LGBTQA+ GLOSSARY

LGBTQA  glossary*

1. LGBTQIA+: An acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual/Agender/Ally. It is an inclusive term that encompasses a diverse range of sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
2. Lesbian: A woman who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women.
3. Gay: A term used to describe individuals who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to individuals of the same gender. It can be used to refer to both men and women, but is more commonly used to describe men.
4. Bisexual: A person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to both males and females, or more broadly, to more than one gender.
5. Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male, or vice versa.
6. Queer/Questioning: An umbrella term used to describe sexual orientations or gender identities that do not conform to heterosexual or cisgender norms. It can also refer to individuals who are still exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity and may not have a specific label yet.
7. Intersex: A term used to describe individuals who are born with physical or genetic characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female bodies. Intersex people may have variations in their sex chromosomes, hormones, or reproductive anatomy.
8. Asexual: A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction towards others. Asexuality is a valid sexual orientation, and asexual individuals may still experience romantic or emotional attraction.
9. Agender: A person who does not identify with any particular gender. Agender individuals may feel a lack of connection to traditional concepts of male or female genders.
10. Ally: A person who supports and advocates for the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, even if they do not personally identify as LGBTQIA+.
11. Cisgender: A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone who was assigned male at birth and identifies as male.
12. Genderqueer: A term used to describe individuals whose gender identity does not fit within traditional binary concepts of male or female, and who may experience their gender as fluid, non-binary, or a combination of male and female.
13. Non-binary: A term used to describe individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female. Non-binary people may identify with both genders, neither gender, or a different gender entirely.
14. Genderfluid: A term used to describe individuals whose gender identity changes over time or in different contexts. Genderfluid people may experience their gender as fluid, shifting between male, female, or other genders.
15. Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous cultures in North America to describe individuals who have both masculine and feminine qualities or who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Two-Spirit people may have spiritual, cultural, and ceremonial roles within their communities.
16. Transitioning: The process that some transgender individuals go through to align their gender identity with their physical appearance and/or social roles. This can involve various medical, social, or legal steps, such as hormone therapy, surgery, changing one's name, or updating identification documents.
17. Deadname: The birth name of a transgender person that they may choose to no longer use or disclose after transitioning.
18. Misgendering: Referring to someone using language or pronouns that do not align with their gender identity. This can be unintentional or intentional, and it can be hurt.

*Note: The terms and definitions below are always evolving and changing and often mean different things to different people.  They are provided below as a starting point for discussion and understanding.