Lgbtq meaning and definition
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are modern to the LGBTQIA+ society, 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+ group interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly modifying. We strive to enclose everyone and to craft everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
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
LGBTQ Definitions
Ally | A person who is not LGBTQ but shows support for LGBTQ people and promotes equality in a variety of ways.
Androgynous | Identifying and/or presenting as neither distinguishably masculine nor feminine.
Androsexual | A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to masculinity or people with masculine traits regardless of their own, or the other person's gender identity.
Asexual | The lack of a sexual attraction or desire for other people.
Bisexual | A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender or gender identity though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree.
Cisgender | A term used to explain a person whose gender identity aligns with those typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth.
Gay | A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to members of the identical gender.
Gender dysphoria | Clinically significant distress caused when a person’s assigned birth gender is not the identical as the one with which they identify. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re nervous of saying the wrong thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to aid make conversations easier and more cozy. LGBTQ+ people employ a variety of terms to recognize themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always eavesdrop for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of Homosexual people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as adv as those within the LGBTQ+ society who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for compact, 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 trial no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The dread and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who cherish and are sexually attracted to more than one gender.
Bisexual | A person emotiona
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.
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
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, switching and often mean other things to different people. They are provided below as a starting indicate for discussion and awareness. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the first 2000s.
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 illustrate 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