Current lgbtq acronym
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or phrase because it feels taboo, or because they’re anxious of saying the improper 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 designation used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Homosexual community who support each other (e.g., a queer woman 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 task with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may exposure no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who love 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 society 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Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated?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: Demand 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, 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 this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community, this acronym can sound confusing or overwhelming.
If you are recent, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to understand more about how the community has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too.
The way the LGBTQIA+ collective interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly changing. We struggle to include everyone and to build everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to explain the community.
Now, many people worry about how to approach 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 crucial reason.
In the preliminary days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian collective often felt dismissed or
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, modifying and often mean unlike things to different people. They are provided below as a starting show for discussion and comprehension. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the initial 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 imply 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 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
Like our LGBTQ community, the LGBTQ acronyms and definitions are always growing and changing. This growth is a good thing and is indicative of the increasing inclusivity of the variance of gender, sexuality, and identity within our community.
But what undertake all these LGBTQ acronyms and letters stand for and mean? Some are historic terms that are returning into fashion, some are words that used to be derogatory but now have been reclaimed, and some are identity new to better determine the nuances within the LGBTQ community.
While this is by no means a definitive list, it will explain the more frequent and commonly used LGBTQ acronyms.
LGBT Acronym:The Classic
Although no longer seen as fully inclusive, the classic four-letter LGBT acronym has become internationally synonymous with the queer community. . This is the most well-known of all the acronyms, debuting back in the mid-1980s as a way to unite the community and move away from the often derogatory-laced “homosexual” (among other words). Originally, it began as just LGB, with the transgender “T” coming in later.
LGBTQ Acronym: The Doubt of Q
The “Q” in the LGBTQ acronym is probably the most confu