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.

Parnter

The term "partner" refers to a significant other in a romantic relationship, regardless of the genders or sexual orientations involved. This term is preferred for its neutrality and inclusiveness, providing an alternative to gender-specific terms like "boyfriend" or "girlfriend," "husband" or "wife." Using "partner" can be especially useful in contexts where individuals wish to avoid disclosing gender or where the relationship does not conform to traditional heterosexual frameworks.

Party Bottom

A "Party Bottom" refers to a person, typically within gay male contexts, who is the receptive partner during anal sex with multiple participants at a sex party. This term specifically points to their role in the sexual dynamic of such gatherings, where they engage with various partners, highlighting both a physical and social aspect of their identity and behaviors at these events.

Passing (Gender)

Passing refers to a transgender or gender non-conforming individual's ability to be perceived by others as the gender they identify with, rather than the gender they were assigned at birth. This perception can depend on a variety of factors including physical appearance, gender expression, and societal expectations. While passing can afford safety and validation in a cisnormative society, it also raises important discussions about the pressures to conform to specific gender norms and the value placed on cisnormativity.

Passing (Sexuality)

Passion

Passion refers to intense, profound emotions and a deep sense of enthusiasm or desire that can manifest in various aspects of life. It is not limited to romantic or sexual feelings but can also describe the fervor with which individuals in the community pursue activism, art, and personal interests. Passion is significant in LGBTQIA+ narratives as it encompasses the strong drive towards advocacy, relationship building, and the celebration of queer identities and expressions. It highlights the depth of emotional and motivational engagement in personal and communal activities within the community.

Patient 0

Patient Zero in LGBTQIA+ contexts often refers to the initial patient identified in an epidemiological investigation. Historically, this term gained prominence during the early years of the AIDS crisis, referring to the first known case of a disease in a specific population. It has been used to trace the outbreak's origins and understand its spread among gay and bisexual men. The term, however, can carry stigma, as it was used to unfairly blame individuals or groups for the spread of HIV/AIDS, contributing to significant discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community during the epidemic.

Patriarchy

Patriarchy refers to a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. In the context of LGBTQIA+ discussions, patriarchy often intersects with heteronormativity and cisnormativity, reinforcing gender roles and expectations that marginalize those who do not conform to them. The critique of patriarchy in queer discourse involves challenging these norms and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of gender and sexuality that allows for greater freedom of expression and identity.

Pauli Murray Family Home

Peach

"Peach" often refers to the emoji used to represent buttocks due to its shape. This usage is common in digital communication, where the peach emoji serves as a playful and somewhat euphemistic way to reference the human rear, particularly in contexts discussing attractiveness, body positivity, or sexual attraction.

Pegging

Pegging refers to a sexual practice where a person uses a strap-on dildo to perform anal sex on their partner. Pegging is primarily associated with a cisgender woman penetrating a cisgender man, but it can be practiced by individuals of any gender and sexual orientation. This term emphasizes the role reversal and challenging of traditional gender norms typically associated with penetrative acts, offering a new dimension of sexual dynamics and expressions.

Per / Per

Per/Per pronouns are part of a set of gender-neutral pronouns that some individuals prefer using instead of he/him or she/her pronouns. These pronouns serve as a means for people, particularly those who do not identify strictly as male or female, to express their gender identity. Using per/per pronouns is a way to avoid gender specification in language, contributing to a more inclusive communication. The usage of non-traditional pronouns like per/per is significant in LGBTQIA+ communities as it acknowledges and respects the varied gender identities and expressions that exist beyond the binary framework.

Periodt

Personal Pronouns

Personal pronouns are words used to refer to a person without using their name, reflecting their gender identity and serving as an essential aspect of one’s identity expression. In the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledging and using the correct personal pronouns for each individual is crucial for respecting their gender identity. Common pronouns include "he/him" for someone who identifies as male, "she/her" for someone who identifies as female, and gender-neutral pronouns like "they/them" for individuals who identify as nonbinary, genderqueer, or genderfluid, among others. Some may also use neopronouns such as "ze/hir." Using the correct pronouns is a fundamental practice in fostering inclusivity and respect within interpersonal interactions.

