All lgbtq terms
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ community organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender self and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are accessible in the Transgender Glossary.
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*NOTE: Ask people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the first stage of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans person, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media utilize 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
LGBTQ Terminology
Below is a list of commonly used (or often misunderstood) terms within the Homosexual community. Please understand that while these definitions have been carefully researched and vetted for appropriateness and usage, there may be some variations based on culture, geography, or experience. Additionally, definitions or appropriate usage of some terms and concepts may change rapidly due to more nuanced understanding of the word or individuals described by a word/phrase. Both society and the customs of acceptance are evolving, as are the terms used within it! If you do not understand a pos someone is using or how that word should be used, the leading idea is to ask!
Terms
Ally – A person who confronts the issues facing marginalized persons despite not being a member of the marginalized group. For example, in the LGBTQ+ community, this could be a straight, cisgender person who openly denounces transphobia and homophobia. Members of the LGBTQ+ community can also be allies to one another - such as a lesbian who criticizes biphobia, or a cisgender male lover m
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 portray 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 equal gender.
Gender dysphoria | Clinically significant distress caused when a person’s assigned birth gender is not the matching as the one with which they identi
The language and terminology folks use to describe their experiences of gender and sexual orientation is ever-evolving and the same word 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 heartfelt, physical, or romantic attraction. Asexuality differs from celibacy in that it is a sexual orientation, not a choice.
Assigned at Birth – Commonly utilized by