Other words for gay people
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or statement because it feels taboo, or because they’re scared of saying the incorrect thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more content. 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 word used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Gay community who support each other (e.g., a dyke 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 outing 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 emotion
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ group organizations and leaders. Observe acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender statement, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary.
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*NOTE: Ask people what terms they apply 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 queer woman , gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering help 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 accurately express the div
LGBTIQA+ Library Guide
Organisation of the glossary
This glossary contains commonly used terms related to sexuality, gender identity and gender expression. It is organised alphabetically, with terms linked to their antonym, synonyms, or closely related terms.
Antonym - reverse meaning or counterpart (e.g. Transgender/Cisgender)
Synonym - same meaning (Homosexual/Gay)
Closely associated term - Terms that possess different meanings, but may arise in similar contexts (Nutrois/Non-binary)
Please note, the terms included in this glossary are not meant to be exhaustive. The language used by LGBTIQA+ communities to portray themselves and their experiences are constantly evolving and brand-new terms or usages can quickly gain currency. If in doubt, always defer to people with LGBTIQA+ lived experience when using language that describes them.
This glossary is loosely based on the Glossary produced by the UC Davis LGBTQIA Resource Centre.
LGBTQIA+ Slurs and Slang
bog queen
Synonyms: Bathsheba (composition between bathroom and Sheba to create a designate reminiscent of the Queen of Sheba), Ghost (50s, ghost, because they wander the corridors of the bathroom).
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