Gay is a term that primarily refers to a person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to individuals of the same sex or gender. Originally used to describe men attracted to men, the term has also been embraced by some women and non-binary individuals who are attracted to people of the same gender. Beyond its use to denote sexual orientation, "gay" has evolved to encompass a broad spectrum of identities and cultural practices within the LGBTQIA+ community. It signifies more than just sexual attraction; it includes a sense of belonging to a community that shares common experiences, struggles, and triumphs. The term also plays a significant role in the personal and social identity of individuals, contributing to their overall sense of self and the way they interact with the world.

A gay bar is a drinking establishment that primarily caters to LGBTQIA+ patrons, providing a safe and inclusive space for socializing, entertainment, and community-building. These venues play a crucial role in LGBTQIA+ culture, offering a sense of belonging and acceptance for individuals who may face discrimination or exclusion in mainstream establishments. Gay bars often feature themed nights, drag shows, karaoke, and other events tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community. They serve as important hubs for activism, cultural expression, and networking within LGBTQIA+ communities.

"Gay cancer" was an early and now outdated term used to describe Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer that became closely associated with the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s. This term reflects the historical period when little was known about AIDS and its impact primarily on the gay community led to significant stigma and fear. The term "gay cancer" contributed to misconceptions and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community, as it inaccurately suggested that the disease was exclusive to gay individuals.

The term "Gay Card" is often used to refer to an imaginary pass that affirms one's identity as gay. It is colloquially mentioned in conversations about one's knowledge of, participation in, or adherence to cultural norms and stereotypes associated with being gay. Jokingly, it can be said to be 'revoked' or 'renewed' based on whether someone aligns with these often light-hearted standards.

Gay cure therapy, also known as conversion therapy, is a discredited and harmful practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual. Despite overwhelming evidence from mental health professionals and organizations that sexual orientation and gender identity are innate and cannot be changed, this practice has been used in various forms, including psychological counseling, spiritual interventions, and in more extreme cases, aversive treatments. Conversion therapy has been widely condemned for its unethical nature and the significant psychological harm it can cause, including anxiety, depression, and increased risk of suicide. Efforts to ban and criminalize the practice have gained momentum globally as part of broader LGBTQIA+ rights and health advocacy.

Gay Days refers to annual events celebrated at various theme parks, resorts, and other venues where LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families, and allies come together to celebrate their identities in a public, communal space. These gatherings are marked by attendees wearing specific colors (often red shirts) to visibly express solidarity and community within a traditionally non-LGBTQIA+ space. Originating at Walt Disney World in Florida in the early 1990s, Gay Days has expanded to include similar celebrations at theme parks and cities around the world. These events are not officially sponsored by the parks but have grown through community participation and support. Gay Days serve as a powerful symbol of LGBTQIA+ presence and pride, offering a space for visibility, celebration, and unity, while also highlighting the importance of inclusive and welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

A Gay Icon is a public figure, often a celebrity, musician, or political figure, who is highly admired and revered within the LGBTQIA+ community. This admiration may stem from the icon's personal qualities, deeds, or their support for LGBTQIA+ rights and issues, sometimes regardless of their own sexual orientation or gender identity. Gay icons often embody strength, resilience, and liberation, qualities that resonate with the LGBTQIA+ community's struggles and aspirations. They may also be individuals who embrace flamboyance, challenge gender norms, or have a significant impact on LGBTQIA+ cultural expressions and movements. Gay icons serve as symbols of empowerment, offering hope and solidarity to LGBTQIA+ individuals as they navigate societal acceptance and personal acceptance.

The term "Gay Mafia" refers to a perceived influential group of powerful LGBTQIA+ individuals in entertainment, media, fashion, and other industries who support each other’s careers and influence. While it's a playful and somewhat tongue-in-cheek expression, it connotes the idea of a tight-knit network within the community that wields significant cultural and economic power. The term often underscores the solidarity and community clout that can arise when marginalized groups collaborate and rise to positions of influence, challenging the norms and changing perceptions in mainstream society.

The Gay Men's Chorus is a choral organization that brings together gay men to perform music in a variety of genres. These choirs serve not only as artistic and cultural expressions but also as platforms for advocacy and community building within the LGBTQIA+ community. Originating in the late 20th century, with the first chorus founded in San Francisco in 1978, Gay Men's Choruses have spread globally, providing safe spaces for members to share their experiences and voices. Through performances that often address themes of love, acceptance, and the fight against discrimination, these choruses promote visibility for LGBTQIA+ issues and foster an environment of inclusivity and solidarity. Their contributions go beyond entertainment, embodying a powerful form of activism and community engagement.

