Lgbtq+ glossary
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Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated?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@
*NOTE: Request people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender persona and gender utterance 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 thi
See our identity graphic for an explanation of some of the basics.
Sexuality and Orientation
Achillean: men who are attracted to men, inclusive of gay, pansexual, pansexual, and queer men and nonbinary people who identify with manhood. A term that refers to the Greek hero Achilles, modeled after the utilize of the term “sapphic” for women who are attracted to women. Similar to MLM.
Aesthetic attraction: a “tertiary attraction” different from affectionate or sexual attraction, which involves finding a person aesthetically beautiful without wanting to act sexually or romantically on the feeling. It has been compared to the way that one might feel about a beautiful painting or a sunset.
Allosexual/Alloromantic: the opposite of asexual or aromantic; experiencing sexual or romantic attraction.
Alterous attraction: a type of attraction that can’t be easily or clearly labeled as either romantic or platonic, often includes a craving to be emotionally adjacent to someone, sometimes without caring what particular type of relationship you acquire with them. Also can includ
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, changing and often represent different things to different people. They are provided below as a starting point for discussion and understanding. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the early s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help give others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they mean when they use a term, especially when they use it to portray 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 characterize 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
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or verbalization because it feels taboo, or because they’re scared of saying the erroneous thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more content. 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 LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Gay community who support each other (e.g., a sapphic 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 action with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may life no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with