Remember...these are just words that people use to identify ourselves and others. Our sexualities are more complicated than these words and we decide if we want to use these words, make up our own or use none at all. It's always your choice!!!
(click on the words below for a definition)
bisexual
coming out
gay
gender expression
gender identity
genderqueer
GLBT
homophobia
internalized homophobia
lesbian
living openly
outing
queer
same-gender loving
sexual orientation
sexual preference
straight supporter
transgender
transphobia
transsexual
A person emotionally, romantically, sexually & relationally attracted to both men and women, though not necessarily at the same time. A bisexual person may not be equally attracted to both sexes, and the degree of attraction may vary as sexual identity develops over time.
The process in which a person first acknowledges, accepts and appreciates his or her sexual orientation or gender identity and begins to share that with others.
A word describing a man or a woman who is emotionally, romantically, sexually & relationally attracted to members of the same sex.
How a person behaves, appears or presents him- or herself with regard to societal expectations of gender.
The gender role that a person claims for him- or herself -- which may or may not align with his or her physical gender.
A word people use to describe their own non-standard gender identity, or by those who do not conform to traditional gender norms.
An acronym for 'gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.'
The fear and hatred of or discomfort with people who love and sexually desire or are sexually attracted to members of the same sex.
Self-identification of societal stereotypes by a GLBTQ person, causing them to dislike and resent their sexual orientation or gender identity.
A woman who is emotionally, romantically, sexually & relationally attracted to other women.
A state in which GLBT people are open with others about being GLBT how and when they choose to be.
Exposing someone's sexual orientation as being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender to others, usually without permission; in essence 'outing' them from the closet.
A term that is inclusive of people who are not heterosexual. For many GLBT people, the word has negative connotation; however, many younger GLBT people are comfortable using it.
A term some people prefer to use instead of gay or lesbian to express attraction to and love of people of the same gender.
An enduring emotionally, romantic, sexual & relational attraction to another person; may be a same-sex orientation, opposite sex orientation or bisexual orientation.
What a person likes or prefers to do sexually; a conscious recognition or choice not to be confused with sexual orientation.
A person who supports and honors sexual diversity, acts accordingly to challenge homophobic remarks and behaviors and explores and understands these forms of bias within him- or herself.
A term describing a broad range of people who experience and/or express their gender differently from what most people expect. It is an umbrella term that includes people who are transsexual, cross-dressers or otherwise gender non-conforming.
The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with, people whose gender identity or gender expression do not conform to cultural norms.
A medical term describing people whose gender and sex do not line up, and who often seek medical treatment to bring their bodies and gender identity into allignment.
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