A crush refers to the person who is the object of someone's romantic attraction, typically involving feelings of admiration and desire for a romantic relationship with that individual. This term is broadly used within the LGBTQIA+ community to express romantic interest, which can be fleeting or profound, and is a common experience across various identities and orientations.

Crystal, often referred to as crystal meth or methamphetamine in its drug form, has a complex presence within certain segments of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among gay and bisexual men. Its use is known for inducing feelings of heightened alertness, energy, and sexual libido, but it carries severe risks including addiction, mental health issues, and physical health deterioration. Crystal meth's impact on the LGBTQIA+ community is a subject of concern and discussion, especially in relation to its role in increasing vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections due to risky sexual behaviors. Efforts to address its use include harm reduction strategies, community support initiatives, and educational programs aimed at promoting health and safety within LGBTQIA+ spaces.

Cubs are a subset within the larger bear community in LGBTQIA+ culture, typically referring to younger (or younger-looking) gay men who are fairly hairy and often have a more substantial build, though not as large or as hairy as their older "bear" counterparts. Cubs can also embody a more playful, less dominant demeanor, which differentiates them within the spectrum of the bear community. The term celebrates body positivity and challenges conventional attractiveness standards by embracing natural body hair and diverse body types. Cubs often participate in bear-related social events, clubs, and communities that offer a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Cuck, is a term derived from "cuckold" and is used to describe a sexual fetish or kink where a person gets pleasure from their partner engaging in sexual activity with someone else. It challenges traditional monogamous expectations and explores themes of humiliation, submission, and eroticized jealousy within consensual and negotiated relationships. The term is inclusive of any gender and sexual orientation, reflecting the diversity of sexual expressions and preferences within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. It's important to note that the practice emphasizes consent, communication, and mutual enjoyment among all parties involved.

Cultural humility is a lifelong process of self-reflection and self-critique whereby the individual not only learns about another's culture, but starts with an examination of their own beliefs and cultural identities. This concept is particularly relevant within LGBTQIA+ communities, as it emphasizes openness, understanding, and respect for a variety of experiences and identities, acknowledging the complexities of sexuality, gender, and how these intersect with race, ethnicity, religion, and social class. Cultural humility encourages individuals and communities to approach differences and similarities with a posture of learning rather than judgment, fostering inclusive environments where diverse LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences are valued and respected.

Culture within the LGBTQIA+ community encompasses the shared social practices, beliefs, expressions, customs, and values that are prevalent among LGBTQIA+ individuals. This includes everything from the arts, literature, and music that reflect LGBTQIA+ experiences, to the specific traditions and rituals that celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity and community. It also involves the diverse ways in which LGBTQIA+ individuals navigate societal norms and resist discrimination, thereby creating unique subcultures within the broader society. LGBTQIA+ culture is dynamic and varies widely across different regions and subgroups, reflecting the rich diversity of identities within the community, including but not limited to, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex individuals.

"Cum" refers to semen or ejaculate and is commonly used as a casual or colloquial term. It is often discussed in contexts related to sexual health, sexual practices, and erotic discussions. Within the community, conversations about cum can include discussions on safe sex practices, sexual pleasure, fertility, and in some contexts, it might be part of conversations surrounding reproductive technologies for LGBTQIA+ individuals who are considering having children.

A "cum shot" refers to the depiction or capture of ejaculation, often used in the context of pornography to show someone ejaculating. This term can describe both visual content in adult films where ejaculation is prominently featured and personal exchanges where individuals might share images or videos of ejaculation as part of sexual communication. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, discussions about cum shots may touch on aspects of sexual expression, consent, and representation in both media and private interactions.

In the LGBTQIA+ context, particularly within drag and ballroom cultures, the term "cunt" is repurposed as a compliment or descriptor, signifying femininity that is exceptionally real, polished, or flawless. The usage is meant to reclaim and subvert traditional derogatory language, turning it into a term of empowerment or admiration. It often refers to the appearance or demeanor that convincingly emulates stereotypical feminine attributes, celebrating the artistry and authenticity in drag performances or gender expression.

"Cunty" is a term derived from ballroom culture and extensively used in the drag community to describe an attitude or style that embodies a bold, high-caliber femininity or sassiness. It celebrates a fierce, unapologetic expression of femininity, often used to commend someone who exhibits exceptional elegance, poise, or attitude that aligns with traditional notions of sharp, impactful feminine allure. This term reflects a positive reclamation and empowerment, turning a traditionally derogatory word into a badge of honor within the community.

"Cut" primarily refers to a circumcised penis. This term is used within the community to distinguish between circumcised and uncircumcised men, often in the context of sexual preference or descriptive identity in dating and hookup scenarios. It serves as a straightforward descriptor within personal ads, online profiles, or conversations about sexual health and preferences.

DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) refers to a household or relationship where two working adults are partnered or married and have chosen not to have children. This term is often used within the LGBTQIA+ community to describe couples who prioritize careers, personal freedom, and disposable income over starting a family. The concept can highlight different family planning choices and financial stability, reflecting diverse lifestyle preferences within the community.

DIY ("Do It Yourself") refers to the practice among some transgender and transsexual individuals of self-administering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without medical supervision. This approach often arises from barriers to accessing traditional healthcare channels, which may include financial constraints, discrimination, or lack of available services. While DIY HRT provides a vital means for some to begin or continue their gender transition, it also carries significant risks due to the lack of medical oversight, potential for incorrect dosing, and the possibility of adverse health effects.

