"GRID" stands for Gay-Related Immune Deficiency and was an early term used in the 1980s to describe what is now known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Initially, the condition was mistakenly associated primarily with the gay community, which led to its initial naming. This term reflects a period of significant misunderstanding and stigma about the disease, as it was colloquially known as "gay cancer" due to its frequent diagnosis among gay men at the time. The term has since been abandoned in favor of more accurate medical terminology that does not link the disease to a specific community unfairly. This change reflects an increased understanding of the disease's transmission and effects, which affect individuals regardless of sexual orientation.

"The Grid" refers specifically to the user interface layout commonly seen in geo-location-based dating or hookup apps like Grindr or Scruff. This layout arranges user profiles in a matrix or grid format, organizing them by proximity to facilitate connections. The term has permeated casual LGBTQIA+ conversation, often used to reference encountering someone through these apps, as in "I met him on the grid" or "I saw you on the grid." It highlights the digital dimension of contemporary LGBTQIA+ social and dating scenes.

Grindr is a geosocial networking and online dating application geared towards gay, bi, trans, and queer people. Launched in 2009, it was one of the first dating apps to use location-based technology to show profiles of other users sorted by proximity. Grindr has played a significant role in the LGBTQIA+ community by facilitating social connections, romantic encounters, and providing a platform for networking within the community. The app also includes features aimed at promoting sexual health, including reminders for HIV testing. Grindr has been both praised for its role in strengthening the LGBTQIA+ community and critiqued for issues related to security and privacy.

Grindr Tribes is a feature within the Grindr app that allows users to identify themselves within subgroups based on body type, sexual health status, and other identity markers. This categorization enables users to align more closely with specific groups and facilitate connections that are more targeted to personal preferences or identities. The tribes include categories such as Bear, Twink, Jock, and others, each representing a particular community with its own set of characteristics and cultural signifiers. This feature is part of Grindr's broader functionality that enhances user experience by making it easier to find potential matches with similar interests or attributes within the LGBTQIA+ community.

"Group sex" refers to sexual activities involving more than two participants simultaneously. This practice can include various configurations and is not exclusive to any one orientation or identity. Group sex is acknowledged within the community for its potential to explore dynamics of trust, consent, and pleasure among consenting adults. It is discussed in terms of both its physical and emotional aspects, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and boundaries to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

Growlr is a social networking and online dating app designed specifically for "bears" within the gay community—typically older, larger, hairier men who project an image of rugged masculinity. The app facilitates connections between bear-identified men and those who are interested in them, providing a platform for dating, socializing, and community building. Growlr allows users to create personal profiles, send messages, and share photos. It serves as a digital space where users can find potential partners, friends, or join bear-related social events and gatherings, enhancing community engagement and personal connections among its users.

Gun Violence Prevention Measures refer to policies, laws, and interventions designed to reduce or prevent gun violence, which disproportionately affects LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially transgender women of color. These measures can include universal background checks, restrictions on firearm access for domestic abusers, and red flag laws that allow for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed to pose a risk to themselves or others. Such measures are advocated for within the LGBTQIA+ community as part of broader efforts to enhance safety and reduce the rates of hate crimes and domestic violence affecting this population.

"Guncle" is a portmanteau of "gay" and "uncle," used affectionately within the LGBTQIA+ community to refer to a gay man who plays a significant and supportive role in the life of his nieces or nephews, or even in the lives of the children of close friends. This term celebrates the familial and mentoring relationships that LGBTQ+ individuals often form with children, highlighting the community's values of chosen family and intergenerational support.

Guy-mode refers to the expression or presentation of a transgender woman or a gender non-conforming individual when they choose to present in a way that aligns with traditional male appearance standards. This term is often used within the transgender community to describe periods or situations where an individual may not be fully expressing their gender identity publicly or are conforming to their gender assigned at birth for safety, convenience, or personal reasons. It highlights the fluidity of gender expression and the complex personal and social dynamics that influence how individuals choose to present themselves.

A "guydyke," also known as a "male lesbian," is a term used to describe a person who was assigned male at birth but identifies and/or expresses themselves in a manner culturally associated with lesbian women. This identity can encompass a range of experiences but often includes attraction to women and a strong identification with lesbian culture and community. The term highlights the complexity of gender and sexual identity, challenging traditional notions of both. It reflects the diverse ways individuals understand and define their attractions and identities beyond conventional binary categories.

"Gym Bunnies" is a term used, particularly among gay men, to describe individuals who spend a significant amount of time working out and are devoted to building and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing physique. This term often connotes not only a commitment to fitness but also an element of social and aesthetic presence within both the gym environment and broader social settings. Gym bunnies may prioritize their physical appearance and often embody contemporary ideals of attractiveness within certain segments of the gay community.

Gynesexual, also known as gynephilic, is a term used to describe a sexual orientation towards femininity, regardless of the gender identity or biological sex of the person embodying those traits. This orientation highlights attraction to feminine qualities and expressions and can apply to individuals who feel this attraction irrespective of their own gender identity. The term is especially useful within the LGBTQIA+ community for its ability to transcend traditional labels based on binary gender identities, providing a more inclusive and specific way to discuss sexual attraction without necessarily referencing the gender binary.

