Resource Centre > Glossary

Glossary

Welcome to our A-Z LGBTQIA+ Glossary, a comprehensive resource designed to promote understanding, inclusivity, and respect for the diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re exploring these terms for personal growth, education, or allyship, this glossary provides clear and accessible definitions to help you navigate the rich spectrum of identities, expressions, and experiences.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

AFAB

AFAB stands for "Assigned Female at Birth based on physical characteristics

Abnosexual

Abnosexual describes individuals who experience fluctuations in attraction.

Abrosexual

Abrosexual refers to a sexual orientation characterized by fluidity.

Aequesexual

Aequesexual is characterized by a very strong attraction to sexuality itself

Agentosexual

Agentosexual's feel a sense of control over their sexual orientation.

Akiosexual

Akiosexuals experience sexual attraction that fades or dissipate if that attraction is reciprocated.

Ally

An ally is a person who supports and advocates for the rights of martiginalized communities.

Amorplatonic

Amoreplatonic individuals prefers to engage exclusively in queerplatonic relationships

Androgynosexual

Androgynosexual 's are attracted to people who exhibit androgynous traits.

Aporagender

Aporagender is distinct from male, female, or other established gender categories.

Asexual

Asexual refers to an individual who experiences little to no sexual attraction to others.

Autoromantic

Autoromantics experience romantic attraction toward themselves.

AMAB

AMAB stands for "Assigned Male at Birth" based on physical characteristics

Abrogender

Abrogender is a fluid gender identity that changes or shifts over time.

Aceflux

Aceflux is a sexual orientation on the asexual spectrum in which a person’s experience fluctuations.

Aerosexual

Describes when one’s sexual attraction or orientation is influenced by their surroundings

Agynosexual

Agynosexual individuals experiences no sexual attraction toward women and femininity.

Aliquasexual

Ailuqasexual individuals feel sexual attraction only under specific circumstances.

Ambigender

Ambigender refers to an individual who experiences two genders simultaneously.

Androbisexual

Androbisexual individuals are attracted to traditionally masculine characteristics.

Androgyny

Androgyny refers to the blending of masculine and feminine traits, characteristics.

Apothisexual

Apothisexual describes individuals who experience sex-repulsion.

Autigender

Autigender is a gender identity used by individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autosexual

Autosexuals exclusively experience sexual attraction toward themselves.

Abinary

Abinary refers to a gender identity that exists outside of and unrelated to the gender binary.

Abroromantic

Abroromantic refers to a romantic orientation characterized by fluidity.

Aegosexual

Aegosexual experience sexual attraction or interest but feel disconnected

Agender

Agender describes individuals who do not identify with any gender.

Akioromantic

Akioromantics experience attraction in a way that feels detached or disassociated.

Allosexual

Allosexual describes individuals who experience sexual attraction to others.

Amoretrosexual

Amoretrosexual indivuals prefer to engage exclusively in queerplatonic relationships

Androflexible

Androflexible's are attracted to me but occasionally experience attraction to other genders.

Anthrosexual

Anthrosexual individuals experience sexual attraction to humans as a species.

Aromantic

Aromantic refers to an individual who experiences little to no romantic attraction to others.

Autoflux

Autoflux is a gender identity where an individual experiences fluctuations in their gender.

Avansexual

Avansexual individuals experience sexual attraction exclusively to non-binary people.

Bakla

Someone assigned male at birth that identifies in a feminine or gender nonconforming way.

Bigender

Bigender is a gender identity in which an individual experiences two distinct gender identities.

Biphobia

Biphobia refers to the fear or discrimination against individuals who are bisexual .

Blanciosexual

Blanciosexual is a sexual orientation that falls between asexuality and allosexuality.

Burstromantic

Burstromantic individuals experience romantic attraction that tends to appear in bursts.

Bear

Describes a man who has a larger, more rugged appearance.

Binary

Binary refers to the traditional system that divides gender into two distinct categories

Bisexual

Bisexual individuals experience romantic or sexual attraction to more than one gender.

Blockers

Blockers temporarily prevent the onset of puberty in those experiencing gender dysphoria.

Burstsexual

Burstsexual individuals experience sexual attraction that tends to appear in bursts.

Bi +

Bi+ is a term used to describe individuals who are attracted to more than one gender.

Binding

Binding refers to the practice of flattening or compressing the chest.

Bissu

Bissu refers to a traditional gender identity in some cultures of Indonesia.

Bottom Surgery

Bottom surgery refers to a set of gender-affirming surgical procedures.