DTF, an acronym standing for "Down to Fuck," is colloquially used to indicate an individual's openness or interest in engaging in sexual activity, without necessarily seeking a romantic relationship. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, as in broader contexts, DTF can be seen on dating apps and in personal advertisements where individuals are candid about their sexual desires and looking for consensual, casual sexual encounters. The term reflects the shifting attitudes towards sexuality and the importance of consent, communication, and honesty in sexual relationships. While it is used across various orientations and identities, in LGBTQIA+ spaces, DTF also underscores the community's ongoing fight for sexual liberation and the destigmatization of open discussions about sex and desire.

"Daddy" refers to a term of affection and respect, often used to describe an older, more experienced gay or bisexual man, who possesses a nurturing and protective demeanor. It can also signify a dominant role within a relationship, particularly in the context of BDSM or age-differentiated relationships. This term transcends its literal parental connotation, embracing a broader spectrum of power dynamics, mentorship, and care. It's not exclusively confined to age or physical attributes but also to the embodiment of confidence, security, and the capacity to provide emotional support or guidance.

Daddy issues often refer to a complex dynamic where younger gay or queer individuals seek older partners for relationships that provide emotional support, stability, or financial security, sometimes due to unresolved father-child relationships or as a response to familial rejection. This term can also highlight underlying psychological or social needs within LGBTQIA+ individuals who may have experienced paternal absence, neglect, or emotional detachment during their upbringing. While sometimes used pejoratively, it's increasingly discussed in therapeutic and supportive contexts to address these deep-seated emotional challenges.

A "Dance Major" refers to a gay man who is perceived as overly dramatic, flamboyant, or theatrical in their demeanor, interests, or style. This term plays on the stereotype of dance and theater arts as being fields with a high concentration of gay men, celebrating or poking fun at the idea that such interests automatically align with one's sexual orientation. It underscores the playful, self-referential humor within the community concerning stereotypes related to the arts and gay identity.

Located in Portland, Oregon, Darcelle XV Showplace is an iconic nightclub and cabaret known for its drag performances and as a cultural hub for the LGBTQIA+ community. It holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously operating drag venues in the United States. The venue was founded by Walter Cole, better known by his stage persona Darcelle XV, who is recognized as the oldest performing drag queen. Darcelle XV Showplace has played a significant role in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility, providing a safe and celebratory environment for the community and its allies.

The dark blue hanky is part of the handkerchief code, a form of covert communication among the gay male subculture to indicate sexual preferences and roles. A dark blue hanky, when worn in the left pocket, signifies that the wearer is interested in anal sex as a top (the active partner). Conversely, when worn in the right pocket, it indicates interest in anal sex as a bottom (the passive partner). This code, while less commonly used today due to changes in social openness and the advent of digital communication, remains a part of the historical lexicon of gay culture, particularly in contexts where discretion is desired or necessary.

A “dark room” refers to a dimly lit or completely dark space, typically found in gay bars, clubs, or sex venues, where individuals can engage in consensual sexual activities with a degree of anonymity. These spaces have historically provided a sense of freedom and safety for people to explore their sexuality away from societal judgment and surveillance. While often associated with the gay male community, dark rooms can be inclusive of various identities and orientations, emphasizing consensual interactions and mutual respect among participants.

The Day of Remembrance, also known as the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), is observed annually on November 20th. This day is set aside to honor and remember transgender individuals who have been murdered due to transphobia and to raise awareness of the continued violence endured by the transgender community. The observance was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a tribute to the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The day is marked by vigils, speeches, and events aimed at increasing visibility and support for transgender people and addressing the issues they face.

A "Deadname" refers to the birth or legal name given to a transgender or non-binary individual before they chose a name that aligns with their gender identity. The term underscores the importance of respecting a person's chosen name, acknowledging the profound discomfort and dysphoria that can be associated with being referred to by a name that does not reflect their true self. It highlights the transition away from an identity that no longer represents them, often carrying connotations of past discomfort and the desire to leave that identity behind as one embraces their authentic self.

The Death Drop is a dramatic dance move popularized by the ballroom and voguing communities, often seen in drag performances and LGBTQIA+ dance competitions. It involves a high-energy spin culminating in a fall backwards to the ground, landing with one leg bent underneath the body and the other extended, while maintaining a poised upper body posture. This move is celebrated for its boldness and has become a symbol of flair and expressiveness within LGBTQIA+ performance art.

A "Demiboy" is someone who partially, but not wholly, identifies with being a boy or man, regardless of their assigned sex at birth. They may feel a connection to masculinity but do not fully encapsulate the traditional or societal definition of being male. This gender identity falls within the non-binary and transgender spectrums, representing a nuanced understanding of gender as a complex, fluid spectrum rather than a binary concept. Demiboys may or may not identify as transgender, depending on how strongly they associate with their assigned sex at birth versus their gender identity.

The Demiboy Pride Flag represents individuals who identify as demiboys, symbolizing their partial connection to male identity alongside other gender experiences that do not fully align with conventional masculinity. This flag consists of specific colors chosen to represent demiboy identity: light blue stripes, which are often associated with male gender, to signify the demiboy's connection to masculinity; gray stripes to represent the partial gender identity and the spectrum of masculinity experienced by demiboys; and a white stripe symbolizing the non-binary or genderqueer nature of their identity, acknowledging that their gender goes beyond traditional male definitions. The flag serves as a visible symbol of recognition, inclusion, and pride for demiboys within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond, providing a sense of belonging and validation for those who identify with this gender experience.