Historically, many LGBTQ people were rejected by their biological families after coming out. This created the cultural tradition of —close friends who act as parents, siblings, and aunts/uncles, providing emotional and financial support. This is a cornerstone of LGBTQ resilience.
Transgender people have profoundly influenced broader LGBTQ and mainstream culture, often through art, language, and the "ballroom" scene. Defining LGBTQ+ - The Center
Understanding this distinction is the first step in understanding the culture.