Glossary of Terms

An LGBTQ GLOSSARY

Common Terms

Y.E.A.H. —Youth Educating Against Homophobia
LGBTQ — Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual, Questioning
GSA —Gay-Straight Alliance
Ally —A heterosexual or non-declaring person who supports the LGBTQI community
Homophobia —Irrational fear, dislike, 0r hatred of lesbians, gays and bisexuals
Heterosexism —Assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual
Homosexual —Formal term describing someone who has affectionate and sexual feelings for members of the same gender
Gay —Homosexual, most often referring to men
Lesbian —A homosexual woman
Bisexual —A man or woman who is affectionately and sexually attracted to both men and women
Transgender —A person who feels that their biological gender is not their real gender (more detailed information)
Straight —A person attracted to member of the opposite gender; heterosexual
Questioning —A person who is unsure of their sexual orientation Potentially Offensive Terms

The terms below are being reclaimed by the LGBTQI community, but should be used carefully if at all by those outside the community.

Dyke —A lesbian; often used as a slur, but is being reclaimed by many lesbians in a positive way
Fag, Faggot —A gay man; often used as a slur, but is being reclaimed much like ‘dyke’
Queer —Umbrella term used to describe LGBTQ people; has been reclaimed by some from its derogatory use and is often used to express pride in being LGBTQ