LGBTQIA+ Nomenclature

 

Language is dynamic; this is especially true for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexually-minoritized identities (as indicated by the plus sign). Those who aren’t in those communities may find themselves unsure of how to refer respectfully to Queer people when writing and discussing. Below is a list of words which, at the time of publication, are accepted. Please note that these terms fluctuate based on generation and region.

Additionally, peep this collection of stock photos that feature nonbinary folx. Use them as images in essays, reports, slideshows, etc. as a way to show inclusivity.

Special thanks to Florence Hinkle for contributing to the content.

Glossary of Terms That De-Privilege Heterosexuality

Heteronormative (adjective) / heterosexist (adjective): A term used to describe the presumption or assumption that heterosexuality is the norm for all people.

Example: When we read books or watch movies, we tend to assume that the characters live heteronormative lives: they’ll have a partner of the opposite sex, have (straight) children, etc. For most of us, it isn’t until we read or watch movies by Queer authors and scriptwriters that we realize how heterosexist our assumptions can be.

Queer (adjective): A term that includes an array of sexual/romantic identities but does not include heterosexuality.

Note: Queer should follow the capitalization rules for proper nouns (the Q in Queer should be capitalized).

Example: Although my best friend is a lesbian, she also uses Queer woman to identify herself. She explains that Queer helps her to also include her nonbinary gender identity.

Glossary of Terms to Use to Respectfully Refer to People in the LGBQQIA+ Community

Note: If the person being written about does not self-identify, the writer has a duty to discern the most objectively accurate/respectful terms.

Lesbian: A woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women.

Gay: A man who is sexually or romantically attracted to other men.

Bisexual: A person who is sexually and romantically attracted to both men and women.

Queer/LGBTQIA+: A term that is used to refer to people who are not exclusively heterosexual. It includes all of the terms listed in this chart.

Questioning: A term used to refer to someone who is questioning their sexuality.

Asexual: A person who has little to no desire to have sex with others.

Pansexual: A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people across the gender spectrum. For example, pansexuals may be attracted to men, women, agender people, and trans men.

Polyamorous: A person who is comfortable with having more than one sexual and/or romantic partner at the same time

Glossary of Terms to Use to Respectfully Refer to People across the Sexual Spectrum

Male: A person with a penis and/or XY chromosomes.

Female: A person with a vagina and/or XX chromosomes.

Intersex: “Intersex is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside” (Intersex Society of North America). It is disrespectful to use the obsolete term hermaphrodite.

Gender: The external expression of one’s masculinity, femininity, and all in between (including agender and androgyny). Examples of gender expressions include clothing, hair length, and one’s personal pronoun preference.

Trans/Transgender: A person who identifies with a sex other than the one assigned at birth.

Androgyny/Agender: A person whose gender expression includes masculine and feminine characteristics. Sometimes referred to as the center of the gender spectrum. 

Feminine-of-Center: A person whose gender identity tilts toward traditionally feminine expressions of gender. 

Masucline-of-Center: A person whose gender identity tilts toward traditionally masculine expressions of gender.  

Non-Binary/Gender Nonconforming: A person who does not identify as masculine or feminine or as male or female. They believe gender is better described as a spectrum rather than a binary.

Cisgender: A person whose gender expression matches the sex that they were assigned at birth. It is disrespectful to use normal or regular to refer to cisgender folks

Glossary of Terms to Use to Refer to People Who Have Intersecting Identities

 QTPOC:  Queer and Trans People of Color. This acronym refers to people who have two minoritized identities: one based on sexuality / gender, and one based on race.

BI-QT: Queer and Trans folks who come from Black and/or Indigenous heritage(s). This acronym refers to people who have two minoritized identities: one based on sexuality / gender, and one based on Black or indigenous heritages only.