Salmacian refers to individuals who embody both male and female traits or who reject binary gender distinctions, drawing from the mythological figure Hermaphroditus who fused with the nymph Salmacis to become one androgynous being. In modern contexts, it is used to describe people who identify beyond traditional gender binaries, embracing a fluid or non-conforming approach to gender expression and identity.

Same Gender Loving (SGL) is a term primarily used within African American communities as an alternative to more mainstream labels like gay or lesbian. It emerged to express the unique cultural experiences of African American individuals who are attracted to people of the same gender, emphasizing a more culturally affirming identity. SGL was coined to distinguish these experiences from the predominantly white narratives of the mainstream gay rights movements, highlighting the intersection of race and sexual orientation.

Same-Sex Attraction (SSA) refers to an emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to individuals of the same sex. It is a term often used in clinical and research contexts to describe such attractions without necessarily implying a specific sexual identity. The term can be useful for individuals who experience attraction to the same sex but do not identify with labels such as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. SSA is understood as an aspect of an individual's sexuality that might not wholly define their sexual orientation or identity.

The term "Santorum" was coined in response to then-Senator Rick Santorum's remarks that equated homosexual relationships with a range of non-consensual and illegal activities. In protest, columnist Dan Savage organized a campaign to redefine Santorum's last name. The resulting definition, which emerged from this campaign, connects the name "Santorum" with a byproduct of anal sex. This act of linguistic reclamation was intended to critique Santorum's views and actions regarding LGBTQIA+ rights and to highlight the power of grassroots activism. It underscores the broader social and political struggles for LGBTQIA+ rights and dignity, illustrating how language can be a tool for protest and change.

The term "Sapatrans" is a portmanteau of "Sapatão," which is Portuguese for "big lesbian," and "trans." It is used primarily in Brazilian LGBTQIA+ contexts to describe individuals who identify both as lesbian and transgender. This term reflects a specific cultural intersection of gender identity and sexual orientation, emphasizing the unique identity experiences within the LGBTQIA+ communities in Brazil. "Sapatrans" highlights the fluidity and diversity of gender and sexual identities, challenging traditional binaries and fostering a more inclusive understanding within and beyond LGBTQIA+ spaces.

"Sapatrava" is a term used within some parts of the Brazilian LGBTQIA+ community to describe individuals who identify both as a "sapatão" (a colloquial and sometimes pejorative term for a lesbian, meaning "big lesbian" in Portuguese) and as "travesti" (transgender woman). This term serves to express the dual identity of lesbians who also identify with a transgender experience, providing visibility and recognition within both the lesbian and transgender subcultures. It highlights the complexity of identity and the challenges faced by those who do not fit neatly into single-category identities within the broader LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

"Sapphic" refers to women who feel romantic or sexual attraction to other women. The term derives from Sappho, the ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos, known for her lyrical poetry that often celebrated love and affection between women. Today, "Sapphic" is used as an inclusive term within the LGBTQIA+ community to describe lesbian and female bisexual relationships, as well as a broader spectrum of feminine-aligned people who love other feminine-aligned people. It is appreciated for its poetic and historical connotations and as a descriptor that encompasses a wide range of female-focused queer identities.

"Sashay" refers to a type of movement characterized by confident, flamboyant walking, often used in drag performances and vogue dance routines. Originating from the French phrase "chassé," meaning "chased," it has been adopted into queer vernacular to describe a style of walking with a pronounced swaying motion, showcasing poise and extravagance. This term is particularly popular in ballroom and drag cultures, where exaggerated movements are celebrated as expressions of identity and resilience. It symbolizes not just a physical action but an attitude of unapologetic presence and visibility in LGBTQIA+ spaces.

"Scat" within subcultures, particularly those related to BDSM and kink, refers to sexual practices involving feces. This can include a range of activities from defecation on a partner to the use of feces in physical play. It is considered a more extreme form of kink that not all individuals within the BDSM community engage in, but it holds significance for those who participate in terms of personal and sexual expression. The practice is heavily reliant on consensual agreements and stringent safety protocols to manage health risks. "Scat" embodies the diversity of sexual preferences and the importance of consent and communication within the LGBTQIA+ kink communities.

A "Scene" refers to both a specific element of kink culture and its associated community, as well as the actual enactment of a kink or BDSM activity between participants. The term broadly encompasses the subculture and norms around particular practices (like watersports or bondage), and the community that engages in them. More specifically, within BDSM play, a "scene" describes the set period during which activities between a dominant (Dom) and submissive (sub) take place, defined by agreed-upon limits and often with clear start and end points. It is a structured interaction where both parties understand the roles, rules, and boundaries, ensuring safe and consensual play. This definition highlights the dual nature of the term, capturing both its community and activity aspects.

"The Scene" typically refers to the social and cultural environment of queer bars, clubs, parties, and events. It encompasses the various activities, interactions, and dynamics found within these spaces, which often serve as hubs for LGBTQIA+ socialization, community building, and self-expression. The Scene can vary widely depending on factors such as location, demographics, and subcultures, but it generally fosters a sense of belonging, visibility, and solidarity among LGBTQIA+ individuals. It's a space where people can freely express their identities, connect with others who share similar experiences, and celebrate their queerness through music, fashion, art, and other forms of cultural expression.

