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.

Nasty Pig

National Center For Transgender Equality (NCTE)

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is a nonprofit advocacy organization in the United States dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration, and empowerment. NCTE focuses on social justice issues that significantly impact the transgender community, including anti-discrimination protections, healthcare access, and gender identity recognition. It provides educational resources, policy development, and supports legislative efforts to ensure that transgender individuals can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination.

National Coalition Of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), The

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs is a coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations, and individuals who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is dedicated to addressing and ending all forms of violence against and within LGBTQIA+ communities. It provides advocacy for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels to increase funding for LGBTQIA+ anti-violence support services. Additionally, NCAVP compiles and disseminates critical data on LGBTQIA+ violence and provides technical assistance and training to help local organizations respond effectively to the needs of victims of such violence.

National LGBTQ Task Force, The

The National LGBTQ Task Force is an American advocacy group that promotes civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. It focuses on creating change at all levels of society in policy, education, and cultural acceptance, through lobbying for legislative changes, grassroots organizing, and community empowerment. The Task Force is known for its progressive stances on a wide range of issues affecting LGBTQ people, including healthcare, workplace discrimination, and immigration.

Negotiation

Negotiation, particularly within BDSM and kink subcultures, refers to the discussion that takes place before any kinky activities begin. This involves all parties openly communicating their interests, desires, boundaries, and safe words. Negotiation is crucial to ensure that each participant's limits and consents are respected, making the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. This process helps establish trust and clarity, which are fundamental in BDSM relationships and scenes.

Neopronouns

Neopronouns are a category of new (neo) pronouns that are increasingly used as alternatives to traditional pronouns, such as he, she, or they. These pronouns serve individuals who feel that traditional pronouns do not adequately reflect their gender identity. Examples of neopronouns include xe/xem/xyr, ze/hir/hirs, and ey/em/eir. Neopronouns can provide a means for individuals to express their identity more fully and authentically, especially within non-binary and gender non-conforming communities.

Neurodivergent

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to the concept that various neurological conditions are normal variations in the human genome. This perspective is particularly significant within the LGBTQIA+ community, where there is a higher prevalence of neurodivergent individuals compared to the general population. Embracing neurodiversity involves recognizing and respecting neurological differences like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others as natural and important variations rather than deficits. The LGBTQIA+ community's advocacy for acceptance and inclusion extends to neurodivergent individuals, promoting understanding and support for diverse cognitive and neurological experiences.

Neurotypical

Neurotypical is a term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning are consistent with societal standards of typical cognition. This term is often used in contrast with "neurodivergent," referring to individuals who live with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing the distinction between neurotypical and neurodivergent is important for fostering an inclusive environment that respects and accommodates all forms of neurological diversity.

Neutrois

Neutrois is a non-binary gender identity that falls under the transgender umbrella. It is often described as a neutral or null gender identity that feels neither male nor female, and sometimes as an absence of gender altogether. Individuals who identify as neutrois may seek to look androgynous and might pursue medical procedures to align their physical appearance more closely with their gender identity, such as hormonal treatment or surgery. This identity challenges traditional gender norms and promotes a broader understanding of gender beyond the binary framework.

New Progress Pride Flag

The New Progress Pride Flag enhances the traditional six-color rainbow pride flag by incorporating elements that represent additional marginalized LGBTQIA+ communities. Specifically, it includes black and brown stripes to highlight the unique challenges and histories of LGBTQIA+ people of color, along with the colors pink, light blue, and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag. This design symbolizes unity and inclusiveness, acknowledging the diversity and intersectionality within the LGBTQIA+ community. The flag is a testament to the ongoing struggle for broader acceptance and rights for all LGBTQIA+ individuals, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality in the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement.

New Way

New Way is a category within ballroom culture that emphasizes contemporary, precise, and rigid movements fused with voguing elements. This style is characterized by dramatic, angular poses, model-like catwalk techniques, and elaborate hand performance that often mimics the precision of sign language. New Way competitions often involve challenges that demonstrate flexibility and the ability to strike intricate poses, showcasing both the dancer's physical ability and creativity. It serves as a platform for self-expression and community bonding, and is celebrated for its innovation in dance and performance art within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Nipple Torture

Nipple torture refers to a range of BDSM practices that involve inflicting pain or discomfort to the nipples for sexual gratification, power exchange, or sensory play. Techniques can include pinching, biting, suction, twisting, or using various implements like clamps, weights, or even electrical stimulation. It's important for participants to discuss boundaries, consent, and safe words prior to engaging in nipple torture, as the intensity and safety can vary widely depending on the individual's tolerance and the method used.

