Lgbtqi terminology
The following list is neither comprehensive nor incontrovertible, but its an ever-improving list of definitions for terminology relating to LGBTQ+ identities & people, sexualities, and genders.
advocate – 1noun : a person who actively works to end intolerance, educate others, and support social equity for a marginalized group. 2verb : to actively assist or plea in favor of a particular cause, the action of operational to end intolerance or educate others.
agender – adj. : a person with no (or very little) connection to the traditional system of gender, no personal alignment with the concepts of either man or woman, and/or someone who sees themselves as existing without gender. Sometimes called gender neutrois, gender neutral, or genderless.
ally /“al-lie”/ – noun : a (typically straight and/or cisgender) person who supports and respects members of the LGBTQ community. We evaluate people to be active allies who take action on in support and respect.
androgyny /“an-jrah-jun-ee”/ (androgynous) – 1 noun. : a gender expression that has elements of both
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or statement because it feels taboo, or because they’re frightened of saying the erroneous thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more easy . 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 phrase used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Gay community who support each other (e.g., a queer woman 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 exercise 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
LGBTQI
LGBTQI FactsRFSL
LGBTQI is an umbrella term for lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual, transgender and homosexual people.
The L, G, and B refer to sexual orientation, who a person feels romantically and/or sexually attracted to.
The T refers to gender identity and expression.
Q refers to lgbtq+ in relation to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or relationships and sexual practice, but it also represents a critical view of existing norms.
I refers to intersex, which is an umbrella designation used for a variety of experiences in which a person is born with, or develops, a reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit the typical definitions of female or male. An intersex person may determine as female, male, or neither.
The first time that the acronym, LGBT (hbt), was used in produce in Sweden was in in RFSL’s member magazine, Kom Ut the purpose was to broaden terms such as same-sex attracted and homosexual.
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faktaLGBTQGlossary 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 individuality and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are obtainable 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 origin of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender non-conforming, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media apply 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