When someone calls you gay but you say no u
List of LGBTQ+ terms
A
Abro (sexual and romantic)
A word used to portray people who have a fluid sexual and/or amorous orientation which changes over time, or the course of their life. They may use different terms to describe themselves over time.
Ace
An umbrella term used specifically to describe a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of sexual attraction. This encompasses asexual people as well as those who identify as demisexual and grey-sexual. Ace people who experience lovey-dovey attraction or occasional sexual attraction might also employ terms such as lgbtq+, bi, lesbian, straight and queer in conjunction with asexual to describe the direction of their passionate or sexual attraction.
Ace and aro/ace and aro spectrum
Umbrella terms used to narrate the wide group of people who experience a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of affectionate and/or sexual attraction, including a lack of attraction. People who identify under these umbrella terms may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including, but not limited to, asexual, ace, aromantic, aro, demi, grey, and abro. People may also use terms such as gay, bi, lesbian, vertical
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, modifying and often mean diverse things to different people. They are provided below as a starting show for discussion and empathetic. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the preliminary 2000s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help provide 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 narrate 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 crucial to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress
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 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, 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
Sexual Orientation
Adolescence is the dawn of sexual attraction. It happens due to the hormonal changes of puberty. These changes involve both the body and the mind — so just thinking about someone attractive can cause physical arousal.
These new feelings can be intense, confusing, sometimes even overwhelming. Teens are inception to discover what it means to be attracted romantically and physically to others. And recognizing one's sexual orientation is part of that process.
What Is Sexual Orientation?
The term sexual orientation refers to the gender (that is, male or female) to which a person is attracted. There are several types of sexual orientation that are commonly described:
- Heterosexual (straight). People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: males are attracted to females, and females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are often called "straight."
- Homosexual (gay or lesbian). People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the similar sex: females are attracted to other females; males are attracted to other males. Homosexuals (whether male or female) are often called "gay.
Internalised homophobia and oppression happens to male lover, lesbian and bi people, and even heterosexuals, who own learned and been taught that heterosexuality is the norm and “correct way to be”. Hearing and seeing negative depictions of LGB people can guide us to internalise, or take in, these negative messages. Some LGB people suffer from mental distress as a result.
A general feeling of personal worth and also a positive view of your sexual orientation are critical for your mental health. You, like many lesbian, gay and bisexual people, may have hidden your sexual orientation for a long moment. Research carried out in Northern Ireland into the needs of young LGBT people in 2003 revealed that the average age for men to realise their sexual orientation was 12, yet the average age they actually confided in someone was 17. It is during these formative years when people are coming to understand and accept their sexual orientation that internalised homophobia can really influence a person.
Internalised homophobia manifests itself in varying ways that can be linked to mental health. Examples include:
01. Denial of your sexual orientation to yourself and others.
02. Tries to a