Nipples

Nipples often take on cultural and personal significance beyond their biological attributes. For some, they are central to body positivity and gender identity, especially in discussions about top surgery for transgender individuals. Nipples can be a focal point in the expression of gender, where modifying or revealing them aligns with one’s gender identity or expression. They are also prevalent in conversations about public decency laws and discrimination, highlighting issues with gendered double standards and the sexualization of bodies.

Non Binary / Nonbinary / Non-Binary

Non-binary is a term used to describe individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female. Non-binary people may experience their gender identity as being outside the traditional categories of "man" and "woman," or they may feel it fluctuates between genders, encompasses aspects of both, or is entirely different from these categories. This identity challenges the gender binary system and highlights the diversity of gender expressions and experiences beyond traditional male and female roles.

Nonbinary Flag

The Nonbinary Flag consists of four horizontal stripes: yellow, white, purple, and black. Each color represents different aspects of nonbinary identity. Yellow symbolizes genders outside of the binary framework, white represents people who identify with many or all genders, purple signifies a mix of male and female genders, and black represents those who feel they are without a gender. The flag was designed to be inclusive of all nonbinary individuals and their experiences, providing a symbol for recognition and unity within the community and broader society.

Nylon

Nylon fetish refers to a sexual or aesthetic preference for nylon textiles, particularly in forms like stockings, pantyhose, or bodysuits, often integral to various sexual practices and preferences within the LGBTQIA+ community. This fetish can play a significant role in the drag community and among transgender individuals, emphasizing aspects of gender expression and transformation. It is also prominent in BDSM practices where nylons are valued for their texture, appearance, and the specific sensual experience they provide.

Objective Physical

Objective physical attraction refers to the recognition that a person is considered physically attractive by societal standards, independent of one's personal feelings of attraction. This concept acknowledges that perceptions of physical beauty can be influenced by cultural norms and that an individual can recognize someone as aesthetically appealing without experiencing a personal attraction to them.

Objective Sexual

Objective sexual attraction describes the phenomenon where an individual acknowledges that a person is considered sexually attractive by societal standards, even if they do not personally experience sexual attraction towards that person. This concept helps in understanding how perceptions of attractiveness can be influenced by cultural and societal norms, separate from an individual's own sexual preferences or desires.

Old Way

Old Way refers to a style of voguing within ballroom culture, characterized by its precise, rigid, and angular movements, often reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphics or martial arts poses. This style contrasts with the more fluid and dynamic New Way voguing. Originating in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Old Way was initially performed predominantly by African American and Latino gay men and transgender women, emphasizing a competitive spirit and aesthetic excellence, often serving as a means of personal expression and community identity within the LGBTQIA+ scene.

Omnisexual

Omnisexual refers to a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to people of all genders, acknowledging the existence of various gender identities beyond just male and female. Unlike pansexuals, who often do not consider gender as a significant factor in their attraction, omnisexual individuals are aware of gender and may find that it plays a role in their attraction, but they can still be attracted to people of any gender identity.

Open Relationship

An open relationship refers to a form of relationship where all parties involved agree that each may engage in relationships or sexual activities with other people outside the primary relationship without considering it infidelity. This arrangement relies on strong communication, trust, and established boundaries. Open relationships can vary widely in their structure and the degree of openness agreed upon by the participants.

Open To All (OTA)

Open To All (OTA) within ballroom culture refers to categories in ballroom competitions that are inclusive of all participants, regardless of their gender, gender identity, or sexuality. OTA events are designed to be accessible and welcoming, providing a platform for expression and competition that does not restrict entries based on traditional gender categories. This inclusivity is central to fostering a supportive environment where all members of the LGBTQIA+ community can showcase their talents and celebrate diversity.

Openly Gay

Openly gay refers to an individual who publicly acknowledges their attraction to people of the same sex. This term is used to describe someone who does not conceal their sexual orientation, often embracing visibility in personal, social, or professional spheres. Being openly gay can involve various degrees of public acknowledgment, from coming out to family and friends to being visible as gay in broader social or media contexts, thereby challenging stigmas and advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights.

Oppression

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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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