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A clear, accessible guide to LGBTQ identities, terminology, and language.
Language matters. This LGBTQ glossary provides clear, respectful definitions of commonly used LGBTQ terms, gender identity terminology, and sexual orientation language. Whether you are a parent, family member, ally, or someone exploring your own identity, this guide offers straightforward explanations in an accessible format.
This glossary is educational in nature. Not every term applies to every person, and individuals may define themselves differently. When in doubt, ask respectfully and listen.
Ally
A person who supports and advocates for LGBTQ people, even if they do not identify as LGBTQ themselves.
Aromantic
A romantic orientation describing someone who experiences little or no romantic attraction.
Asexual
A sexual orientation describing someone who experiences little or no sexual attraction.
Assigned Sex at Birth (ASAB)
The sex (male or female) recorded at birth, typically based on anatomy.
Bisexual
A person attracted to more than one gender.
Cisgender
A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth.
Closeted
Describes someone who has not publicly shared their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Coming Out
The process of sharing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity with others.
Deadname
The name a transgender person was given at birth but no longer uses after transitioning.
Drag
A performance art form in which individuals express gender creatively, often through exaggerated clothing and roles.
Family Acceptance
Supportive behaviors by family members that affirm an LGBTQ person’s identity.
Gay
A person attracted to people of the same gender. Often used to describe men attracted to men but may apply more broadly.
Gender-Affirming Care
Healthcare that supports a person in living according to their gender identity. This may include social, legal, or medical steps.
Gender Dysphoria
Distress that may occur when someone’s gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth.
Gender Expression
How a person presents their gender through clothing, hairstyle, voice, or behavior.
Gender Identity
A person’s deeply held sense of being male, female, both, neither, or another gender.
Gender Nonconforming
Describes someone whose gender expression differs from societal expectations.
Gender Spectrum
The concept that gender exists beyond a simple male/female binary.
Heterosexual
A person attracted to people of a different gender.
Homophobia
Fear, prejudice, or discrimination against people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Intersex
A person born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female bodies.
Lesbian
A woman attracted to women.
Nonbinary
A gender identity outside exclusively male or female.
Outing
Revealing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent.
Pansexual
Attraction to people regardless of gender.
Pronouns
Words used to refer to someone, such as she/her, he/him, or they/them.
Polysexual
Attraction to multiple genders, but not necessarily all genders.
Queer
An umbrella term some people use to describe diverse sexual orientations or gender identities.
Questioning
Describes someone exploring or unsure about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Sex Assigned at Birth
The classification of male or female assigned at birth based on anatomy.
Sexual Orientation
A person’s pattern of romantic or sexual attraction to others.
Social Transition
Changes in name, pronouns, clothing, or presentation to align with gender identity.
Support Group
A gathering where individuals or families share experiences and receive peer support.
Transgender
A person whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth.
Transition
Steps someone may take to live in alignment with their gender identity (social, legal, or medical).
Transphobia
Fear, prejudice, or discrimination against transgender people.
Two-Spirit
A term used by some Indigenous communities to describe a person who embodies diverse gender roles or identities.
Youth Acceptance
Supportive behaviors toward LGBTQ young people that promote well-being and safety.
LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. The acronym may also include additional letters such as I (intersex) and A (asexual or aromantic).
Gender identity refers to a person’s internal sense of gender. Sexual orientation refers to who a person is romantically or sexually attracted to.
Nonbinary describes a gender identity outside exclusively male or female.
Many people use queer as a positive umbrella term. Others may not. It’s best to follow how someone describes themselves.
Explore our Parent Resources or join a free virtual support group.