Lgbtq all meanings
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, changing and often imply different things to different people. They are provided below as a starting point for discussion and understanding. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the early s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help give others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they mean when they use a term, especially when they use it to illustrate their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a designation for themselves.
“If I didn't describe myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” -Audre Lorde
This glossary contains terms, such as ableism and disability, that may not be considered directly related to identities of sexuality or gender. T
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community, this acronym can appear confusing or overwhelming.
If you are modern, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to acquire more about how the community has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too.
The way the LGBTQIA+ collective interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly changing. We compete to include everyone and to create everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to explain the community.
Now, many people worry about how to reach out, but coming out before the s wasn’t even an option, as many states illegalized what they called “homosexuality” or “sodomy.” There was also no acronym at all, restricting the inclusivity of our community.
Once an acronym appeared, all versions of it began with “L” – for an key reason.&nb
The language and terminology folks use to describe their experiences of gender and sexual orientation is ever-evolving and the same phrase might have different meanings for different people. However, here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms. Have questions or wish to learn more? Wondering what all of those letters mean? Here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms.
Ally – An ally is an individual who speaks out and stands up for a person or group that is targeted and discriminated against. An ally works to end oppression by supporting and advocating for people who are stigmatized, discriminated against or treated unfairly. For the lesbian, lgbtq+, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) communities, an ally is any person who supports and stands up for the rights of Gay people.
Asexual – A person who does not experience sexual attraction; they may or may not experience sentimental, physical, or romantic attraction. Asexuality differs from celibacy in that it is a sexual orientation, not a choice.
Assigned at Birth – Commonly utilized by
LGBTQ Definitions
Ally | A person who is not LGBTQ but shows support for LGBTQ people and promotes equality in a variety of ways.
Androgynous | Identifying and/or presenting as neither distinguishably masculine nor feminine.
Androsexual | A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to masculinity or people with masculine traits regardless of their own, or the other person's gender identity.
Asexual | The lack of a sexual attraction or desire for other people.
Bisexual | A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender or gender identity though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree.
Cisgender | A term used to detail a person whose gender identity aligns with those typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth.
Gay | A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to members of the matching gender.
Gender dysphoria | Clinically significant distress caused when a person’s assigned birth gender is not the identical as the one with which they identi