All gay meanings
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or verbalization because it feels taboo, or because they’re scared of saying the incorrect thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more content. 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 word used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Queer community who support each other (e.g., a sapphic 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 task with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may life no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who love and are sexually attracted to more than one gender.
Bisexual | Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ people organizations and leaders. Watch acknowledgements section. Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender utterance, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary. Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org *NOTE: Ask people what terms they employ 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 beginning of a sentence. LGBTQ Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone. For many people who are fresh to the LGBTQIA+ group, this acronym can feel confusing or overwhelming. If you are new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today. And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to learn more about how the group has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too. The way the LGBTQIA+ society interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly switching. We strive to add everyone and to build everyone feel seen and understood. For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to describe the community. Now, many people worry about how to come out, but coming out before the 1970s 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 important reason. In the early days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian community often felt dismissed or 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 represent when they use a term, especially when they use it to outline their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a word 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. These terms are key to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress .
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Acronym for homosexual woman, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering endorse 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 this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratelWhat Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
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 gesture for discussion and awareness. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the promptly 2000s.