The Complete LGBTQIA+
Glossary of Terms

Explore The Complete LGBTQIA+ Glossary of Terms: a comprehensive source offering clear, respectful definitions and insights into gender identities, sexual orientations, cultural terminology, historical places, key figures and more. Ideal for allies and community members seeking to understand and learn about the rich diversity and history of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Disclaimer: This glossary includes a wide range of terms related to the LGBTQIA+ community, including some that may be considered derogatory or offensive by some individuals. Our aim in presenting these terms is solely educational and informative, striving to provide a comprehensive overview of the language used within and about the LGBTQIA+ community. It is important to approach this content with sensitivity and awareness of the diverse experiences and perspectives within the community. Our goal is to empower through knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for all individuals. We encourage readers to use this glossary as a tool for positive engagement and learning.

End Racial and Religious Profiling Act

Enda (Employment Non-Discrimination Act)

Equal Rights

Equality

Equality Act

Equalpride

equalpride is recognized as the premier LGBTQ+ owned and operated media conglomerate in the United States, encompassing digital, social, TV, print, and entertainment sectors. The company's mission is to inspire and unite through content that promotes hope, community, equality, and love. It serves a vast portion of the American LGBTQ+ audience each month and extends its influence to women and people of color, who constitute 50% and 25% of its viewership, respectively. Equalpride is a dynamic collective of storytellers, innovators, and influencers dedicated to giving a voice to diverse perspectives. Its renowned portfolio includes leading LGBTQ+ brands such as Out, The Advocate, Out Traveler, Plus, PRIDE.COM, and the Advocate Channel, making it a pivotal force in shaping LGBTQ+ representation in media.

Equity

Equity emphasizes fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have historically prevented the full participation of some LGBTQIA+ groups. Unlike equality, which implies equal treatment of all people regardless of need, equity acknowledges that different people have different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. In the LGBTQIA+ community, this means recognizing and addressing the varied and specific challenges faced by different members within the community, such as those of transgender individuals, people of color, those with disabilities, and others who may face compound forms of discrimination. Efforts to promote equity involve acknowledging and making adjustments for these disparities to support the wellbeing and inclusion of all individuals within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

Equity Fights AIDS

Equity Fights AIDS is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and providing support to individuals and communities affected by the disease. It originated within the entertainment industry, particularly among members of Actors' Equity Association, the union representing stage actors and stage managers in the United States. The organization raises funds through various initiatives, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS events such as Broadway Bares, to provide financial assistance, healthcare, and social services to those living with HIV/AIDS and to support HIV/AIDS prevention and education efforts.

Escort

Ethnicity

Ethnicity refers to the intersection of an individual's cultural, racial, or national identity with their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. This intersectionality highlights the diverse experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. Acknowledging ethnicity in LGBTQIA+ discussions is crucial for understanding the compounded forms of discrimination or privilege individuals may face. It also emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in activism, community support, and policy-making to ensure inclusivity and equity for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing that experiences of identity are multifaceted and influenced by a complex interplay of race, culture, and personal identity.

Euphoria

Euphoria, particularly among transgender and non-binary individuals, refers to the profound sense of joy, satisfaction, or comfort experienced when one's gender identity is affirmed. This can occur through various means, such as being addressed by the correct pronouns, wearing clothing that aligns with one's gender identity, undergoing gender-affirming medical treatments, or receiving social recognition and acceptance of one's true self. Gender euphoria is often highlighted as a counterpart to gender dysphoria, offering a positive focus on the experiences of transgender and non-binary people. It emphasizes the importance of support, acceptance, and affirmation in enhancing the mental health and well-being of individuals exploring or expressing their gender identity.

Every Child Deserves a Family Act

The Every Child Deserves a Family Act is proposed U.S. legislation aimed at ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status in the foster care and adoption systems. It seeks to increase access to permanent, loving homes for foster children by restricting federal funding for agencies that discriminate against prospective adoptive or foster parents based on their LGBTQ+ status, among other criteria. This act is significant for ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals and couples have equal opportunities to foster or adopt children, promoting inclusiveness and diversity within family systems.

Everyone Else

Exhibitionist

An exhibitionist refers to an individual who derives sexual arousal or gratification from exposing their body or engaging in sexual activities in public or semi-public spaces. This behavior is often consensual and may involve activities such as flashing, nude sunbathing, or engaging in sexual acts in locations where they may be observed by others. Exhibitionism can be a form of sexual expression and may be practiced by individuals of any gender or sexual orientation. However, it's important to note that exhibitionism should always involve consenting adults and should not be confused with non-consensual acts of indecent exposure.

Extra

"Extra" often refers to someone or something that is over-the-top, flamboyant, or excessively dramatic in behavior or style. This term is used both affectionately and humorously within the community to celebrate or tease the ostentatious display of personality traits or fashion choices that go beyond the norm, embodying a bold, unabashed flamboyance or theatricality.

