What is included in lgbtq
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, switching and often mean distinct things to different people. They are provided below as a starting indicate for discussion and kind. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the prior 2000s.
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 denote when they use a term, especially when they use it to narrate their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a phrase 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 crucial to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress
What Does LGBTQ+ Mean?
LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term used to describe people who may identify as: Dyke, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, or Queer. The “+” stands for many other identities.
Some of these identities are based on a person’s perception of their own gender. Others are based on the sex or gender of the people they’re most attracted to.
This page explains the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity and provides definitions of some common identities and terms you may hear. It also offers advice for being inclusive of everyone regardless of their gender or orientation.
For more data about the difference between sex and gender, watch our page on these two terms.
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation is a person’s idealistic, emotional, and/or sexual attraction to other people. At the most basic level, someone who is heterosexual is attracted to people of the opposite gender than themselves, and someone who is homosexual is attracted to people of their same gender. But sexual orientation exists on a spectrum, and there are many terms that people use to depict their own orientation.
These are some of the most common te
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ collective 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.
Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org
*NOTE: Inquire people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender persona and gender verbalization 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 this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel
The language and terminology folks use to describe their experiences of gender and sexual orientation is ever-evolving and the same term might have different meanings for different people. However, here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms. Have questions or want 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 close oppression by supporting and advocating for people who are stigmatized, discriminated against or treated unfairly. For the dyke, gay, 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 exposure emotional, physical, or romantic attraction. Asexuality differs from celibacy in that it is a sexual orientation, not a choice.
Assigned at Birth – Commonly utilized by trans individuals, the term illustrates that the individual’s sex (and subsequently gender in early
What Is the “I” in LGBTQIA+?
June is National LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Somewhat recently, the Identity festival acronym has adopted more letters. Many sources now refer to the LGBTQIA+ community, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender nonconforming, queer, intersex, and asexual. While some of those words are often discussed, others may need some further explanation. We turned to Laurel A. Beck, PhD, Senior Instructor in CU Denver’s Department of Integrative Biology to explain the “I” in LGBTQIA+.
First things first. One aspect that makes all the letters in LGBTQ+ difficult for some people to comprehend is the difference between sex and gender. Comedian and social justice activist Sam Killermann, who previously presented a comedy present called “It’s Pronounced Metrosexual” at college campuses nationwide, now creates edugraphics to explain the complexities of sex and gender. As his Genderbread Person illustrates, sex relates to a person’s anatomy, while gender refers to a person’s self-identified feeling of entity male, female, or a combination.
Beck, who researches endocrinology, reiterates this difference: “While sex and gender are terms that are often used interchangeably