Bill Tashima: Gaining His Identity and Acceptance By Elaine Ikoma Ko Special to The North American Post June is LGBTQ Pride Month, when the world’s gay communities celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Pride gatherings share common ground with those of all minority groups who have struggled to overcome prejudice and be accepted for whom they are. LGBTQ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Sometimes, there is a “+” at the end of the acronym to be more inclusive and respectful of how some individuals may identify themselves.