Lgbtq+ all
Terms and Definitions
Below is an introductory list of terms and definitions. This list does not fully encompass the spacious range of identities and terms that are used within various cultural and identity-based communities and/or spaces.
Ally: a person who supports and respects cultural and self diversity, acts accordingly to disagree harmful remarks and behaviors, and is willing to explore and understand these forms of bias within themselves.
Asexual: a person who generally does not experience sexual attraction (or very little) to any group of people. May still have romantic, emotional, affectionate, or relational attractions towards others.
Binary gender: a sociological construct or “traditional” view of gender limited to “man” and “woman” defined by a collection of characteristics that are culturally associated with maleness (masculinity) or femaleness (femininity).
Binary sex: a sociological construct or “traditional” view of sex limited to “male” and “female”.
Biological sex: the physical anatomy and gendered hormones one is born with, ge
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re anxious of saying the wrong thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to assist make conversations easier and more cozy. LGBTQ+ people employ a variety of terms to spot themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always hear for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of Queer people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as successfully as those within the LGBTQ+ group who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for brief, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual outing with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may life no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The anxiety and hatred of, or discomfort with
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, transforming and often mean unlike things to different people. They are provided below as a starting aim for discussion and awareness. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the preceding s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help offer 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 characterize 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
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ collective organizations and leaders. View acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender statement, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary.
Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@
*NOTE: Ask people what terms they operate 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
Acronym for woman loving woman, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering encourage 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