Definition of lgbtqia
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or utterance because it feels taboo, or because they’re terrified of saying the false thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more content. 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 Homosexual community who support each other (e.g., a woman-loving woman 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
What Is the &#;I&#; in LGBTQIA+?
June is National LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Somewhat recently, the Pride acronym has adopted more letters. Many sources now refer to the LGBTQIA+ community, which stands for sapphic, gay, bisexual, gender diverse, queer, intersex, and asexual. While some of those words are often discussed, others may require some further explanation. We turned to Laurel A. Beck, PhD, Senior Instructor in CU Denver’s Department of Integrative Biology to explain the “I” in LGBTQIA+.
First things first. One aspect that makes all the letters in LGBTQ+ complex for some people to understand is the difference between sex and gender. Comedian and social justice activist Sam Killermann, who previously presented a comedy show called “It’s Pronounced Metrosexual” at college campuses nationwide, now creates edugraphics to explain the complexities of sex and gender. As his Genderbread Person illustrates, sex relates to a person’s anatomy, while gender refers to a person’s self-identified feeling of being male, female, or a combination.
Beck, who researches endocrinology, re
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, changing and often imply 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 s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help 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 term, especially when they use it to portray 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 describe 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. T
What does LGBTQIA mean?
LGBTQIA is an inclusive term that describes a range of sexual orientations and gender identities. The acronym stands for:
- Lesbian: Lesbians feel idealistic and sexual attraction toward other women.
- Gay: An individual who feels romantic and sexual attraction toward individuals of the same gender. It is often applied to men who are attracted to men but can also be used as an umbrella legal title for people who are attracted to those of the same gender.
- Bisexual: An individual who feels love-related and sexual attraction toward individuals of the similar and different genders.
- Transgender: An umbrella term used to describe a range of gender identities that are different from traditional binary definitions. Trans people&#;s verbalization of gender differs from their biological sex.
- Queer: An identity term used by the LGBTQIA community. It is used by those who are outside of the heterosexual norm. The term is meant to create a greater instinct of inclusivity and belonging.
- Intersex: Intersex people have sex characteristics that do not fal