Do you know what these lgbtq terms mean
Welcome to MindOut’s LGBTQ (+) glossary. There will always be evolving terminology around sexual and gender identities and simple explanations can be useful. Here’s our guide to help us all be better allies.
SexualOrientation Glossary
+ (plus)
The ‘+’ at the end of LGBTQ+ is used to acknowledge the many terms to describe those that have a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, as not all of these identities are specified in the LGBTQ initialism, which stands for lesbian, gay, bi-curious and trans, questioning/queer. There is no universally accepted phrase for the LGBTQ community. Therefore, you might see variances such as LGBT, LGBTQIA (I for intersex and A for asexual), LGBTQIAP (I for intersex, A for asexual, and P for pansexual).
Abro (sexual and romantic)
This legal title is used to explain those who have a fluid sexual and/or intimate orientation which can modify over time, or during their life. They also may use different terms to describe themselves overtime too.
Allo (sexual and romantic)
This term is used when people experience sexual and romantic attraction, and do not identify as on the ace or aro spectrum. It’s crucial to use words
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are modern to the LGBTQIA+ group, this acronym can look confusing or overwhelming.
If you are new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to learn more about how the collective 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 altering. We strive to contain everyone and to form everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to describe the community.
Now, many people worry about how to come 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 important reason.
In the early days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian community often felt dismissed or
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ society organizations and leaders. Watch acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender statement, 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: Ask people what terms they exploit to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression 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 female homosexual, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering back 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
The language and terminology folks use to describe their experiences of gender and sexual orientation is ever-evolving and the same term might have different meanings for different people. However, here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms. Have questions or want to learn more? Wondering what all of those letters mean? Here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms.
Ally – An ally is an individual who speaks out and stands up for a person or group that is targeted and discriminated against. An ally works to terminate oppression by supporting and advocating for people who are stigmatized, discriminated against or treated unfairly. For the woman-loving woman, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) communities, an ally is any person who supports and stands up for the rights of Homosexual people.
Asexual – A person who does not experience sexual attraction; they may or may not encounter emotional, physical, or romantic attraction. Asexuality differs from celibacy in that it is a sexual orientation, not a choice.
Assigned at Birth – Commonly utilized by trans individuals, the term illustrates that the individual’s sex (and subsequently gender in early
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, switching 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 2000s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to aid 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 phrase, especially when they use it to describe their culture. Ultimately it is most important that each individual describe 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 key to acknowledge as part of our mission to question all forms of oppress