"Sex" in gender terms refers to the classification of people as male, female, or intersex based on a combination of anatomical, hormonal, and genetic characteristics. This classification system is often applied at birth and typically involves physical attributes such as reproductive anatomy and chromosome patterns. It's important to differentiate sex from gender, as gender is more about personal, societal, and cultural perceptions of identity. While traditionally viewed as a binary system, contemporary understanding within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond acknowledges more complex, non-binary views of sex to accommodate the spectrum of human diversity.

Sex Assigned at Birth (SAAB) refers to the classification of individuals as male, female, or intersex based on physical anatomy at birth. This assignment is usually made by medical personnel through observation of external genitalia and is recorded on a birth certificate. SAAB is distinct from gender identity, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. Understanding SAAB is crucial within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in discussions about transgender and non-binary identities, where individuals might identify with a gender different from their SAAB.

A "Sex Party" typically refers to a social gathering or event where sexual activities take place among consenting adults. These parties can vary widely in terms of their format, venue, and rules, but they generally involve a space where attendees can engage in sexual interactions openly and without judgment. Sex parties are often organized within specific subcultures or communities, such as the kink or fetish community, and may have themes or guidelines to ensure safety and respect for all participants.

Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS), also known as gender confirmation surgery or gender-affirming surgery, refers to the medical procedures undertaken by transgender and non-binary individuals to alter their physical bodies to better match their gender identity. These surgeries can include various procedures, such as mastectomy, vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, chest reconstruction, and facial feminization surgery, among others. SRS is a crucial aspect of the transition process for many, though not all, transgender individuals, helping to alleviate gender dysphoria and contributing to overall mental health and quality of life.

A sex shop is a retail outlet that specializes in selling products related to sexual pleasure and health, including sex toys, lingerie, pornography, and other related merchandise. These stores may also provide educational materials and resources on sexual health and safety. In the LGBTQIA+ community, sex shops often serve as important spaces for accessing products that cater to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, supporting sexual exploration and expression in a non-judgmental environment.

Sex work refers to the provision of sexual services in exchange for money or goods. Sex workers may engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to, prostitution, erotic dancing, pornography, phone sex, and webcam performances. It's essential to recognize that sex work is labor, and individuals involved in this industry may face legal, social, and economic challenges. Some advocate for the decriminalization or legalization of sex work to improve safety, access to healthcare, and rights for sex workers.

This term refers to the act of stigmatizing or shaming individuals based on their sexual behaviors, desires, or identities. It encompasses societal attitudes and behaviors that condemn or criticize people for their sexual experiences, choices, or orientations, leading to feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or inadequacy regarding one's sexuality. Sex-shaming can manifest in various forms, including slut-shaming, kink-shaming, and the stigmatization of LGBTQIA+ identities and expressions. It reinforces harmful stereotypes, restricts sexual autonomy, and perpetuates a culture of silence and repression around diverse sexualities.

Sexism refers to prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex. Sexism can also intersect with homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination, creating unique challenges. For instance, lesbian, bisexual women, and transgender individuals may face sexism intertwined with discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This complex interplay can impact their acceptance and treatment within both heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ circles, making it crucial to address sexism not only as a general social issue but also within specific community contexts.

Sexual attraction refers to an emotional response that results in a desire for a sexual relationship with someone else. It can be directed towards individuals of the same gender, different genders, or more than one gender. In the LGBTQIA+ context, understanding and expressing sexual attraction is crucial for the recognition and validation of diverse identities, including those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual (where attraction might be absent or different), and others. The concept is fundamental in discussions about sexual orientation, which is distinct from romantic attraction, emphasizing the physical and emotional aspects specifically linked to sexual feelings.

Sexual orientation refers to an individual's pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others based on their gender. It is a core aspect of personal identity and can be independent from an individual’s sexual behavior. Common categories of sexual orientation include heterosexual (attraction to a different gender), homosexual (attraction to the same gender, often identified as gay or lesbian), bisexual (attraction to both the same and different genders), and asexual (little or no sexual attraction to anyone). In the LGBTQIA+ community, understanding and expressing sexual orientation is crucial for personal affirmation, community identity, and advocacy for rights and acceptance.

