Lgbtqia+ list
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are modern to the LGBTQIA+ society, this acronym can appear confusing or overwhelming.
If you are new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to learn more about how the collective has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too.
The way the LGBTQIA+ society interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly transforming. We strive to incorporate everyone and to construct everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to describe the community.
Now, many people worry about how to come out, but coming out before the s wasn’t even an option, as many states illegalized what they called “homosexuality” or “sodomy.” There was also no acronym at all, restricting the inclusivity of our community.
Once an acronym appeared, all versions of it began with “L” – for an important reason.&nb
47 Terms That Illustrate Sexual Attraction, Deed, and Orientation
It’s OK to feel unsure or overwhelmed by all of the terms we now have to explain sexual and idealistic orientation, attraction, and behavior.
Expanding the language you utilize to describe your sexuality can provide important guidance, validation, and access to community while on your journey of sexual self-discovery and satisfaction.
Mere Abrams is a researcher, journalist, educator, consultant, and licensed clinical social worker who reaches a worldwide audience through public speaking, publications, social media (@meretheir), and gender therapy and help services practice . Mere uses their personal experience and diverse professional background to support individuals exploring gender and help institutions, organizations, and businesses to increase gender literacy and identify opportunities to demonstrate gender inclusion in products, services, programs, projects, and content.
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing.
This glossary was written to help offer people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more comfortable. LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A legal title used to describe someone who is actively supportive of Queer people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the LGBTQ+ people who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual activity with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may experience no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The anxiety and hatred of, or discomfort with
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, altering and often mean unlike things to different people. They are provided below as a starting gesture for discussion and knowledge. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the first s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help grant others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they represent 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 legal title 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. T