Acronyms and Terminology
Understanding the language used within the LGBTQ+ community is essential for respectful and informed discussions.
LGBTQIA+: An inclusive acronym that stands for:
Lesbian: A woman who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women.
Gay: A person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of the same gender. Often used specifically for men, but can be used by anyone attracted to the same gender.
Bisexual: A person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to more than one gender.
Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Queer: A reclaimed slur used by some as a broad, inclusive term for people who do not identify as straight or cisgender. It can also mean questioning one’s sexual or gender identity.
Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics (such as genitals, gonads, or chromosomes) that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.
Asexual: A person who does not experience sexual attraction. The “A” can also stand for “Aromantic” (not experiencing romantic attraction) or “Agender” (not identifying with any gender).
+: Represents other identities not explicitly covered by the LGBTQIA acronym, including but not limited to pansexual, demisexual, genderqueer, and non-binary.
Gender and Sexuality Terms
Bigender: A person who identifies with two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or switching between them.
Cisgender: A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone assigned female at birth who identifies as a woman.
Demisexual: A person who only experiences sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional connection with someone.
Genderqueer: A broad term that encompasses a range of gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. Similar to non-binary.
Genderfluid: A gender identity that may change over time or depending on the situation. A genderfluid person may feel more male one day and more female the next.
Non-Binary: A gender identity that doesn’t fit within the traditional categories of male or female. Non-binary people may identify as a mix of both genders, neither, or something entirely different.
Pansexual: A person who is attracted to others regardless of their gender identity. Pansexuality is often seen as a more inclusive form of bisexuality.
Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous cultures in North America to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities or fulfills a unique gender role within their community.
Identity and Expression
Gender Identity: A person’s internal understanding of their own gender, whether that be male, female, non-binary, or something else.
Gender Expression: How a person presents their gender to the world through clothing, behavior, voice, and other forms of expression. It may or may not align with societal expectations of their gender.
Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex people may have variations in chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy.
Queer: Once a derogatory term, “queer” has been reclaimed by many in the LGBTQIA+ community as a positive, inclusive term for anyone who is not heterosexual or cisgender. It can also refer to non-normative ways of thinking about gender and sexuality.
Sexual Orientation: Refers to who a person is attracted to emotionally, romantically, or sexually. Examples include heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and asexual.
Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes non-binary people, as well as trans men and women.
Transsexual: An older term that some transgender people use to describe their experience, often involving medical transition (such as hormone therapy or surgery). This term is less commonly used today and can be considered outdated or offensive.
Social and Cultural Terms
Ally: A person who supports and advocates for the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals, often someone who is not LGBTQIA+ themselves.
Biphobia: Fear, hatred, or prejudice against bisexual people, including the belief that bisexuality is not a legitimate sexual orientation.
Coming Out: The process of revealing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity to others. This can be a one-time event or an ongoing process throughout a person’s life.
Closeted: Refers to someone who has not disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity, either partially or fully, to others.
Heteronormativity: The assumption that heterosexuality is the default or normal sexual orientation, which often leads to the marginalization of LGBTQIA+ identities.
Homophobia: Fear, hatred, or prejudice against people who are or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
Intersectionality: A concept that describes how different forms of oppression (such as racism, sexism, and homophobia) intersect and affect individuals in multiple ways. For example, a black transgender woman may face both racism and transphobia.
Passing: When a person is perceived as a member of the gender they identify with, often used in the context of transgender people being seen as their true gender. It can also refer to bisexual people being perceived as straight.
Transphobia: Fear, hatred, or prejudice against people who are or are perceived to be transgender or gender non-conforming.
Additional LGBTQIA+ Terms
Binding: The practice of using a binder or other garment to flatten the chest, often used by transgender men or non-binary people.
Deadname: The birth name of a transgender person who has changed their name as part of their transition. Using a person’s deadname is considered disrespectful and harmful.
Misgendering: Referring to someone by a gender they do not identify with, either intentionally or unintentionally. This can include using the wrong pronouns or gendered language.
Pronouns: Words used to refer to someone in place of their name (e.g., he/him, she/her, they/them). Using the correct pronouns is a sign of respect for a person’s gender identity.
Transition: The process a transgender person goes through to live as their true gender. This can include social transition (changing name, pronouns, clothing), medical transition (hormone therapy, surgeries), and legal transition (changing gender markers on documents).
Tucking: The practice of hiding external genitalia to achieve a flatter appearance, often used by transgender women or non-binary people.
These terms and acronyms represent just a snapshot of the evolving language used within the LGBTQIA+ community. Understanding and using these terms correctly can foster a more inclusive environment for everyone.