A power lesbian refers to a highly successful, influential, and typically well-connected lesbian who possesses significant authority in her professional and/or social spheres. This term emphasizes the combination of personal empowerment, financial success, and leadership roles, and it highlights visibility and impact in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and representation, particularly in business, entertainment, or politics.

Poz, short for "positive," is commonly used to refer to an individual who is HIV-positive. This term is used both as a descriptor and a marker of identity, often within the context of discussions about health, stigma, and disclosure. The usage of "poz" aims to normalize the status and reduce negative connotations, promoting a more supportive and informed community dialogue around HIV.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) refers to the use of antiretroviral drugs by people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of contracting it to prevent HIV infection. PrEP has become a significant preventive approach in the LGBTQIA+ community, especially among men who have sex with men, to reduce the risk of transmission in high-risk scenarios. The treatment involves taking a prescription medication daily and is highly effective when taken consistently as directed.

This legislation focuses on ensuring access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication used to prevent HIV transmission, by addressing barriers related to affordability, insurance coverage, and availability. It aims to make PrEP more accessible to individuals at risk of HIV infection, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, by removing financial obstacles and expanding insurance coverage for the medication. By promoting access to PrEP, this act contributes to HIV prevention efforts, particularly among marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the virus.

Pre-op is a term used to describe an individual who has not yet undergone gender-affirming surgery but may be planning to do so. This term is often used in contexts relating to transgender and non-binary individuals' experiences and discussions about their transitions. It helps specify the stage of physical transition in terms of surgical intervention, distinguishing individuals at different points in their journey toward aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity.

Pressed refers to feeling agitated, frustrated, or annoyed, particularly in response to someone else's actions or remarks. It is often used to describe the state of being overly concerned or bothered by trivial or minor issues, sometimes with a humorous or ironic connotation. This term highlights emotional responses and interpersonal dynamics within the community, reflecting the unique ways in which language evolves to capture specific emotional states or reactions in social interactions.

Pride refers to the affirmation of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity, and the celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture and community. It encompasses a range of activities including pride parades, festivals, and events that promote visibility, equality, and solidarity. The term also symbolizes resistance against discrimination and advocacy for civil rights. Originating from the Stonewall Riots of 1969, pride events are held globally, often in June, to commemorate this pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ activism and history.

Pride Month is celebrated each June in honor of the Stonewall Riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, the Stonewall Riots marked the beginning of a global movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Pride Month involves a series of events and parades that are held by and for the community to celebrate queer life and culture, advocate for equal rights, and remember the struggles and victories of those who fought for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. The month is characterized by visibility campaigns, community gatherings, and educational events that aim to increase awareness and inclusion.

A Pride Parade is a celebratory event held to honor the LGBTQIA+ community, showcasing a visible expression of solidarity, diversity, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights. Typically held during Pride Month in June, these parades commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. Participants include community members, allies, and advocacy groups who march in vibrant displays, floats, and performances, often featuring political messages advocating for equality, legal reforms, and anti-discrimination protections. Pride Parades serve not only as celebrations of queer identity and love but also as platforms for political activism and community strengthening.

Privilege refers to the unearned advantages or rights that individuals receive in society due to their alignment with societal norms or majority statuses, such as being cisgender, straight, or gender-conforming. Within the community, discussions of privilege often highlight how varying degrees of acceptance, safety, and rights are experienced differently among LGBTQIA+ individuals based on their gender identity, race, socioeconomic status, or disability. Addressing privilege involves acknowledging these disparities and actively working towards equality and inclusivity in both LGBTQIA+ spaces and broader societal structures.

The Progress Pride Flag, an evolution of the traditional Rainbow Pride Flag, includes additional colored chevrons to its design to represent marginalized LGBTQIA+ communities. The black and brown stripes acknowledge people of color within the LGBTQIA+ community, while the colors pink, light blue, and white represent the Transgender Pride Flag, thus highlighting the trans community and broader gender diversity. This flag design emphasizes inclusivity and the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition of all LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those from racially diverse backgrounds and those with diverse gender identities.

Pronouns are words used to refer to someone without using their name, reflecting their gender identity. Common pronouns include "he/him" for someone who identifies as male, "she/her" for someone who identifies as female, and "they/them" for those who may identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or prefer not to assign a specific gender to themselves. The use and respect of chosen pronouns are vital for affirming an individual's gender identity and is a fundamental aspect of personal dignity within and outside the LGBTQIA+ community.

Protective attraction refers to the feeling of being drawn to care for or safeguard someone who appears vulnerable or in need of protection. This form of attraction is commonly directed towards individuals perceived as needing care, such as children, pets, or dependent adults, and involves a strong desire to offer security and support rather than seek a romantic or sexual relationship. In the LGBTQIA+ context, this might particularly resonate in dynamics where individuals create supportive networks or families of choice that provide mutual care and protection, especially for those who may be estranged from biological relatives.

