Derogatory gay names
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, transforming 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 2000s.
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 word, especially when they use it to describe their culture. Ultimately it is most important that each individual explain 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 crucial to acknowledge as part of our mission to oppose all forms of oppress
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Compared to bygone times, today we try to exploit terminology to illustrate homosexuals and homosexuality that is more clinically appropriate and socially acceptable. We are more sensitive and respectful in defining groups of people as gay, lesbian, bisexual, gender nonconforming, transsexual, intersex, asexual, gender non-conforming, and more. And we intentionally use the acronym LGBTQ to refer to a broad range of people.
It can be instructive, and sometimes entertaining, to consider the past and the archaic terminology (reflective of the attitudes and no
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ community organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender individuality and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are ready in the Transgender Glossary.
Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org
*NOTE: Ask people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the first stage of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media utilize 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+ Slurs and Slang
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).