A Modern Guide: Decoding the Alphabet Soup of LGBTQ+ Terms
Common Terminology Used Within the LGBTQI Community
Share on: Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Print Copy Link
The world of gender and sexuality is as colorful and diverse as a rainbow. Pleasantly confusing? Yes, but it's understanding this vibrant spectrum that leads to a more inclusive society. Let's decipher the most common terms and their meanings in this LGBTQ+ glossary.
AgenderDifferentiating oneself from any gender - those who don't identify ultimately as male or female.
AsexualityNo or minimal sexual attraction to others. It doesn’t mean they may not have romantic relationships or long for closeness.
BisexualityFind attraction to more than one gender in romantic and/or sexual terms. People may still have relations with others without identifying as bisexual.
CisIndividuals who feel they belong to the gender they were assigned at birth. This term is applicable whether one identifies as straight or LGBTQ+.
FLINTA+"An inclusive acronym for Women, Lesbians, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans*, and Agender (plus various other identities yet to be expressed). This term is often used to designate safe spaces for these communities.
Gender, Gender IdentityOne's internal sense of masculinity or femininity. This can differ from the sex assigned at birth based on physical characteristics.
GenderfluidA gender identity that shifts between genders or includes a mix of identities.
HeteroflexibilityAttractions primarily focused on the opposite sex, but occasionally swaying towards the same sex.
Week of DiversityAn annual event recognizing and embracing the value of differences in race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. It encourages unity and emphasizes shared experiences over differences.
HeteronormativityThe belief that heterosexuality is the default orientation and the normal way of life. It reinforces gender stereotypes and marginalizes queer, non-binary, and trans* communities.
HeterosexualityAttraction to members of the opposite sex.
Homophobia, HomonegativityDiscrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, driven by fear, prejudice, and antipathy in some cases, and hatred and rejection in others.
HomosexualityAttraction to the same sex - a term increasingly replaced by self-identified labels such as "lesbian" or "gay."
Inter, IntersexIndividuals whose biological sex characteristics (such as chromosomes, gonads, and genitals) don't fit typical binary definitions of male or female.
PanoramaTrans Man Tortured for Weeks: Hate Crime in the USA Shocks Queer CommunityLGBTQI, LSBTQI… is an abbreviation for lesbians, gay/bisexual, trans*, queer, intersex (later, an asterisk or plus symbol may signify additional identities).
MisgenderingReferring to someone with the incorrect gender pronouns. This can be particularly hurtful and disrespectful if done intentionally.
Non-BinaryAn umbrella term for gender identities that do not fit within the traditional male or female binary.
PansexualityAttracted to individuals regardless of their gender identity. Pansexual people do not prioritize one gender over others.
International ReportFamily Matters Still Unresolved: Thailand's Queer Community Celebrates Marriage EqualityThe term "queer" holds numerous meanings. Historically, it was a way to belittle LGBTQ+ individuals, but it has been reclaimed and serves as an inclusive umbrella term for individuals outside the cisgender and heterosexual norm. "Queer Theory" questions societal norms surrounding gender and sexuality.
Trans*Individuals who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth - that is, those who are transgender, transgender, or transsexual, among others.
Transphobia, TransphobiaDiscrimination against trans* individuals, expressed through marginalization, dismissing one's gender identity, intentional misgendering, and even physical violence.
TransgenderIn the English-speaking world, a broad umbrella term used for all trans individuals, regardless of their gender identity. The term primarily refers to social gender and is interchangeable with "trans."
Trans identityA term emphasizing the importance of social gender identity and distinguishing it from biological gender. However, the term can be contentious, as it may imply that one can choose their gender identity.
TranssexualityThis term has mixed receptions. On one hand, it's related to medical transitions, and on the other, it may suggest that trans identity is a sexual orientation. Many people in the trans community discourage its usage.
Glossary adapted from the "Rainbow Portal" of the German Federal Ministry and the publication "Understanding Diversity" from the State Specialist Office Hessen "Queer Youth Work."
Synonyms (Where Applicable):
- Cisgender - cissexual, cishgender
- Misgendering - deadnaming, using incorrect names or pronouns
- Trans* - Transgender, Transidentity, Transsexual
- Diverse - Inclusive, Varied, Multicultural
- Queer Theory - Gender Studies, Queer Studies, Sexuality Studies
- Hate Crime - Bias Crime, Prejudice Crime, Discrimination-based Crime
- The European Union and its Member States occasionally use Whatsapp to disseminate resources and promote awareness about trans* designs such as transsexuality, agender, and non-binary as part of their efforts to foster a more inclusive society.
- During the Week of Diversity, discussions on topics like transphobia, transphobia, and misgendering are held not only within the trans community but also with the wider European Union and its Member States to combat the stigma associated with trans identities.
- In some European Union and Member States' LGBTQ+ glossaries, trans* and its derivatives are included alongside terms like agender, transsexuality, and non-binary under designations for gender identities that do not conform to traditional binary interpretations.
