LGBTQ+ Glossary

One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both, or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.

An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation.

An adjective describing a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. The prefix "cis-" means "on the same side as."

An adjective describing a person who does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman. Non-binary people may identify as being both, somewhere in between, or as falling completely outside these categories.

A term used by individuals who reject notions of static categories of gender and embrace a fluidity of gender identity.

A person who does not identify with a single fixed gender or has a fluid or unfixed gender identity. Their gender identity may shift over time or depending on the situation.

A person who does not identify with or experience any gender. Agender individuals may describe themselves as having no gender identity.

Intersex people are born with a variety of differences in their sex traits and reproductive anatomy, including variations in chromosomes, hormones, genitalia, and other sex characteristics.

An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people. Sexual orientation is distinct from gender identity and gender expression.

A person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to members of the same gender. While often used to describe men, the term can apply to people of any gender identity.

A woman who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women. Some non-binary people may also identify with this term.

A person who has the potential to be emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of more than one gender. Sometimes shortened to "bi."

A person who has the potential for emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to people of any gender. Sometimes used interchangeably with bisexual.

A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may experience other forms of attraction.

A term people often use to express a spectrum of identities and orientations that are counter to the mainstream. Reclaimed by many as a term of empowerment.

The external appearance of one's gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, body characteristics, hairstyle, or voice.

The words used to refer to a person other than their name. Common pronouns include she/her, he/him, and they/them. Respecting someone's pronouns is a basic way to show respect for their identity.

A series of processes that some transgender people may undergo to live more fully as their true gender. This may include social, legal, and/or medical transition.

An acronym for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer" with a "+" sign to recognize the limitless sexual orientations and gender identities.

A term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. Being an ally requires action, not just identification.

The process in which a person first acknowledges, accepts, and appreciates their sexual orientation or gender identity and begins to share that with others.

Referring to a transgender or non-binary person by a name they used before transitioning. Deadnaming can be harmful and disrespectful.

Language that acknowledges diversity, conveys respect, and is sensitive to differences. It avoids biases or expressions that discriminate against groups of people.