Scissoring is a sexual act primarily associated with lesbian couples, though it can be practiced by others as well. It involves two partners intertwining their legs in a way that positions their genitals together, allowing for mutual stimulation. The term comes from the action resembling the motion of scissors where two legs open and close around each other. Scissoring is one of several ways that individuals can engage in sexual intimacy that emphasizes clitoral stimulation, and it challenges traditional notions of sexual practices that focus on penetration.

Scruff is a social networking and dating app primarily targeted towards gay, bisexual, and transgender men. Designed to create a community space where users can connect with others based on shared interests, physical attributes, and relationship preferences, Scruff offers various features like user messaging, location-based searching, and event listings. The app distinguishes itself by focusing on a more rugged and masculine aesthetic, often attracting a demographic that may identify as "scruffy" in terms of facial hair and general appearance. It aims to provide a platform that respects diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community and facilitates both romantic connections and platonic interactions.

Second parent adoption, also known as co-parent adoption, is a legal process that allows a second parent to adopt a child without the first parent losing any parental rights. In the context of LGBTQIA+ families, this is particularly significant for same-sex couples where one partner is the biological or the initial adoptive parent. The adoption ensures that the second parent gains legal rights and responsibilities towards the child, providing security and legal acknowledgment of both parents' roles. This process is crucial for safeguarding the family's rights in matters such as custody, inheritance, and medical decisions, especially in areas without comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQIA+ families.

Section 28 was a controversial clause in British law that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities and in Britain's schools. Enacted in 1988, it effectively banned discussions and education about LGBTQIA+ issues in schools, which many believed contributed to homophobia and discrimination. This legislation was a significant barrier to the acceptance and rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, as it stigmatized them and silenced legitimate educational discussions. Section 28 was repealed in Scotland in 2000 and in the rest of the UK in 2003, following widespread activism and opposition from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.

Self-hating gay refers to individuals who internalize societal homophobia and exhibit feelings of self-loathing or denial about their own sexual orientation. This term captures the psychological conflict where an individual might reject their own identity due to external prejudices and societal norms that stigmatize homosexuality. This internal conflict can lead to significant mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The term emphasizes the impact of societal attitudes on individual well-being and highlights the need for greater acceptance and support within and outside the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sensual attraction describes the desire to engage in non-sexual physical touch, such as cuddling, caressing, or other forms of close personal contact that provide sensory pleasure and emotional connection. This type of attraction highlights the importance of physical closeness in expressing affection and building intimacy, distinct from sexual or romantic desires.

Serodiscordant is a term used to describe a relationship where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative. This term is significant within the LGBTQIA+ community, especially among gay and bisexual men, where HIV/AIDS has had a profound impact. Understanding and navigating serodiscordant relationships involves discussions about health, trust, and prevention strategies, including safe sex practices and the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy to maintain the health of both partners and prevent the transmission of HIV.

Serve, particularly within drag and ballroom cultures, refers to the act of delivering an exceptional presentation or performance, often through fashion, makeup, dance, or attitude. It involves embodying a style, character, or aesthetic to its fullest extent, often to the approval and acclaim of an audience. The term celebrates creativity, authenticity, and the skill of expressing one's identity or the chosen character dramatically. "Serving realness" or "serving looks" are common iterations, indicating the performer's ability to convincingly portray realism or deliver stunning visual appearances.

Service can refer to acts of assistance or labor performed to benefit or support others, particularly within relationships or community settings. This term is notably prevalent in BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism) cultures where "service" is a specific category of BDSM play. Individuals perform tasks or services as a form of submission to a dominant partner. Outside of BDSM, service can also refer to volunteer work or activism within the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing the support and development of communal ties and resources.

A Service Top, particularly within BDSM practices, refers to a dominant partner who primarily focuses on fulfilling the submissive's desires and needs during a scene. Unlike traditional dominant roles that may assert control based on personal preference, a Service Top tailors their dominant actions to cater specifically to the submissive's fantasies and predetermined boundaries. This dynamic emphasizes the Service Top's role in providing a nurturing and attentive form of domination that is closely aligned with the submissive’s expressed preferences.

Serving particularly within drag and performance contexts, refers to the act of a performer embodying a specific look, attitude, or theme exceptionally well, often with an emphasis on style, fashion, and presence. The term suggests that the performer is delivering an outstanding presentation or "serving up" an impressive visual and emotional experience to the audience. It is commonly used in the drag community to describe a performance that captivates and entertains, demonstrating mastery in costume, makeup, and character portrayal.

"Serving cunt" is a phrase used predominantly within the drag and queer performance communities to describe a drag queen or performer who exudes an extreme level of confidence, power, and unapologetic femininity or glamor in their appearance and demeanor. The term combines the action of "serving," which means to present with flair or attitude, with "cunt," a reclaimed term in drag culture used to signify fierce femininity. It celebrates the artistry and boldness in the drag performance, highlighting a persona that commands attention and respect through their exemplary presentation.

A "session", particularly within the kink and BDSM subcultures, refers to a specific period during which participants engage in pre-negotiated activities. These sessions are characterized by explicit consent and often follow a set of agreed-upon rules and boundaries to ensure the safety and comfort of all parties involved. The term can also denote the time spent in a more casual, social setting among LGBTQIA+ individuals, where the focus might be on conversation, mutual support, or community bonding.

"Sex" refers to a range of consensual physical activities intended to provide pleasure, express intimacy, or reproduce. It encompasses a diverse spectrum of actions beyond heterosexual norms and includes activities that affirm and respect the varied gender identities and sexual orientations within the community. This broad understanding recognizes the importance of consent, communication, and respect for all parties' boundaries and identities.