Key terms that relate to the LGBTQ+ community.

The terms and definitions below are a sample of those most often heard, but are always evolving and may mean different things to different people.  They are provided below as a starting point for learning and understanding. Ultimately, it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves, so it’s best not to make assumptions about an LGBTQ person. 

Lesbian 

A woman who is predominantly attracted to other women. Some women prefer the term “gay” – it’s all up to you and what fits your identity best.

Gay

In the past, only men who are attracted to men have used the word “gay.” Now, it is common for “gay” to be used by anyone who is attracted to the same sex or gender.

Bi / Bisexual

Used to describe people who have the capacity to form attraction and/or relationships to more than one gender.

Transgender (or trans)

An umbrella term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Many transgender people will transition to align their gender expression with their gender identity, however, you do not have to transition in order to be transgender.

*Transgender is an adjective, not a noun. Be careful not to call someone “a transgender.” Do not add an unnecessary “-ed” to the term (“transgendered”), which connotes a condition of some kind. Never use the term “transvestite” to describe a transgender person.

Queer

An umbrella term used to refer to an identity that expands outside of heterosexuality. Due to its history as a reclaimed slur and use in political movements, queer still holds political significance.

Questioning

Used to describe a person who may be processing or questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

+ sign

Encompasses evolving forms of human sexuality and gender identity/expression. 

Gender

An idea created by society (a social construct) that tells us what certain genders are “supposed” to be like, based on a group of emotional, behavioral, and cultural characteristics (like how we express our feelings or how we dress).

Gender Identity

Our internal understanding and experience of our own gender. Each person’s experience with their gender identity is unique and personal.

Gender Expression

The way in which we present ourselves, which can include physical appearance, clothing, hairstyles, and behavior.

Binary System

A binary system is something made up of two opposing parts (social construct.) Gender (man/woman) and sex (male/female) are examples of binary systems. Gender binary is the idea that there are only two genders and that every person is one of those two. Nonbinary is used to describe people who experience their gender identity and/or gender expression as outside of the male-female gender binary. Many other words for identities outside the traditional categories of man and woman may be used, such as genderfluid, genderqueer, polygender, bigender, demi gender, or agender. These identities, while similar, are not necessarily interchangeable or synonymous.

Cisgender

Used to describe people whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth (i.e. a male assigned at birth identifies as a man.) The prefix (from Latin) cis- means "on this side of" or "not across."

Sexual Orientation

A person’s physical, romantic, emotional, and/or spiritual attraction to another person. Everyone has a sexual orientation (this includes straight sexual orientations.)

Straight/Heterosexual

Used to describe romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between persons of the opposite sex or gender. Someone who is heterosexual is commonly referred to as straight.

Transitioning

The social, legal, and/or medical process a trans person may go through to make their gender identity fit their gender expression, presentation, or sex. This word means many different things to different people, and a person doesn’t have to experience all or any of these common transitioning elements to identify as their true gender.

Terms Not to Use / What to Avoid:

Homosexual / Homosexuality 

An outdated term to describe a sexual orientation in which a person feels attracted to people of the same gender.  Historically, it was a term used to pathologize gay and lesbian people. Often used as a non-supporting/non-affirming term to stigmatize gay people by reducing their lives to purely sexual terms.

“gay” (as a noun. –as in, “He is a gay.”)

Same reasons as stated above: Gay is an adjective, not a noun. Usage has often been to stigmatize gay people.

Misgendering

Attributing a gender to someone that is incorrect/does not align with their gender identity.  Can occur when using pronouns, gendered language (i.e. “Hello ladies!” “Hey guys”), or assigning genders to people without knowing how they identify (i.e. “Well, since we’re all women in this room, we understand…”)

Let's Talk Pronouns

Why is it important to understand personal pronouns?

It is important to know that you will never know what someone’s pronouns are by looking at them. Making assumptions about a person’s preferred pronoun is unwise. Instead, it is important to ask. It is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for someone’s gender identity. Everyone makes mistakes –that’s okay! However, continuing intentionally is a form of misgendering. --College of DuPage: LGBTQIA+ Terminology (paraphrased) 

She/Her/Hers – Female gender identity

He/Him/His – Male gender identity

They/Them/Theirs – Gender neutral terms, nonbinary, blend of both male/female

She/They or He/They – Female/Male and/or Gender neutral

More info on appropriate ways to ask: https://thesafezoneproject.com/pronoun-best-preferred-practices/ 

Sources for items on this page: https://lgbtlifecenter.org/pronouns/#columns-1   https://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-terminology-and-definitions   https://www.thetrevorproject.org/trvr_support_center/glossary/     https://www.cod.edu/student_life/resources/lgbtq/terminology.aspx