Ey / Em / Eir

Ey/Em/Eir are gender-neutral pronouns used as alternatives to she/her/hers or he/him/his, particularly by non-binary or genderqueer individuals. Ey is the subject pronoun (replacing he or she), Em is the object pronoun (replacing him or her), and Eir is the possessive pronoun (replacing his or hers). These pronouns are part of efforts to provide inclusive and respectful language options that affirm individuals' identities outside the traditional gender binary.

F2M

F2M, short for Female to Male, is a term used to describe a transgender individual who transitions from female to male. This transition can involve various steps including hormone therapy, chest surgery (top surgery), and other gender-affirming surgeries. F2M individuals may identify as trans men or by other terms that align more closely with their personal understanding of their gender. It's important to recognize that not all F2M individuals choose to undergo medical transitions; for many, transitioning may involve changing their name, pronouns, and presentation to reflect their true gender identity. The term emphasizes the direction of transition rather than the starting or ending point, highlighting the journey aspect of gender identity discovery and affirmation.

FAMILY Act

FTM

FTM (Female to Male) is a term used to describe individuals who are transitioning or have transitioned from female to male, typically in the context of gender identity. This term refers to transgender men whose gender identity is male but were assigned female at birth. The transition process for FTM individuals may include hormone therapy, such as testosterone, surgery, or other procedures to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. It's important to note that not all FTM individuals choose to undergo medical transitions, and the term is still valid regardless of the physical transition status. FTM is part of a broader spectrum of transgender identities, highlighting the diverse experiences and journeys within the transgender community.

FWB

FWB stands for "Friends With Benefits." This term refers to a relationship where individuals engage in sexual activities without the commitment associated with a romantic relationship. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, this concept can often be seen as a way to explore sexual identities and relationships in a flexible and less formal context. FWB arrangements can vary widely in terms of expectations and dynamics and may include various agreements about emotional involvement and exclusivity.

Fag

The term "fag" is a pejorative slang term historically used to disparage gay men. Its usage is deeply rooted in prejudice and has been employed to demean and belittle LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly homosexual men, through connotations of effeminacy and non-normativity. Over time, some within the LGBTQIA+ community have sought to reclaim the term as a form of empowerment or as an in-group identifier, though its use remains controversial and can vary greatly in acceptance depending on the context and the individuals involved. The word's reclamation efforts highlight the complexities of language and the power dynamics involved in the derogatory use and subsequent reappropriation of slurs within marginalized communities.

Fag Hag

"Fag Hag" is a colloquial and somewhat controversial term referring to a heterosexual woman who has a strong affection for and frequently associates with gay men. While some embrace the term for its historical connections to camaraderie and mutual support between heterosexual women and gay men, others critique it for perpetuating stereotypes and reducing these relationships to caricatures. The term can both celebrate the close bonds that transcend sexual orientation and, simultaneously, be criticized for implying a one-dimensional dynamic based on sexual orientation alone. The evolving understanding of the term reflects broader conversations within the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies about language, inclusivity, and the complexity of human relationships.

Fag Stag

A "Fag Stag" is a term used to describe a heterosexual man who frequently associates with gay men without the intent of fetishizing or objectifying them. The term highlights a friendship dynamic where the heterosexual man is comfortable and supportive of his gay friends' sexuality, often participating in social activities within LGBTQIA+ spaces. While the term can be seen as reinforcing certain stereotypes, it also signifies the importance of allyship and cross-orientation friendships that enrich the social fabric of the LGBTQIA+ community. These relationships demonstrate mutual respect and understanding, challenging societal norms around masculinity and sexuality.

Faggot

"Faggot" is a derogatory term historically used to insult and harm gay men. Its use is steeped in violence, prejudice, and discrimination, often employed to demean and belittle individuals based on their sexual orientation or to police masculinity. Despite its hateful origins, some within the LGBTQIA+ community have attempted to reclaim the term, using it among themselves as a form of empowerment or solidarity. However, its reclamation is controversial and not universally accepted within the community. The term's significance underscores the ongoing struggle against homophobic language and highlights the importance of context and intention in the use of reclaimed slurs. It serves as a reminder of the impact of language on LGBTQIA+ individuals' dignity and the broader societal perceptions of the community.

Fair and Equal Housing Act

The Fair and Equal Housing Act is a proposed legislative measure in the United States aimed at amending the Fair Housing Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics. Its purpose is to prevent discrimination in the rental, sale, or financing of housing based on an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, thus ensuring that LGBTQIA+ individuals have equal access to housing without fear of prejudice. This act is part of broader efforts to address and eliminate systemic barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ people in securing safe and stable housing.

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Glossary Last Updated: June 19, 2024
Version 1: Publish glossary for the public.
Published April 22, 2024
Version 2: Will be adding filters to view terms by categories.
Version 3: Will be adding images and learn more links for select terms.

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