Another name for gay

Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ

Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ society organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.

Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary. 

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*NOTE:  Demand people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender individuality and gender statement before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence.
 

LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, queer , bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of thi

cheerful

They are both very cheerful in spite of their circumstances.

 
happy

I'm just happy to be back running.

 
bright

The lad was so bright and animated.

 
glad

I'm glad I decided to go after all.

 
lively

She had a sweet, lively personality.

 
sparkling

He is sparkling and versatile in front of the camera.

 
sunny

The staff wear big sunny smiles.

 
jolly

She was a jolly, kindhearted woman.

 
animated

Everyone became more animated.

 

merry 

upbeat (informal) 

buoyant

She was in a buoyant mood.

 
cheery

He is loved by everyone for his cheery disposition and sense of humour.

 
joyous

a joyous celebration of life

 
joyful

We're a very joyful people.

 
carefree

She remembered her years of carefree youth.

 
jaunty

The novel is altogether jauntier than these quotations imply.

 
chirpy (informal)

You're very chirpy today - have you won the lottery or something?

 
vivacious

a gorgeous, vivacious and charming youthful woman

 
jovial

Fathe

Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone. 

For many people who are novel to the LGBTQIA+ people, 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 group 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 altering. We strive to comprise 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

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 donate 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 word used to describe someone who is actively supportive of Homosexual people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the LGBTQ+ society 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 apprehend and hatred of, or discomfort with