Butch

Lesbian and queer individuals, who present or identify with more masculine traits.

Calabai

Calabai is a gender identity within the traditional Bugis culture of South Sulawesi.

Ceasesexual

Ceaseexual individuals undergoe periods of complete loss of sexual attraction.

Cisnormativity

Cisnormativity refers to the societal assumption that being cisgender is the default norm.

Coming Out

Coming out refers to the process of publicly sharing an aspect of one's identity.

Calalai

Calalai is a gender identity within the traditional Bugis culture of South Sulawesi.

Ceterosexual

Ceterosexuals experience sexual attraction to people outside the gender binary.

Cissexism

Cissexism refers to the belief that cisgender individuals are superior.

Cupidosexual

Cupidosexuali individuals experience sexual attraction to all genders based on mood.

Casssexual

Casssexual's feel indifferent toward sexuality and do not see it as part of their identity.

Cisgender

Cisgender refers to those whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Coeosexual

Coeosexual's only experience attraction if it develops upon their first meeting.

Dasflynsexual

Dasflynsexual individuals are attracted to all who dress in clothes of the opposite sex.

Demiflux

Demiflux refers to those whose gender consists of two parts - one static and one fluctuating.

Demiromantic

Demiromantic's only experience romantic attraction after forming a deep connection .

Dyke

Dyke is used by lesbians to describe themselves if they have a more masculine presentation.

Deadnaming

Deadnaming refers to using the birth name to a transgender or non-binary person.

Demigender

Demigender is a gender identity that is partially, but not fully, aligned with a specific gender.

Demisexual

Demisexual's experience sexual attraction only after forming a deep connection.

Demiboy

A demiboy is an individual whose gender identity is partially aligned with masculinity.

Demigirl

Demigirl is a gender identity that is partially, but not fully, aligned with femininity.

Drag

Drag refers to dressing in clothing typically associated with another gender.

Equality

Equality refers to the principle that all individuals should be treated the same.

FTM & MTF

FTM and MTF are terms used to describe individuals who transition between genders.

Femmesexual

Femmesexual refers to someone who is attracted to feminine expressions of gender.

Fictosexual

Fictosexual individuals experience sexual attraction to fictional characters.

Fluid

Fluid refers to a sexual, romantic, or gender identity that is not fixed.

Faʻafafine

Fa'afafine refers to individuals assigned male at birth who embody a feminine expression.

Femsorasexual

Femsorasexuals experience attraction to individuals with a feminine voice.

Finsexual

Finsexual refers to individuals who are exclusively attracted to people who are feminine,

Fraysexual

Fraysexual's experience sexual attraction that fades after getting to know someone.

Femme

Femme describe a person who expresses themselves in ways that align with femininity.

Fictoromantic

Fictoromantic individuals experience romantic attraction to fictional characters.

Flexisexual

Flexisexuals experience flexible sexual attraction based on context, mood, or circumstance.

GICs

GICs are specialized medical facilities or centers that provide services related to gender.

Gay

Gay refers to a person attracted to the same gender, particularly in the context of men.

Gender Expression

Gender expression refers to the external presentation of an individual's gender.

Gender Non-Confirming

Those who do not align with societal expectations of masculinity or femininity.

Gender-Diverse

Gender-diverse is a term used to describe individuals who do not conform to male or female.

Graygender

Graygender individuals are somewhat connected to traditional gender categories.

Gynesexual

Gynesexual describes individuals who are sexually attracted to femininity.

GRC

A GRC is a legal document that allows a person to have their gender legally recognized.

Gender

Gender refers to the roles that a society associates with an individual's perceived identity.

Gender Fluid

Gender fluid refers to a gender identity or expression that is not fixed and can shift over time.

Gender Reassignment

Gender reassignment allows an individual to transition from one gender to another.

Genderqueer

Genderqueer individuals gender identity falls outside of or challenges traditional binary.

Grayromantic

Grayromantic's experience romantic attraction only rarely, or with a low intensity.

GRSD

GRSD describes the diverse ways in which individuals experience gender and sexual orientations.

Gender Dysphoria

Experienced by those whos gender does not match their assigned sex at birth.

Gender Identity

Gender identity is an individual's deeply held sense of their own gender.

Gender Variant

Gender variant refers to individuals whose gender does not conform.

Gillick Competence

Gillick competence assess a minor’s ability to make their own medical decisions.

Graysexual

Graysexual's experience sexual attraction only rarely, or with a low intensity.

