James Obergefell is a prominent LGBTQ+ activist known for his role as the lead plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges. This 2015 decision legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, affirming the right to marriage equality. Obergefell's case stemmed from his desire to be listed as the spouse on his late husband's death certificate, a request initially denied by the state of Ohio due to its ban on same-sex marriage. His fight for recognition led to a historic ruling that significantly advanced LGBTQ+ rights in America.

The Jeffery Pub is a significant LGBTQIA+ bar located in Chicago, Illinois. Known for being one of the oldest Black-owned gay bars in the United States, it has served as a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly for people of color, since its establishment. The pub is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, live entertainment including drag shows and dance nights, and its role as a safe gathering space that champions inclusivity and diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community.

A "Jock" refers to a stereotype or identity that emphasizes an athletic lifestyle and physique. Typically associated with men who are actively involved in sports and who may also prioritize physical fitness and a muscular body. This term also connotes a certain level of masculinity that is admired and, at times, sexualized within the community. It's not merely about sports participation but extends to an aesthetic and often forms a basis for social interaction and attraction within gay culture.

A jock-strap is a type of undergarment originally designed for supporting male genitalia during sports or strenuous physical activities. The jock-strap has transcended its utilitarian origins to become a symbol of gay fashion and sexual expression. It is celebrated not only for its functional benefits but also for its aesthetic appeal and erotic connotations, often being featured in gay erotica and worn at pride events or in private settings to enhance sexual attractiveness and confidence.

Judy Garland is a celebrated icon in the LGBTQIA+ community, revered not just for her talent as a singer and actress but also for the emotional depth she brought to her performances. Garland's vulnerability and resilience resonated deeply with the LGBTQIA+ audience, especially during a time when many felt marginalized and unseen. Her death in June 1969, just before the Stonewall Riots, symbolically ties her to the beginning of the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement, and she remains a symbol of hope and the struggle for acceptance. Garland's portrayal of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz," with its themes of displacement, longing for belonging, and the quest for self-discovery, has also made her a lasting figure of queer identification and nostalgia.

The Judy Garland Memorial Path is a pathway on Fire Island, New York, connecting the communities of Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, running through an area known as The Meatrack. It serves as both a literal path and a symbolic passage commemorating Judy Garland, an enduring icon of the LGBTQIA+ community. Her emotional resonance with the community, marked by her vulnerability and resilience, has made her a figure of lasting significance. This path not only honors her memory but also symbolizes the journey toward LGBTQIA+ acceptance and rights. Garland's death in June 1969 is often remembered as a poignant prelude to the Stonewall Riots, underscoring her impact on LGBTQIA+ activism.

Julius' Bar is a historic LGBTQIA+ bar located in New York City's Greenwich Village. Established in 1864, it is one of the oldest gay bars in New York City and is renowned for its significance in LGBTQIA+ history. Julius' Bar gained widespread recognition during the mid-20th century as a gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly gay men. In 1966, it became a focal point of the LGBTQIA+ civil rights movement when members of the LGBTQIA+ community staged a "Sip-In" protest to challenge discriminatory liquor laws. This event played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights by highlighting the need for legislative reforms to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Today, Julius' Bar continues to operate as a symbol of LGBTQIA+ resilience, community, and activism, preserving its legacy as an iconic institution in LGBTQIA+ history.

June holds significant importance in the LGBTQIA+ community as it is celebrated globally as Pride Month. This month commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969 and are widely considered a watershed moment for the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. Throughout June, numerous events such as parades, marches, parties, and memorials are held to honor the history, hardships, and progress of LGBTQIA+ rights. Pride Month is a time of both solemn reflection on the struggles faced by the community and vibrant celebrations of queer identity and solidarity.

This legislation aims to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the selection of jurors for federal trials. It seeks to ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals have the same rights and opportunities to participate in the judicial process as any other citizen, without facing bias or discrimination. By prohibiting discrimination during jury selection, these acts contribute to creating a fair and impartial legal system that respects the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ people.

A K-Hole is a term derived from the recreational use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that, when used in non-medical settings, can induce intense hallucinations, distorted perception of time and space, and feelings of detachment from oneself and reality. Within some segments of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly those involved in club or party scenes, the experience of a K-Hole may be referred to in the context of substance use at social gatherings. It is important to approach this topic with awareness of the risks associated with drug use, including dependence, negative psychological effects, and physical harm.

KYS, standing for "Know Your Status," is a phrase widely promoted within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in relation to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It encourages individuals to be aware of their own health status through regular testing, fostering an environment of responsibility and open communication about sexual health. The phrase is part of broader public health campaigns aimed at reducing the spread of infections and promoting treatment and management for those who test positive.

Kai-kai, originally from the 1920s drag subculture, has evolved in its meaning within the LGBTQIA+ community. Today, it refers to a transsexual who is primarily attracted to other transsexuals. The term highlights the unique interpersonal and romantic dynamics that can exist within the trans community, where individuals may prefer partners who share similar experiences and understandings of gender identity and transition.