Philadelphia (Movie)

"Philadelphia" is a landmark 1993 American film that addresses the issues of HIV/AIDS and homophobia. It was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and HIV status. The movie centers on Andrew Beckett, a skilled lawyer who is fired from his firm due to his AIDS diagnosis and perceived sexuality. The story unfolds as Beckett hires a homophobic lawyer, Joe Miller, to sue his former employers for discrimination, highlighting the social and legal battles faced by people with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community during the early 1990s. The film is significant for its role in bringing to light the stigma and legal injustices that people living with HIV/AIDS faced, and it helped shift public perception about the epidemic and those it affected.

Philadelphia Pride Flag

The Philadelphia Pride Flag, introduced in 2017, modifies the traditional six-color Rainbow Flag by adding black and brown stripes to the top of the standard rainbow layout. This version of the Pride flag was designed to highlight racial diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community and to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals of color. The inclusion of these colors aims to emphasize the importance of intersectionality within the community and the ongoing struggle against racial discrimination alongside the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. This flag serves as a symbol of solidarity, inclusivity, and the broader social justice movements within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Phobia

Phobia refers to irrational fears and aversions that manifest as hostility, discrimination, or prejudice against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Common forms include homophobia (fear or hatred of homosexuals), transphobia (aversion to transgender or gender non-conforming people), and biphobia (prejudice against bisexuals). These phobias can lead to both overt and covert discrimination, affecting the mental health, safety, and equality of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Addressing these phobias involves raising awareness, promoting acceptance, and implementing protective legislation and policies.

Physical Attraction

Physical attraction refers to the desire to engage in physical contact or touch with another person, which does not necessarily have a romantic or sexual connotation. This type of attraction can manifest in various forms such as hugging family members, embracing friends, or holding hands, reflecting a basic human need for physical connection and comfort with others. It highlights the importance of touch as a means of expressing care, affection, and human closeness.

Piano Bar

Piercings

Pig / Piggy

Within the BDSM and kink subcultures, "pig" or "piggy" refers to someone who embraces or gets erotic pleasure from being dirty or kinky in their sexual activities. This can include a variety of practices that are considered outside of the mainstream sexual norms. The term is used to express a sense of pride in one's sexual openness and kink-positive attitude, often embracing activities that might be seen as taboo. It is a label that can signify a reclaiming of derogatory terms or an expression of sexual liberation.

Pillow Biter

"Pillow biter" is a slang term that originated as a pejorative descriptor, particularly referring to a gay man during anal intercourse where the person receiving might bite a pillow to muffle their sounds of pain or pleasure. Over time, while it still can be used derogatorily, it has also been reclaimed by some within the community as a humorous or cheeky way to refer to their sexual role or experiences.

Pillow Princess

A "pillow princess" is a slang term used to describe a woman, typically a lesbian, who prefers to receive sexual pleasure but does not reciprocate as actively. This term can sometimes carry connotations of laziness or selfishness in sexual scenarios, but it can also be used in a playful or descriptive manner without judgment. The term highlights dynamics and roles within lesbian relationships, focusing on personal sexual preferences and behaviors.

Pillow Queen

A "pillow queen" is a term often used in the lesbian community to describe a woman who predominantly enjoys receiving sexual pleasure without reciprocating as much. This term focuses on sexual dynamics where the individual prefers to be more passive or less active during sexual interactions. It can be used neutrally or pejoratively, depending on context, to discuss preferences in sexual roles and dynamics.

Pinched

Pink Cupid

Pink Cupid is an online dating and matchmaking website specifically designed for lesbian and bisexual women. It provides a platform for women from various backgrounds and preferences to meet, interact, and form both romantic and platonic relationships. The site is part of the Cupid Media network, which operates various niche dating sites, and it emphasizes safe and inclusive dating experiences for women seeking same-sex relationships.

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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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