What are male gays called

Glossary of Terms

Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or utterance because it feels taboo, or because they’re scared of saying the incorrect thing. 

This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more easy . 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 LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Diverse community who support each other (e.g., a female homosexual 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 outing with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may encounter no, little or conditional sexual attraction.

Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who love and are sexually attracted to more than one gender.

Bisexual | A person emotiona

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 diverse individuals.  The definitions provided in this document reflect the current general comprehending of these terms. We understand that language around sexuality and gender is always changing and we will review these terms regularly. 

If there is a term that you feel should be included here, please let us know.  You can email and/or call the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at gscc@msu.edu or (517) 353-9520.

  1. Getting Started
  2. Birth-Assigned Sex Terms
  3. Gender Terms
  4. Sexuality Terms
  5. Identity Terms
  6. Trans Community Terms
  7. Romantic Identity Terms
  8. Oppressive
  9. Legal, Academic, and Legislation Terms
  10. Historical Terms
  11. 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. 

LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary

GLOSSARY

The terms and definitions below are always evolving, switching and often mean other 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 prior 2000s.

These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help present 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 narrate 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. These terms are crucial to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress

Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ

Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ collective 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. 

Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org

*NOTE:  Request people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender self and gender verbalization 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, same-sex attracted, 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 this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel

The language and terminology folks use to describe their experiences of gender and sexual orientation is ever-evolving and the same legal title might have different meanings for different people. However, here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms. Have questions or need to learn more? Wondering what all of those letters mean? Here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms.

Ally – An ally is an individual who speaks out and stands up for a person or group that is targeted and discriminated against. An ally works to end oppression by supporting and advocating for people who are stigmatized, discriminated against or treated unfairly. For the lesbian, male lover, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) communities, an ally is any person who supports and stands up for the rights of Gay people.

Asexual – A person who does not experience sexual attraction; they may or may not experience heartfelt, physical, or romantic attraction. Asexuality differs from celibacy in that it is a sexual orientation, not a choice.

Assigned at Birth – Commonly utilized by transsexual individuals, the term illustrates that the individual’s sex (and subsequently gender in early what are male gays called