Different types of lgbtq and what they mean
47 Terms That Describe Sexual Attraction, Behavior, and Orientation
It’s OK to feel unsure or overwhelmed by all of the terms we now have to narrate sexual and romantic orientation, attraction, and behavior.
Expanding the language you apply to describe your sexuality can provide important guidance, validation, and access to community while on your journey of sexual self-discovery and satisfaction.
Mere Abrams is a researcher, writer, educator, consultant, and licensed clinical social worker who reaches a worldwide audience through public speaking, publications, social media (@meretheir), and gender therapy and support services practice . Mere uses their personal experience and diverse professional background to support individuals exploring gender and help institutions, organizations, and businesses to raise gender literacy and detect opportunities to demonstrate gender inclusion in products, services, programs, projects, and content.
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ group 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.
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*NOTE: Request people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender self and gender statement 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, queer , 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 thi
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing.
This glossary was written to help provide people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more comfortable. 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 Diverse people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the LGBTQ+ collective who support each other (e.g., a lesbian 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 activity with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may experience no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The dread and hatred of, or discomfort with
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, transforming and often mean other things to different people. They are provided below as a starting indicate for discussion and knowledge. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the prior s.
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 indicate when they use a term, especially when they use it to depict 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