LGBTQ+ Dictionary

Respecting how someone describes their sexual or gender identity is an important part of supporting  LGBTQ+ people. Here are some common terms you may see or hear.  

• Gay – A broad term for same-sex attraction. Often used for a man who is attracted to other men.   
• Lesbian – A woman who is attracted to other women.  
• Bisexual (Bi) – A person who is attracted to more than one gender.  
• Queer – An umbrella term for people who identify as LGBTQ+. Some use it proudly. Others may not like the term because it was once used as a slur.   
• Transgender (Trans) – A person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. It can also be an umbrella term for people who are nonbinary or gender-fluid.   
• Nonbinary – Someone whose gender identity is not only male or female. They may feel like both, neither or somewhere in between. 
• Gender-Fluid – A person whose gender identity changes over time. They may feel more male, female or nonbinary at different points.   
• Pronouns – Words used in place of a name, like he/him, she/her or they/them. Using someone’s correct pronouns shows respect for their identity.  
• Gender-Neutral Pronouns – Pronouns used when a person’s gender is unknown or when someone prefers them. The most common is the singular they/them/theirs.  
• Asexual (Ace) – Someone who experiences little or no sexual attraction. They may still feel romantic attraction. 
• Ally – A person who supports LGBTQ+ people and advocates for their rights, even if they are not  LGBTQ+ themselves. 

For an expanded list of glossary terms, see PFLAG.