HIV Positive

Being HIV positive means that the individual’s body has been infected with HIV.

Heterosexual

Heterosexual refers to an individual who is attracted to people of the opposite sex.

Homosexual

Homosexual refers to individuals attracted to people of the same sex or gender.

Heteronormativity

Heteronormativity is the societal belief that heterosexuality is the default norm.

Hijra

Hijra is a term used in South Asia to describe people who do not fit within the traditional binary.

Hormones

Hormone therapy is used by individuals to align their physical traits with their gender identity.

Heterosexism

Heterosexism refers to the belief or attitude that heterosexuality is superior to other orientations.

Homophobia

Homophobia is the irrational fear, dislike, or prejudice against individuals who are LGBTQIA+.

Iamvanosexual

Iamvanosexuals enjoy sexual acts on them but do not perform sexual acts on others.

Intersex

Intersex individuals biological sex characteristics do not align with typical binary characteristics.

Iculasexual

Iculasexual individuals are on the asexual spectrum who are sex-indifferent or sex-favorable.

Intergender

Gender that is between or a blend of male and female, or fluctuates between genders.

Kathoey

Kathoey is used in Thailand to describe individuals often referred to as "ladyboys".

Kinsey Scale

The Kinsey Scale is a system developed to measure an individual's sexual orientation.

LGBTQIA+

LGBTQIA+ represents the diverse community who identify outside of hetero and cis norms.

Lesbophobia

Lesbophobia refers to the discrimination, prejudice, or hostility toward lesbians.

Lithosexual

Lithosexual's experience sexual attraction to others but don't desire or pursue reciprocation .

Leather

Leather describes a subculture associated with BDSM, kink, and fetish lifestyles.

Limnosexual

Limnosexual's experience attraction only through depictions of sexual acts

Lesbian

A lesbian is a woman who experience attraction to other women.

Lipstick Lesbian

Refers to a lesbian who expresses femininity through her appearance or presentation.

Mascorasexual

Mascorasexual's are attracted to those with a masculine voice, regardless of gender.

Meta-Gender

Meta-gender describes gender variance within spiritual, religious, or anthropological contexts.

Misgender

Misgender refers to the act of incorrectly labeling or referring to someone’s gender.

Māhū

Māhū, from Hawaiian culture, refers to those who are masculine and feminine.

Mascusexual

Mascusexual's are attracted to individuals who identify as masculine.

Microaggression

Microaggression are subtle discriminations that manifests in everyday interactions.

Monosexual

Monosexual is a term used to describe someone who is attracted to only one gender.

Maverique

A person who identifies as maverique experiences gender that exists independently.

Minsexual

Minsexual's are exclusively attracted to people who are masculine in nature.

Mutosexual

Mutosexuality is a sexual orientation where attraction can change on a daily basis.

Narysexual

Narysexual describes individuals which are exclusive attracted non-binary individuals.

Neutrois

Neutrois is associated with gender neutrality or the nullification of gender.

Noviromantic

Noviromantic describes an experience that does not fit into a single category or label.

Nullumsexual

Nullumsexuality is an exclusive attraction to people who identify as genderless.

Neurogender

Neurogender is a gender identity that is influenced by an individual's neurodivergence.

Ninsexual

Ninsexual individuals are exclusively attracted to neutral or non-binary people.

Novisexual

Novisexual describes an experience that does not fit into a single category or label.

Neusexual

Neusexual describes an individuals exclusively attracted to people with neutral genders.

Non-Binary

Non-binary describes those who do not conform to the traditional male or female binary.

Novosexual

Novosexual's sexual attraction fluctuates in tandem with their gender identity.

Omnigender

Omnigender individuals identify with all genders or elements of every gender.

Onesexual

Onesexual's experience attraction to only one person in an individual’s lifetime.

Outed

Revealing or disclosing personal aspects of someone's identity without their consent.

Omniromantic

Omniromantic's feel romantic attraction toward people of all genders.

Orientation

A person's pattern of romantic, sexual, or emotional attraction to others.

Omnisexual

Omnisexual individuals who experience sexual attraction to people of all genders.

Out

Openly acknowledging and sharing one's sexual orientation or gender identity.

PEP

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency HIV prevention treatment.

Pansexual

Pansexual's experience sexual attraction to people regardless of their gender.

Platonic Partnerships

Non-romantic, non-sexual relationships that have a deep emotional connection.

Polyromantic

Polyromantic's are romantically attracted to multiple genders, but not necessarily all genders.

PrEP

PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventive medication that for HIV.

