [4] As understanding and acceptance grew, so did the LGBTQ+ acronym—and potential confusion or resentment around it.
    • For example, in his 2021 Netflix special The Closer, comedian Dave Chappelle said, “The rule is that no matter what you do in your artistic expression, you are never, ever, allowed to upset…the alphabet people.” [5] The joke drew criticism for being anti-LGBTQ+, but also alludes to a wider cultural feeling within some communities that all discourse around gay and trans people must be politically correct, “or else.”
    • The use of the term “alphabet mafia” also coincides with rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime rates, which have increased every year since 2022, even as overall crime trends downward. More than 1 in 5 hate crimes are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias. [6]
    • It’s unknown when exactly “alphabet mafia” was first used. The earliest references to the term on Urban Dictionary come from December 2020. [7]
Section 4 of 5:

What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?

PDF download Download Article
  1. LGBTQIA+ means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and more. It’s basically an umbrella term (like “queer”) to encompass all gender, sexual, and romantic identities that deviate from the straight, cisgender “norm.” Here’s a breakdown of what ech letter means: [8]
    • Lesbian: Women who are sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to other women.
    • Gay: Men who are sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to other men.
    • Bisexual: Someone who is sexually or romantically attracted to both men and women, or to more than one sex or gender.
    • Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not correspond with the sex registered for them at birth.
    • Queer, questioning: “Queer” is an umbrella term for LGBTQ+ people not represented by LGBT. “Questioning” refers to those who aren’t sure how they identify yet.
    • Intersex: Individuals with variations in their sex characteristics that do not fit into the traditional binary definitions of male and female.
    • Asexual: A person who experiences no sexual feelings, desires; or attraction to anyone.
    • Plus (+): The “+” sign indicates identities not covered by LGBTQIA (like pansexual, gender fluid, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and more).
    EXPERT TIP

    Mira Lazine

    LGBTQ+ Journalist
    Mira Lazine is a journalist specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, politics, science, and gaming based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mira is a transfeminine writer acclaimed for providing a methodical, accurate, and investigative slant to the world of queer reporting. She has been featured in multiple outlets, including The Washington Post, Erin in the Morning, Truthout, The Advocate, LGBTQ Nation, Assigned Media, Cincinnati Citybeat, The Buckeye Flame, Autostraddle, Strange Matters Magazine, and Discover Magazine. She is a contributor to the Trans Data Library, an authoritative site documenting the actions of opponents to transgender care. She is also a contributor to journalist Erin Reed's legislation tracker, documenting pieces of LGBTQ+ related legislation as they emerge across the country. Mira attended Keystone College.
    Mira Lazine
    LGBTQ+ Journalist

    The most recognizable terms are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. Other ones that I would say are becoming more well-known nowadays are intersex, asexual, and two-spirit. I've been seeing a lot of, especially non-profits, using an abridged version of that: LGBTQIA2S+.

    2. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

More Queer Terminology

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sexual orientations and gender identities are complex and nuanced topics. If you’d like to read about more LGBTQ+ terms, check out these helpful wikiHow articles:

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you’re being bullied or harassed for being LGBTQ+ or you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Here are some resources you can contact:
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

      * LGBT Youth National Hotline (for callers up to age 25): (800) 246-7743 * The Trevor Project (for callers up to age 25): (866) 488-7386 * Trans Lifeline : (877) 565-8860 * Suicide and Crisis Lifeline : 988

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      The Complete Guide to the LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA Acronym
      What Does LGBTQIAPK Stand For?
      How to
      Understand LGBT+ Terminology
      How Gay Am I Quiz
      LGBTQ+ Quiz
      What’s the Difference Between “Queer” and “Gay”?
      How to
      Support, Empathize with, and Affirm LGBTQ+ People
      Am I Straight Quiz
      Am I Bisexual Quiz
      Am I Gay Quiz
      18 Practical Ways to Celebrate Pride as an Ally
      What Does “Semi Bisexual” Mean?
      Nonbinary Lesbian: Can You Be Both?
      What Is the Transgender Symbol? Its Origins & Meaning
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://uclawreview.org/2023/04/04/the-alphabet-mafia-social-media-companies-and-public-accommodations-laws/
      2. ↑ https://www.copenhagenpride.dk/en/the-alphabet-mafia-and-acronyms-whirlwinds-of-self-realizations/
      3. ↑ https://thesafezoneproject.com/faq/isnt-queer-a-bad-word/
      4. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X23000611
      5. ↑ https://genius.com/Dave-chappelle-alphabet-people-annotated
      6. ↑ https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/new-fbi-data-anti-lgbtq-hate-crimes-continue-to-spike-even-as-overall-crime-rate-declines
      7. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=alphabet+mafia&page=1
      8. ↑ https://lgbtq.ucsf.edu/glossary-terms

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 107 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement