LGBTQ2S Terms and Definitions

LGBTQ2S, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGBTQA, TBLG

are some of the acronyms refer to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit and Ally. Although all of the different identities within “LGBT”
are often lumped together (and share sexism as a common root of oppression), there are specific needs and concerns related to each individual identity.

A/B/C Binary Sex Cis-man Crossdresser

Advocate is a traditional and outdated view of is a person who identifies as a man, is someone who occasionally dresses in
is a person who actively works to end sex, limiting possibilities to “female” presents himself masculinely, and has the clothing of the "opposite" gender as
intolerance, educate others, and or “male”. male biological sex, often referred to part of their gender expression.
support social equity for a group. as simply “man”.
Biological sex Cross-dressing
Ally is the physical anatomy and gendered Cis-woman is wearing clothing that conflicts with
is a straight person who supports queer hormones one is born with, generally is a person who identifies as a woman, the traditional gender expression of
and trans* people. described as male, female, or intersex, presents herself femininely, and has your sex and gender identity (e.g., a
and often confused with gender. female biological sex, often referred man wearing a dress) for any one of
Androgyny to as simply “woman”. many reasons, including relaxation,
(1) a gender expression that has ele- Biphobia
fun, and sexual gratification; often
ments of both masculinity and is an aversion toward bisexuality and Cissexism
conflated with transsexuality.
femininity; (2) occasionally used in bisexual people as a social group or as is a harmful beliefs that being
place of “intersex” to describe a person individuals. People of any sexual non-trans is the only acceptable and F/G/H
with both female and male anatomy. orientation can experience such feel- “natural” form of gender expression.
Female
ings of aversion. Biphobia is a source
Asexual Closeted is a person with a specific set of sexual
of discrimination against bisexuals,
is a term to describe someone who is anatomy (e.g., XX phenotype, vagina,
is a person who generally does not and may be based on negative
keeping their sexuality or gender ovaries, uterus, breasts, higher levels of
experience sexual attraction (or very bisexual stereotypes or irrational fear.
little) to any group of people. identity a secret from many (or any) estrogen, fine body hair) pursuant to
Bisexual people, and has yet to “come out of this label.
Bigender a person who has emotional, roman- the closet”.
Fluid(ity)
is a person who fluctuates between tic, or sexual attraction for a person of
traditionally “woman” and “man” Coming Out is generally with another term
more than one gender.
is the process of revealing your sexu- attached, like gender-fluid or fluid-
gender-based behavior and identities,
Cisgender/Cissexual ality or gender identity to individuals sexuality, fluid(ity) describes an
identifying with both genders (and
sometimes a third gender). is a person whose gender identity in your life; often incorrectly thought identity that is a fluctuating mix of the
matches society's expectations of to be a one-time event, this is a options available (e.g., man and
Binary Gender someone with their physical sex lifelong and sometimes daily process; woman, gay and straight); not to be
is a traditional and outdated view of characteristics. not to be confused with “outing”. confused with “transitioning”.
gender, limiting possibilities to “man”
and “woman”.

[Link] [Link]
Gay or Lesbian Homophobia Questioning Third Gender
is a person who has emotional, is fear, anger, intolerance, is the process of exploring one’s own (1) a person who does not identify with
romantic or sexual attraction for resentment, or discomfort with queer sexual orientation, investigating the traditional genders of “man” or
people of the same sex. people, often focused inwardly as one influences that may come from their “woman,” but identifies with another
begins to question their own family, religious upbringing, and gender; (2) the gender category
Gender/Gender Identity
sexuality. internal motivations. available in societies that recognize
is how we perceive our identity as male,
three or more genders.
female, both, neither, regardless of our
I/M/O Real life experience
physical bodies. (Real Life Test) is the period in which Trans
Intersex
a trans person is currently obligated is an umbrella term for a person whose
Gender Expression is an umbrella term used to describe a
to prove they can adapt to societal gender identity does not match
is the external display of gender, person whose physical sex
gender roles before being approved by society's expectations of someone with
through a combination of dress, characteristics or chromosomes don't
publicly funded medical institutions their physical sex characteristics.
demeanor, social behavior, and other fit traditional medical definitions of
for hormones or surgeries.
factors, generally measured on a scale male or female Trans Man
of masculinity and femininity.
Male S/T is a female-to-male trans person.

Genderqueer/Gender non- is a person with a specific set of sexual Sex (biological sex) Trans Woman
conforming anatomy (e.g. XY phenotype, penis, is a label we are given to describe our is a male-to-female trans person.
is an umbrella term used proudly by testis, higher levels of testosterone, physical bodies and reproductive
some people to defy gender restrictions coarse body hair, facial hair) pursuant abilities. Characteristics of the body Transition
and/or to deconstruct gender norms. to this label. used to determine sex may include is the process trans people go through
Gender neutral pronouns include: Ze, genitals, gonads, hormones, chromo- to overcome physical, legal and social
Outing barriers so they can express their self-
Hir, Hirs, They, and Them. somes, and secondary sex characteris-
[someone] is when someone reveals identified gender.
tics.
Gender Identity Dysphoria another person’s sexuality or gender
is a formal psychiatric diagnosis used identity to an individual or group, Sexual orientation Transphobia
by the medical profession to describe often without the person’s consent or is a person's emotional, romantic is an irrational fear and/or hatred and/
trans people. approval; not to be confused with and/or sexual attraction to another or intolerance of people who are trans,
“coming out”. person(s). perceived to be trans, or who cross so-
Heterosexism cietal gender norms.
is a behaviour that grants preferential P/Q/R Same Gender Loving
Transvestite
treatment to heterosexual people, (SGL) is a phrase coined by the
Pansexual is often used to refer to trans women in
reinforces the idea that heterosexuality African American/Black queer
is a person who experiences sexual, an insulting manner, despite having a
is somehow better or more “right” than communities used as an alternative
romantic, physical, and/or spiritual true definition: a person who dresses as
queerness, or ignores/doesn’t address for “gay” and “lesbian” by people who
attraction for members of all gender the binary opposite gender expression
queerness as existing. may see those as terms of the White
identities/expressions. (“cross-dresses”) for sexual gratifica-
queer community.
Heterosexual tion; often confused with “transsexual”.
Queer
is a medical definition for a person who Stealth
is an umbrella term used proudly by Two-Spirit
is attracted to someone with the other is means to live as their self-identified
some people to defy gender or sexual is a cultural identity used by some
gender (or, literally, biological sex) gender without other people knowing
restrictions. Not used by all. Can be indigenous people who have both
than they have; often referred to as that they are trans.
considered offensive. masculine and feminine spirits.
“straight”.