The Gay Men's Pride Flag is a symbol specifically representing gay men within the broader LGBTQIA+ community. While the rainbow flag is widely recognized as a general symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride and diversity, various subgroups have created their own flags to represent their specific identities and experiences. The Gay Men's Pride Flag, like others, features distinct colors or symbols that resonate with gay men's culture, experiences, and solidarity. Each color or element in the flag can symbolize aspects such as life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony, and spirit, echoing the themes of the larger pride flag but tailored to reflect the unique journey and unity of gay men. This flag serves as a visible sign of the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating each group's distinct identity.

Gay Pride refers to the celebration of self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people as a social group. Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the predominant outlook that bolsters most LGBTQIA+ rights movements around the world. Originating from the Stonewall Riots in 1969, an event that marked the beginning of the fight for gay rights in the United States, Gay Pride typically involves a series of events including pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts. The pride movement also includes memorials for members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The rainbow flag is a symbol widely used in pride celebrations, representing diversity and inclusion. Gay Pride events serve both to celebrate the achievements and rights won by the LGBTQIA+ community and to advocate for further progress.

Gay rights encompass the struggle for equality and legal protections for individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender. This movement seeks to address various forms of discrimination and injustices faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, including issues related to marriage equality, employment discrimination, hate crimes, health care disparities, and parental rights. Activism and legal efforts aim to secure the same rights and protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals that are afforded to heterosexual individuals, recognizing the fundamental human right to love, marry, work, and live freely without fear of discrimination or violence. The gay rights movement has seen significant milestones over the years, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in numerous countries and advancements in anti-discrimination laws, yet it continues to face challenges and opposition in various parts of the world.

A Gay Village is a geographic area with a high concentration of LGBTQIA+ residents and businesses, serving as a cultural and social center for the community. These neighborhoods often emerge as safe spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can live openly and find support among peers. Gay Villages are known for their inclusivity and are characterized by the presence of bars, clubs, restaurants, bookstores, and other businesses that cater specifically to LGBTQIA+ people, as well as by LGBTQIA+-friendly policies and services. They play a crucial role in fostering LGBTQIA+ identities, activism, and community life, offering a sense of belonging and community to those who may face discrimination or isolation elsewhere. Examples include the Castro in San Francisco, Greenwich Village in New York City, and Soho in London. These spaces not only provide safety and community but also contribute to the visibility and political strength of the LGBTQIA+ movement.

Gay for pay refers to individuals who identify as heterosexual but who engage in homosexual activities, usually within the context of adult entertainment, to earn money. This term specifically highlights the commodification of sexual orientation for economic gain and may also intersect with discussions about the authenticity and performance of sexual identities, particularly in media and pornography. The term is often used to explore the dynamics between economic incentives and sexual orientation expression within certain subcultures.

Gaydar is a colloquial term that combines "gay" and "radar" to describe the perceived ability to intuit someone's sexual orientation, often based on stereotypes, mannerisms, speech patterns, and social cues. While sometimes claimed as a playful or intuitive skill within the LGBTQIA+ community, it's important to recognize that the concept of gaydar can perpetuate stereotypes and oversimplifications about gender and sexuality. The accuracy and reliance on gaydar have been subjects of both humorous and serious debate. It's also a reminder of the complex ways in which individuals navigate understanding and identifying with each other within and outside the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing the importance of self-identification and caution against making assumptions about others' identities.

The Gaygency is a New York City-based marketing agency focused on enhancing the visibility and success of LGBTQIA+ owned and operated businesses. It specializes in creating meaningful connections between these businesses and the broader community, including ally businesses. By offering strategic marketing solutions, The Gaygency aims to support and empower the LGBTQIA+ community through authentic engagement, there by promoting inclusivity and diversity.

A Gaymer is an individual who has a passionate interest in video games. This term blends the words "gay" and "gamer" to specifically identify gamers who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Gaymers can be found across all types of gaming platforms, from console and PC gaming to mobile and tabletop games. The term also represents a subculture that encompasses the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and gaming culture, fostering a sense of community and belonging among LGBTQIA+ individuals who share a love for gaming. This community might gather in online spaces, such as forums or gaming groups, to share experiences, discuss LGBTQIA+ representation in gaming, and support one another in environments that are often dominated by heteronormative narratives. Gaymers contribute to the broader conversation about diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry and culture.

