Lgbt terms
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ people organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary.
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*NOTE: Question people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender self and gender utterance before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of thi
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, transforming and often mean alternative things to different people. They are provided below as a starting signal for discussion and empathetic. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the premature s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help grant others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they imply when they use a term, especially when they use it to portray their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a legal title for themselves.
“If I didn't define 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
LGBTQ Terminology
Below is a list of commonly used (or often misunderstood) terms within the LGBTQ+ group. Please know that while these definitions have been carefully researched and vetted for appropriateness and usage, there may be some variations based on identity, geography, or experience. Additionally, definitions or appropriate usage of some terms and concepts may change rapidly due to more nuanced understanding of the synonyms or individuals described by a word/phrase. Both customs and the culture of acceptance are evolving, as are the terms used within it! If you do not understand a word someone is using or how that pos should be used, the best idea is to ask!
Terms
Ally – A person who confronts the issues facing marginalized persons despite not being a member of the marginalized team. For example, in the LGBTQ+ community, this could be a straight, cisgender person who openly denounces transphobia and homophobia. Members of the LGBTQ+ people can also be allies to one another - such as a womxn loving womxn who criticizes biphobia, or a cisgender gay m
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing.
This glossary was written to help offer people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more comfortable. LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A legal title used to describe someone who is actively supportive of Queer people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the LGBTQ+ people who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual activity with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may experience no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The horror and hatred of, or discomfort with