"H&H" is a slang term used, particularly in contexts related to dating and sexual encounters. It stands for "high and horny," describing a state where an individual is under the influence of drugs and simultaneously experiencing an increased sexual desire. The phrase is often seen in online dating profiles and chat contexts, indicating an interest in engaging in sexual activity while using substances. This term brings attention to behaviors that intersect with health and safety issues, particularly within discussions about substance use, consent, and safe sex practices within the community.

Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, H.G. Roosters is a longstanding gay bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. It serves as a community hub for the LGBTQIA+ residents of the area, offering a variety of entertainment options including drag shows, dance nights, and themed parties. The establishment is significant for its role in fostering social interaction, community solidarity, and LGBTQIA+ culture, making it a staple in the local scene and a protective venue for expression and connection.

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV reduces the number of these cells, making the body more vulnerable to infections and certain types of cancers. This can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) when the immune system is severely damaged. HIV is a significant topic within the LGBTQIA+ community, especially among gay and bisexual men and transgender women who are statistically at higher risk for HIV due to factors including stigma, discrimination, and barriers to healthcare. Efforts to educate about, prevent, and treat HIV are crucial parts of health initiatives within LGBTQIA+ communities.

Hands, in a kink context, often refers to the use of one's hands as a primary means of sexual pleasure or as part of BDSM activities. This can include practices like handjobs, fingering, or the use of hands for impact play such as spanking. Hands are versatile tools in physical intimacy, valued for the directness of touch and the control they offer in various sexual and sensual activities. The emphasis on hands in this context highlights their role not just in sexual gratification but also in communication, domination, and emotional connection during intimate encounters.

The Hanky Code is a traditional form of signaling, particularly among gay and bisexual men, used to indicate sexual preferences and interests. This system involves the wearing of colored handkerchiefs in the back pocket of one’s clothing. The color and placement of the hanky (left or right pocket) communicate specific desires, roles, and interests to others in a discreet manner. Originating in the 1970s, the Hanky Code served as a crucial communicative tool at a time when explicit expression of homosexual desires was socially and legally repressed. Today, it remains a cultural reference within the community and is celebrated for its historical role in fostering a covert system of expression and connection.

Hard limits in the context of BDSM and kink practices are defined as strict boundaries that are non-negotiable and unequivocal. They delineate what an individual is not willing to do under any circumstances, ensuring safety, consent, and comfort during BDSM activities. These limits are essential to the BDSM negotiation process and are respected without question to maintain the integrity and trust of the BDSM experience.

A "harness" is a piece of attire made typically from leather straps, designed to be worn around the torso. Often associated with the gay leather scene, harnesses serve both aesthetic and practical BDSM functions, acting as a symbol of sexuality, fetishism, and community identity. They are popular attire at pride events, in gay clubs, and BDSM gatherings, reflecting a form of self-expression and a non-verbal way of communicating one's sexual interests and dynamics.

Harvey Milk was an American politician and the first openly gay elected official in the history of California, where he served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His election was a significant milestone in American politics and for the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community. Milk was a prominent advocate for gay rights and became an iconic figure in the movement after his assassination in 1978. His legacy includes inspiring activism and courage in the face of discrimination, and he remains a symbol of the fight for equality and justice for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Harvey Milk's story is often shared to highlight the impact of advocacy on social change and the ongoing struggle against homophobia and prejudice.

Hasbian refers to a woman who previously identified as a lesbian but now identifies as heterosexual or is in heterosexual relationships. The term is often used within the LGBTQIA+ community to discuss shifts in sexual identity and the fluidity of sexual orientation over a person's lifetime. It reflects the complexity and dynamic nature of sexual identity, acknowledging that for some individuals, these aspects can change.

He/him/his are pronouns typically used by individuals who identify as male and are often associated with traditional male gender roles. However, in the LGBTQIA+ community, these pronouns may be used by anyone who feels that they best represent their gender identity, regardless of their biological sex or gender expression. This use underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting each person's chosen identifiers, which affirm their gender identity and personal sense of self.

The Healthy Families Act is a proposed U.S. federal legislation aimed at ensuring that workers have access to paid sick leave to care for their own health needs or the health needs of their family members. This act is significant within the LGBTQIA+ community as it recognizes the diverse familial structures within it and seeks to provide support to individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or family composition.

Henrietta Hudson is a well-known lesbian bar located in New York City, celebrated as one of the oldest continuously operating lesbian bars in the United States. Established in 1991, it has served as a social and cultural hub for the lesbian community, providing a safe space for socializing, entertainment, and activism. The venue is renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, hosting a variety of events that cater to diverse segments of the LGBTQIA+ community, including dance parties, drag shows, and community meetings. Henrietta Hudson plays a crucial role in supporting and fostering lesbian visibility and culture, making it a significant institution within the LGBTQIA+ landscape.

The Henry Gerber House in Chicago, Illinois, is a significant historical site in LGBTQIA+ history. It served as the residence of Henry Gerber, who founded the Society for Human Rights in 1924, which is recognized as the first chartered organization in the United States advocating for the civil rights of homosexuals. This organization produced the first known American publication advocating for gay rights, making the Gerber House a crucial landmark in the fight for LGBTQIA+ advocacy and legal recognition. The house symbolizes the early struggles and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community in a time of widespread societal discrimination.