Gaysian is a portmanteau word that combines "gay" and "Asian," used to refer specifically to individuals who identify as both gay and of Asian descent. This term highlights the intersection of sexual orientation and ethnic identity, emphasizing the unique experiences and challenges faced by gay Asian individuals within both the LGBTQIA+ and broader societal contexts. Gaysians may navigate complex issues related to cultural identity, family expectations, racism, and representation within both the Asian and LGBTQIA+ communities. The term also represents a sense of solidarity and community among gay Asians, fostering a space for shared experiences, advocacy, and support. It underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, including the varied experiences of those who hold multiple marginalized identities.

Gear often refers to specialized outfits or accessories worn that express particular sexual interests or identities, especially within subcultures such as the leather, BDSM, or fetish communities. These items are not only functional but also serve as a mode of expression and identity signaling within these groups. Gear can include a wide range of items like leather jackets, harnesses, bondage equipment, and other accoutrements that play a significant role in personal and community identity aesthetics.

"Geek" or "Nerd" refers to individuals who are enthusiastically knowledgeable about or interested in non-mainstream activities and subjects, such as science fiction, fantasy, video games, technology, and comics. These terms, which historically carried a pejorative connotation, have been reclaimed by many within the LGBTQIA+ community as a source of pride and identity. LGBTQIA+ geeks and nerds often find solace and community in geek culture, where shared interests can lead to a sense of belonging and acceptance. This subculture within the LGBTQIA+ community highlights the diversity of interests and identities, challenging stereotypes and broadening the understanding of what it means to be LGBTQIA+. LGBTQIA+ geeks and nerds may also advocate for increased representation and inclusivity within geek culture, promoting stories and characters that reflect their experiences and identities.

Gender is a complex construct that encompasses a range of identities, expressions, and roles that are culturally and personally understood and experienced beyond the binary framework of male and female. It involves how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others in terms of masculinity, femininity, both, or neither. Gender identity is a personal conception of oneself as male, female, a blend of both, or neither, and can correspond to or differ from the sex assigned at birth. Gender expression refers to the external manifestation of one's gender identity through clothing, behavior, language, and other forms of presentation. The LGBTQIA+ community advocates for the recognition and respect of diverse gender identities and expressions, emphasizing the importance of self-identification and the right to live authentically. Understanding and respecting gender diversity is crucial for the inclusion and equality of all individuals, regardless of where they fall on the gender spectrum.

Gender affirming refers to the practices, procedures, and treatments that support and validate an individual's gender identity, especially for transgender and non-binary people. This can encompass a wide range of actions and medical interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), gender affirmation surgery (GAS), and the use of personal pronouns and names that reflect one's gender identity. Gender affirming practices also extend to social recognition, legal acknowledgment of one's gender, and the provision of mental health support tailored to the needs of transgender and non-binary individuals. The goal of gender affirming approaches is to facilitate alignment between one's external appearance and social interactions with their true gender identity, significantly improving mental health and well-being.

A gender bender is an individual who disrupts or "bends" expected gender roles through their dress, presentation, or behavior. This term encompasses a wide range of experiences and expressions, from occasional cross-dressing to a more sustained ambiguity in gender expression. Gender benders often challenge traditional norms and may identify with various points across the gender spectrum, engaging in practices that question the rigid categorization of gender into male and female. This can be a form of self-expression, activism, or personal comfort.

The Gender Binary is a classification system that divides gender into two distinct and opposite forms: masculine and feminine. It is based on the idea that there are only two genders, male and female, and that each corresponds to specific, culturally defined roles, behaviors, and attributes. This system fails to acknowledge the wide spectrum of gender identities that exist beyond this binary framework, including non-binary, genderqueer, and genderfluid identities, among others. The LGBTQIA+ community challenges the gender binary by advocating for recognition and respect of diverse gender experiences and expressions, emphasizing that gender is not limited to two fixed options but is a complex interplay of identity, society, and personal understanding.

Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS), also known as gender-affirming surgery or sex reassignment surgery, refers to medical procedures that transgender and some non-binary individuals may choose to undergo as part of their transition to more closely align their physical bodies with their gender identity. GCS can include a variety of surgical procedures such as chest/breast construction or augmentation, genital surgery, and facial feminization or masculinization surgeries, among others. The specific surgeries an individual might pursue vary greatly depending on their unique needs, goals, and the dysphoria they may experience. It's important to note that not all transgender or non-binary people will desire or have access to GCS, and undergoing surgery is not what validates a person's gender identity. GCS is one of several steps that some individuals may take in their journey towards living authentically as themselves.