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Glossary
This is a list of carefully researched and thoughtfully discussed definitions for key gender and sexuality terms.&#; It is by no means a comprehensive list, but it is a good place for us to start. Identity terms mean very particular things to different individuals.&#; The definitions provided in this document reflect the current general understanding of these terms. We understand that language around sexuality and gender is always transforming and we will review these terms regularly.&#;
If there is a term that you feel should be included here, please grant us know.&#; You can email and/or call the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at gscc@ or ()
- Getting Started
- Birth-Assigned Sex Terms
- Gender Terms
- Sexuality Terms
- Identity Terms
- Trans Community Terms
- Romantic Identity Terms
- Oppressive
- Legal, Academic, and Legislation Terms
- Historical Terms
- Racial Identity and Racial Justice Terms
To understand LGBTQIA2S+ identities and communities we must first distinguish three important concepts (gender, sex, and sexuality) and debate the version of the acronym we are using on this website and in our educational programs and resources.&#;
Gender, sex, and sexualityare
List of LGBTQ+ terms
A
Abro (sexual and romantic)
A word used to explain people who have a fluid sexual and/or affectionate orientation which changes over time, or the course of their life. They may use different terms to describe themselves over time.
Ace
An umbrella term used specifically to describe a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of sexual attraction. This encompasses asexual people as well as those who identify as demisexual and grey-sexual. Ace people who experience intimate attraction or occasional sexual attraction might also utilize terms such as same-sex attracted, bi, lesbian, straight and queer in conjunction with asexual to describe the direction of their love-related or sexual attraction.
Ace and aro/ace and aro spectrum
Umbrella terms used to explain the wide group of people who experience a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of intimate and/or sexual attraction, including a lack of attraction. People who identify under these umbrella terms may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including, but not limited to, asexual, ace, aromantic, aro, demi, grey, and abro. People may also use terms such as gay, bi, lesbian, direct
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Definitions
Sexual orientation
An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people. Note: an individual’s sexual orientation is independent of their gender identity.
Gender identity
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 unlike from their sex assigned at birth.
Gender expression
External appearance of one's gender culture, usually expressed through conduct, clothing, body characteristics or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically related with being either masculine or feminine.
Transgender
An umbrella legal title 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. Therefore, transsexual people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, multi-attracted , etc.
Gender transition
The process by which some people compete to more closely align their intern
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, modifying and often mean distinct things to different people. They are provided below as a starting gesture for discussion and empathetic. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the initial s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help donate others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they signify when they use a term, especially when they use it to explain their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a word for themselves.
“If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” -Audre Lorde
This glossary contains terms, such as ableism and disability, that may not be considered directly related to identities of sexuality or gender. These terms are significant to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppression
.