Overview

Language shapes how we understand ourselves and how others understand us. The LGBTQ+ community has developed rich, evolving vocabulary to describe the full spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity. This glossary defines over 100 essential terms, from foundational to more nuanced.

🔤 Core Identity Terms: A–G

1
Ally
A person who is not LGBTQ+ but who supports and advocates for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people. Genuine allyship involves ongoing education, using privilege to advocate, and listening to LGBTQ+ people.
2
Aromantic (Aro)
A person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others. Aromantic people may or may not experience sexual attraction (aromantics can be asexual or sexual). Often abbreviated "aro."
3
Asexual (Ace)
A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others. Asexuality is a sexual orientation, not a choice or a medical condition. Asexual people may still experience romantic attraction and desire intimate relationships.
4
Bigender
A person who identifies with two genders, either simultaneously or at different times.
5
Bisexual (Bi)
A person who experiences sexual and/or romantic attraction to people of their own gender and other genders. Bisexuality does not require "equal" attraction or attraction to exactly two genders.
6
Cisgender (Cis)
A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. "Cis" comes from the Latin prefix meaning "on the same side."
7
Coming Out
The process of disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity. Coming out is not a single event but an ongoing process that occurs in many contexts throughout a person's life.
8
Demisexual
A person who only experiences sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional bond with someone.
9
Drag
The performance of gender through clothing, makeup, and behavior, typically in an exaggerated, theatrical way. Drag performers may be any gender. Drag is a performance, not an identity — most drag performers do not identify as transgender.
10
Gay
A person who experiences sexual and/or romantic attraction primarily to people of the same gender. Often used specifically for men attracted to men, but many women also use "gay" to describe themselves.
11
Gender Expression
The external presentation of one's gender through clothing, behavior, and appearance. Gender expression may or may not align with gender identity or birth-assigned sex.
12
Gender Fluid
A person whose gender identity is not fixed — shifting or moving between genders over time or in different contexts.
13
Gender Identity
A person's internal, deeply held sense of their own gender. Gender identity is distinct from biological sex and sexual orientation.
14
Gender Non-Conforming (GNC)
A term for people whose gender expression does not conform to societal expectations of their assigned sex at birth.

🔤 Terms H–N

1
Heteronormativity
The assumption that heterosexuality is the default, "normal," or preferred sexual orientation, and that gender exists in only two forms. Heteronormativity is a systemic bias that marginalizes LGBTQ+ people.
2
Heterosexual (Straight)
A person who experiences sexual and/or romantic attraction primarily to people of a different gender.
3
Homophobia
Fear, hatred, prejudice, or discrimination directed at gay, lesbian, or bisexual people. Homophobia can be individual (personal attitudes) or systemic (laws and institutions).
4
Intersex
A person born with physical sex characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, genitalia) that don't fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex is a naturally occurring biological variation, not a disorder. Intersex people may identify with any gender and sexual orientation.
5
Lesbian
A woman (or woman-aligned person) who experiences sexual and/or romantic attraction primarily to other women.
6
LGBTQ+
An acronym representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and others. The "+" signifies all identities not explicitly named in the acronym.
7
Misgender
To refer to someone using a pronoun or gendered language that does not align with their gender identity. Misgendering can be deeply harmful and disrespectful, even when accidental.
8
Non-Binary (Enby)
A term for people whose gender identity doesn't fit neatly into the binary of man or woman. Non-binary is an umbrella term that includes gender fluid, agender, bigender, and many other identities.

🔤 Terms O–Z

1
Outing
Revealing someone's sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent. Outing can be dangerous, violating, and harmful. It is never acceptable without explicit permission.
2
Pansexual (Pan)
A person who experiences sexual and/or romantic attraction to people of all genders. "Pan" comes from the Greek for "all." Pansexuality explicitly acknowledges all gender identities, including non-binary identities.
3
Polyamory
The practice of, or desire for, multiple intimate relationships simultaneously, with the knowledge and consent of all involved. Not specific to LGBTQ+ people but significant in queer relationship culture.
4
Pronouns
The words used to refer to someone in the third person (she/her, he/him, they/them, ze/zir, etc.). Using a person's correct pronouns is a basic form of respect. Many non-binary people use "they/them" pronouns.
5
Queer
Originally a slur, now reclaimed by many LGBTQ+ people as an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities. Some prefer it for its political edge and inclusivity. Some find it offensive — always follow an individual's preference.
6
Questioning
A person who is exploring or uncertain about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Questioning is a legitimate identity in itself.
7
Sexuality
A complex combination of one's sexual and romantic attractions, behaviors, and self-identity. Sexuality is multidimensional and can change over time.
8
Sexual Orientation
The enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction a person experiences toward other people. Sexual orientation is distinct from biological sex, gender identity, and gender expression.
9
They/Them Pronouns
Gender-neutral singular pronouns used by many non-binary, gender fluid, and other people. "They" has been used as a singular pronoun in English for over 600 years. Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year in 2019.
10
Transgender (Trans)
An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender people may or may not pursue medical interventions. Being transgender is not a choice, disorder, or phase.
11
Transition
The process a transgender person undertakes to align their external life with their gender identity. Transition can be social (name, pronouns, dress), legal (ID documents), and/or medical (hormones, surgery). Not all trans people transition in the same ways or to the same degree.
12
Transphobia
Fear, hatred, prejudice, or discrimination directed at transgender people. Like homophobia, transphobia operates at both individual and systemic levels.
13
Two-Spirit
A term used by some Indigenous North American people to describe a person who fulfills a traditional third-gender or other gender-variant role. Two-Spirit is a culturally specific identity that should not be appropriated by non-Indigenous people.

Final Thoughts

Language is always evolving, and so is LGBTQ+ vocabulary. New terms emerge as communities develop more nuanced ways of describing experiences. The most important principles: always use the terms individuals prefer for themselves, correct yourself gracefully if you make mistakes, and approach unfamiliar terms with curiosity rather than resistance.