LGBTQ+ Dictionary

Respecting how someone defines their sexual and gender identity — including the terminology they use — is key to supporting those in the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some commonly used terms you should know.

• Gay – Used as a broad term for same-sex attraction. Also used for a man who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to other men.
• Lesbian – A woman who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
• Bisexual (Bi) – Someone who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender. Pansexual – A person who is attracted to others regardless of gender identity or sex assigned at birth.
• Queer – An umbrella term for those who identify as LGBTQ+. Some use it as their primary identity, while others may find it offensive due to its historical use as a slur.
• Transgender (Trans) – A person whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Often used as an umbrella term for all non-binary and gender-fluid individuals.
• Nonbinary – Someone whose gender identity exists outside the male/female binary. They may identify as both, neither or fluctuate between genders.
• Gender-Fluid – A person whose gender identity shifts over time, sometimes identifying as male, female or nonbinary at different times.
• Pronouns – The words used to refer to a person other than their name that recognize all individuals’ gender identities, i.e. he/him, she/her, they/them.
• Gender-Neutral Pronouns – Pronouns that are often used by a speaker when referring to someone whose gender is unknown. The most common example of gender-neutral pronouns is the singular they/them/theirs.
• Asexual (Ace) – Someone who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others, though they may experience romantic attraction.
• Ally – A person who supports and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, even if they do not identify as LGBTQ+ themselves

For an expanded list of glossary terms, see PFLAG.