Ways of saying gay
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re nervous of saying the wrong thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to support make conversations easier and more relaxed. LGBTQ+ people operate a variety of terms to determine themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always attend for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of Queer people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as successfully as those within the LGBTQ+ people who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for brief, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual task with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may life no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The shrink from and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who like and are sexually attracted to more than one gender.
Bisexual | These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to aid 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 legal title, especially when they use it to describe their persona. Ultimately it is most important that each individual explain themselves for themselves and therefore also define a phrase 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 vital to acknowledge as part of our mission to test all forms of oppress Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ community organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section. Additional terms and definitions about gender self 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 Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated?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 commencing of a sentence. LGBTQ 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).
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, modifying and often intend 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.
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans person, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media apply 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 accuratelLGBTQIA+ Slurs and Slang
Term Contextual note Time/Region References ace queen 1970s term essence “great queen”. Prison slang for a man who wears a more “feminine” look i.e. shaved legs, plucked eyebrows. May be described as part of incarcerated homosexual culture. Should not be confused with the more widely-used legal title "ace," a shortening of "asexual." See "asexual." UK, USA, 1970s Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary alphabet people Offensive contemporary legal title for LGBTQ+ people, often used by right-wing people reacting to perceived advancements in LGBTQ+ people's rights. 2020s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ bathroom queen Gay slang utterance for people who frequent public toilets looking for sexual encounters. USA, UK Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary batting for the other team A euphemistic phrase indicating that someone (of any gender) is gay. This phrase is not a slur or especially