Keith Haring was an American artist and social activist known for his distinctive graffiti-inspired artwork that emerged from the New York City street culture of the 1980s. Haring's work is celebrated for its vibrant, cartoon-like figures and bold lines, often carrying themes of social justice, sexuality, and AIDS awareness. He was openly gay and his artwork prominently includes imagery and symbols advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and AIDS activism. His contributions to both the art world and LGBTQIA+ advocacy continue to influence contemporary art and culture.

Ketamine, often referred to as "K", particularly in club and party scenes, is a dissociative anesthetic that has gained popularity as a recreational drug. Its use spans various groups, but within the LGBTQIA+ context, it is notable for its prevalence in nightlife and dance culture. While it can induce feelings of detachment from the self and the environment, euphoria, and a distorted sense of time, it is crucial to acknowledge the risks associated with its use, including potential physical and psychological dependence, and the dangers of non-consensual drugging.

Key West, Florida, is renowned within the LGBTQIA+ community for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both residents and tourists. It is celebrated for its vibrant gay scene, which includes numerous gay bars, resorts, and cultural events. Key West is also home to several significant LGBTQIA+ festivals and events such as Key West Pride and the Tropical Heat festival. The city has a history of progressive attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ rights, being one of the first in the United States to elect an openly gay mayor and establishing domestic partner benefits early on.

A kiki is a social gathering where people come together to relax, converse, and support each other in a safe and casual environment. Originating from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) within the ballroom culture, the term has become popular for describing informal, fun meetups that might involve gossip, laughter, and communal bonding. These gatherings can serve as vital spaces for queer individuals to forge connections away from the mainstream social pressures and often center around shared experiences and joy.

Kink refers to any non-normative sexual practices or desires, which can include a wide range of activities from bondage and discipline (B&D), dominance and submission (D&S), and sadomasochism (S&M), to more specific fetishes involving materials, roles, or scenarios. The term is embraced by many in the community as a celebration of sexual diversity and expression, providing a framework for discussing and exploring sexual desires openly and consensually. Kink culture often intersects with discussions on consent, communication, and safe practices, emphasizing the ethical aspects of sexual exploration.

This term refers to the act of stigmatizing or criticizing individuals for their involvement in or enjoyment of non-traditional sexual practices, preferences, or fetishes. It involves shaming someone for their consensual sexual behaviors that may deviate from societal norms or expectations. Kink-shaming perpetuates stigma and judgment towards diverse expressions of sexuality and can contribute to feelings of shame, guilt, or isolation among those who engage in kink or BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism) practices.

The Kinsey Scale, developed by biologist Alfred Kinsey in the late 1940s, is a tool used to describe a person's sexual orientation based on their experience or response at a given time. The scale ranges from 0, indicating exclusively heterosexual behavior or attraction, to 6, indicating exclusively homosexual behavior or attraction. The scale also includes "X" for individuals with no socio-sexual contacts or reactions. This scale was groundbreaking as it introduced the concept that sexuality is a spectrum rather than a binary of homosexual or heterosexual, which has been particularly influential in discussions about sexual orientation within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Kissing in the LGBTQIA+ context extends beyond a mere expression of affection. It can be a profound statement of identity, rebellion, or solidarity. For many within the community, particularly when done in public, kissing serves as a courageous act of defiance against heteronormative expectations and a celebration of queer love. It is also a way for individuals to claim space, affirm their attraction, and visibly challenge societal norms around sexuality and gender expression.

Kitty girl is a term of endearment, often used to address or refer to someone in a playful or affectionate manner. It draws from drag culture where the expression celebrates femininity and empowerment in a flamboyant and affectionate way. The term is popularized by drag performers and is frequently used in settings that embrace drag culture and performance art, signaling camaraderie and shared identity among participants.

LGBT is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. This term is used to describe the community composed of individuals who identify as any of these orientations or gender identities. The acronym can sometimes be extended to LGBTQIA+ to include those who identify as Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. The term serves as a collective way to speak of this diverse community with many different identities related to sexuality and gender, focusing on the inclusion and rights of these various groups.

LGBTQ is an acronym representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (or Questioning) individuals. This term is an expansion of the earlier used LGBT, adding the 'Q' to explicitly include those who identify as Queer or are still exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity. It encompasses a diverse array of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that differ from the mainstream heterosexual and cisgender norms. The term aims to promote inclusivity and acceptance for all individuals under this spectrum, addressing the unique challenges and rights related to each identity.

LGBTQ History Month is an annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer history, as well as the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It is celebrated during the month of October in the United States to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11th and the first march on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979. The month provides an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and victories of LGBTQ individuals and to honor their contributions to culture and society. It also serves as a vital educational period to raise awareness and understanding of LGBTQ issues and the impact of LGBTQ individuals throughout history.

LGBTQ+ is an acronym representing a broad spectrum of sexual and gender identities beyond the traditional binary notions of male and female. "LGBTQ" stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning, with the "+" signifying the inclusion of other identities such as Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, and others who are part of the community but not specifically represented in the five-letter initialism. This term is used to describe a community of people united by a shared culture and social movements that seek to affirm diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in the face of social discrimination and legal challenges.