Names to call gay people
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or phrase because it feels taboo, or because they’re anxious of saying the mistaken thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more cozy. 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 phrase used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Queer 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 task 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 | 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 Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated?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: Question people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender persona and gender utterance before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence. LGBTQ These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to assist give others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they mean when they use a phrase, especially when they use it to describe their individuality. Ultimately it is most important that each individual describe 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 vital to acknowledge as part of our mission to test all forms of oppress bog queen Synonyms: Bathsheba (composition between bathroom and Sheba to create a name reminiscent of the Queen of Sheba), Ghost (50s, ghost, because they wander the corridors of the bathroom).
Glossary of Terms: 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 this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, transforming and often represent different things to different people. They are provided below as a starting point for discussion and understanding. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the early 2000s.
LGBTQIA+ Slurs and Slang
Term Contextual note Time/Region References ace queen 1970s term meaning “great queen”. Prison slang for a gentleman who wears a more “feminine” look i.e. shaved legs, plucked eyebrows. May be described as part of incarcerated homosexual society. Should not be confused with the more widely-used term "ace," a shortening of "asexual." Spot "asexual." UK, USA, 1970s Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary alphabet people Offensive contemporary term for LGBTQ+ people, often used by right-wing people reacting to perceived advancements in LGBTQ+ people's rights. 2020s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ bathroom queen Gay slang expression for people who frequent public toilets looking for sexual encounters. USA, UK Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary batting for the other team A euphemistic group of words indicating that someone (of any gender) is gay. This group of words is not a slur or especially