Pronouns

Pronouns are words used to refer to people without using their names.

Pangender

Pangender individuals experience all genders, or a connection to multiple genders.

Passing

A person's perceived belonging to a particular gender or sexual identity.

Polyamory

Multiple consensual and meaningful relationships with more than one person.

Polysexual

Polysexual's are attracted to multiple genders, but not necessarily all genders.

Pride

The celebration and affirmation of the identities, experiences, and histories of LGBTQIA+ people.

Panromantic

Panromantic's are attracted to people regardless of their gender or gender identity.

Penultisexual

Penultisexual's experience sexual attraction to people with a gender different from their own.

Polygender

Polygender individuals experience and expresses multiple genders simultaneously.

Pomosexual

Pomosexual's reject or do not identify with traditional sexual labels or categories.

Proculsexual

Proculsexual's experience attraction to people they can never have a relationship with.

QTIPOC & QTIBIPOC

Individuals with both racial/ethnic identities and LGBTQIA+ identities.

Queer

An umbrella term used to describe individuals whose identity does not conform.

Questioning

The process of exploring and considering one's sexual orientation and/or gender.

Recipromantic

Recipromantic's only experience romantic attraction to those with mutual romantic feelings.

Reciprosexual

Recipsexual's only experience sexual attraction to those with mutual romantic feelings.

Romantic Orientation

The pattern of romantic attraction that a person experiences toward others.

Sanssexual

Characterized by random and unpredictable changes in attraction.

Sekhet

In ancient Egyptian culture, sekhet is a third gender identity often translated as "eunuch".

Sexual Orientation

The pattern of romantic attraction that a person experiences toward others.

Spectrum

An individual's enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to others.

Sapiosexual

Characterized by a strong attraction to intelligence in others, regardless of gender.

Semibisexual

Semibisexual's are attracted primarily to one gender but occasionally another.

Skoliosexual

The pattern of romantic attraction that a person experiences toward others.

Stonewall

A pivotal series of events in LGBTQIA+ history that occurred in New York City in 1969.

Sapphic

A broad spectrum of romantic, sexual, or emotional attraction between women.

Sex

The biological and physical characteristics of male, female, and intersex individuals

Spectrasexual

The pattern of romantic attraction that a person experiences toward others.

Straight

Straight individuals are attracted to people of the opposite gender.

T4T

Relationships, connections, or solidarity specifically between transgender individuals.

Top Surgery

Gender-affirming surgery that involves the modification of a person’s chest.

Transgender

Describes individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Transitioning

Transitioning refers to the process by which a person aligns with their gender identity.

Transsexual

Historically refers to individuals whose gender is different from the sex they were assigned.

Tumtum

Originates from Jewish texts and describes those whose sex characteristics are ambiguous.

Taosexual

Individual's who experience attraction only after establishing a metaphysical connection.

Trans History

Individuals who identified as transgender but now feel aligned with their gender.

Transgender Man

Someone who was assigned female at birth (AFAB) but identifies and lives as male.

Transmasculine

Individuals who were assigned female at birth but identify with a masculinity.

Travesti

Used in South America, individuals who were assigned male but adopt femininity.

Twink

Describes a young man, typically in his late teens to early twenties, who is smooth-skinned.

Third Gender

A category of gender that exists beyond the traditional binary of male and female.

Transfeminine

Individuals assigned male at birth who identify more closely with femininity than masculinity.

Transgender Woman

Someone who was assigned male at birth (AMAB) but identifies and lives as female.

Transphobia

The fear, discrimination, prejudice, or hostility directed toward transgender individuals.

Trigender

Trigender is a gender identity that involves experiencing three distinct gender identities.

Two-Spirit

Indigenous peoples in North America to who are both masculine and feminine.

Undetectable

A status in which the amount of HIV in a person's blood is so low that it cannot be measured.

Vakasalewalewa

Originating in Fiji to describe those who are assigned male at birth but identify as women.

Visibility

The representation and recognition of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Vultussexual

Sexual attraction that is primarily based on someone's physical appearance.

Waria

Used in Indonesia to describe individuals assigned male at birth but present as feminine.

Wentisexual

Refers to individuals who are exclusively attracted to people with the same sexual identity.

Winkte

Used within certain Indigenous cultures to describe a third gender.

X Gender

A non-binary gender identity that exists outside the traditional male and female gender binary.

Xenogender

A gender experience or identity that is not based on traditional or human concepts of gender

Zygosexual

Individual's who engage in the act of more sexual partners alongside their current partner.