Provincetown, often abbreviated as P-Town, is a small coastal resort town located at the tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA. It is known for its beaches, harbor, artists, tourist industry, and its reputation as a welcoming place for the LGBTQIA+ community. Provincetown has a long history of being a vacation destination and a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and it plays host to numerous events and festivals that celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture and pride, making it an important cultural hub within the community.

Public refers to sexual activities that occur in a public or semi-public space, where there is a potential for being seen by others. This includes places like parks, bathrooms, or secluded outdoor areas. The practice can carry various meanings, from rebellion against societal norms to seeking thrill and excitement. It also highlights issues of privacy and legality, particularly for LGBTQIA+ individuals whose sexual expressions have historically been policed or stigmatized more harshly than their heterosexual counterparts.

Punk refers to an attitude and aesthetic that embraces nonconformity, rebellion, and DIY ethics, which resonate deeply with many queer individuals who feel marginalized by mainstream society. This subculture is characterized by its opposition to traditional gender norms and the heteronormative societal framework, often adopting a radical stance on identity expression. In LGBTQIA+ circles, "punk" can embody the rejection of prescribed roles and celebrate the unique and diverse expressions of queerness through fashion, music, and lifestyle.

Pup or puppy, particularly in the gay and fetish subcultures, refers to a role within a specific subset of BDSM known as pup play. Participants in pup play adopt the persona of a playful and obedient puppy. This role involves a dynamic of care and guidance from a handler or master and emphasizes a release from human characteristics and stresses, embracing the primal instincts and behaviors of a puppy. It's a form of escapism and expression that allows for nurturing social interactions, often using accessories like collars, hoods, or mitts to enhance the experience.

Puppy play is a form of role-play behavior where participants emulate the actions, behaviors, and mannerisms of a dog. This activity is part of a broader category known as animal role-play, and it can be sexual or non-sexual. Those engaging in puppy play often use gear such as collars, hoods, mitts, and even tail plugs to enhance their experience. The dynamic often involves a "pup" who acts like a pet, and a "handler" who takes on a caretaker role, providing affection, discipline, and structure. This form of play is celebrated for its expression of freedom, playfulness, and the escape from human responsibilities and stress.

The purple hanky, in the context of the hanky code within LGBTQIA+ subcultures, specifically among gay men, signifies a sexual interest in piercing. Individuals who wear a purple handkerchief signal their fascination or participation in activities related to body piercing. This code can be used to discreetly communicate one’s sexual preferences and interests in social settings like clubs or gatherings. The position of the hanky (left or right pocket) can further specify the individual's role as either a piercer (top) or someone who enjoys being pierced (bottom).

The term "pussy" can be diversely interpreted, but notably, it is often used affectionately or playfully among drag queens and transgender women to refer to one another, sometimes reflecting a reclaimed, empowering use of a word that is traditionally derogatory. It can also signify femininity or be used in the context of drag performances to celebrate exaggerated female personas. The term is part of the broader language of queer slang, which repurposes mainstream language to create bonding and identity within the community.

Pussy Riot is a Russian feminist protest punk rock and performance art group known for its provocative and politically charged performances, which often focus on LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and opposition to the Russian government. They gained international attention for their guerrilla performances in public places, which have led to arrests and legal actions against members of the group.

QPOC stands for Queer People of Color. This term is used to specifically identify and highlight individuals who are both queer and belong to racial or ethnic minority groups. QPOC face unique social and cultural challenges due to the intersection of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and racial/ethnic identity. The term emphasizes the need for understanding and addressing the specific forms of discrimination and experiences that are not always acknowledged or addressed in broader LGBTQIA+ or racial justice movements.

QTBIPOC stands for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. This term expands upon QTPOC by explicitly including Black and Indigenous identities, emphasizing the unique experiences and systemic inequalities faced by these groups within the LGBTQIA+ community. It is used to specifically address and advocate for the visibility, rights, and needs of queer and trans individuals who are also part of racial and ethnic minorities that have historically been marginalized and faced significant discrimination and exclusion, both within and outside the LGBTQIA+ movements.

QTPOC stands for Queer and Trans People of Color. This acronym is used to specifically acknowledge and address the intersectional identity of individuals who are both part of the LGBTQIA+ community and identify as people of color. It highlights the unique experiences, challenges, and discrimination faced by these individuals that may not be fully represented in the broader LGBTQIA+ or racial justice movements. This term serves as a crucial part of identity politics and activism that seeks to make visible the often marginalized voices within these overlapping communities.

Queen, within the LGBTQIA+ context, primarily refers to a highly expressive or flamboyant gay man, often associated with drag culture where individuals perform dressed in elaborate, feminine attire. The term also broadly celebrates any individual who embraces an exaggerated form of femininity or masculinity as part of their performance identity, often in drag shows. Queens play a significant role in the LGBTQIA+ community by challenging traditional gender norms and promoting freedom of expression. The term can also be affectionately used among community members to refer to each other, highlighting camaraderie or respect.