Lgbtq meaning and definition

Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or verbalization because it feels taboo, or because they’re nervous of saying the mistaken thing. 

This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more pleasant. 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 phrase 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 womxn loving womxn 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 encounter 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 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Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated?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:  Request people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender individuality 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, male lover, 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, modifying and often mean alternative things to different people. They are provided below as a starting signal for discussion and sympathy. 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 represent 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 legal title 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 essential to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress

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 detail 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 alike gender.

Gender dysphoria | Clinically significant distress caused when a person’s assigned birth gender is not the alike as the one with which they identify. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

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 fresh, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today. 

And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to absorb 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 try to include everyone and to construct everyone feel seen and understood. 

What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?

For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to illustrate the community. 

Now, many people worry about how to appear 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 key reason. 

In the prior days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian group often felt dismissed or