This term refers to an individual's subjective attraction or orientation towards others based on their sex or gender. However, it's important to note that within the LGBTQIA+ community, the term "sexual preference" is often considered outdated and potentially offensive. This is because it suggests that sexual orientation is a choice or preference rather than an inherent aspect of a person's identity. Instead, the preferred and more accurate term is "sexual orientation," which recognizes that one's attraction to others is not a matter of preference but rather an inherent aspect of who they are.

Sexuality refers to an individual's sexual orientation, attractions, desires, behaviors, and identity. It encompasses a wide spectrum of experiences, including but not limited to heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and queer orientations. Sexuality is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human identity that can evolve over time and may encompass emotional, romantic, and physical attractions. It is an integral part of a person's identity and can intersect with other aspects of their life, such as gender identity and cultural background.

The sexuality spectrum refers to the continuum of sexual orientations and identities that individuals may experience. It acknowledges that sexual orientation is diverse and can vary along multiple dimensions, including but not limited to attraction, behavior, and identity. The spectrum recognizes that individuals may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or with other orientations, and that these identities are not fixed but can evolve and change over time. It emphasizes the fluidity and complexity of human sexuality, rejecting the notion of strict categorization and allowing space for individuals to define their own identities and experiences.

She/her/hers are pronouns typically used by individuals who identify as female or woman-aligned. These pronouns are part of affirming and validating a person's gender identity. Using she/her pronouns acknowledges and respects a person's gender identity as female or feminine. It's essential to use the correct pronouns for individuals to affirm their gender identity and create an inclusive and respectful environment.

This term originated in the porn industry and is often used in a derogatory and objectifying manner to refer to transgender women, particularly those who have not undergone gender-affirming surgeries or who have visible secondary sexual characteristics typically associated with male anatomy. It is considered offensive and inappropriate in most contexts, as it reduces transgender women to their anatomy and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The term reinforces the objectification and fetishization of transgender individuals, contributing to their marginalization and discrimination.

"Showoff" may refer to individuals who engage in public or risky sexual behavior, often characterized by exhibitionism. These individuals seek excitement and arousal from performing sexual acts in public spaces or situations where they risk being seen or caught. This behavior is not representative of the broader LGBTQIA+ community but may be practiced by individuals with exhibitionistic tendencies. It's essential to note that public sexual behavior can have legal implications and may pose risks to personal safety and well-being.

Showtunes are songs typically associated with musical theater productions, often featuring themes of love, relationships, and personal struggles. Showtunes hold particular significance as they have historically been embraced as anthems for queer culture. These songs often resonate with LGBTQIA+ individuals due to their themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and resilience, mirroring the experiences of many within the community. Showtunes have served as a form of cultural expression and solidarity for LGBTQIA+ people, providing a sense of belonging and empowerment. They are frequently celebrated and performed at LGBTQIA+ events, gatherings, and venues, serving as a soundtrack to queer life and culture.

A Showtunes Bar/Lounge is a social venue, typically found in urban areas with a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, that specializes in playing showtunes and musical theater music. These establishments offer a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to gather, socialize, and enjoy performances of showtunes. Showtunes Bars/Lounges often feature themed nights, drag performances, and karaoke events centered around musical theater songs. They serve as cultural hubs within the LGBTQIA+ community, fostering a sense of belonging and providing entertainment that resonates with queer identities and experiences.

"Shrimping" refers to a sexual practice involving a specific focus on the feet, where an individual uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate their partner's toes. While not exclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community, the term is commonly used within it to describe this form of sexual expression that can be part of broader foot fetish practices. This activity emphasizes a particular erotic preference and form of intimacy within sexual encounters.

"Sickening" is a term of high praise, particularly popularized by drag culture and ballroom scenes. It describes something or someone that is exceptionally impressive, fabulous, or amazing, often in terms of fashion, performance, or personality. The term conveys admiration and awe, marking approval in a vibrant and affirming manner. It is used to celebrate exceeding standards of style, performance, or beauty, turning what might conventionally be considered too much or overly extravagant into a positive triumph.

A "Side" is a term used within the gay community to describe a man who prefers not to engage in anal sex, distinguishing himself from the traditional roles of 'top' or 'bottom'. Sides often prefer other forms of sexual intimacy and expression, such as oral sex, mutual masturbation, or other non-penetrative activities. This term helps to describe a sexual identity that does not conform to the common expectations of sexual roles within the gay community, emphasizing the diversity of sexual preferences and practices.

"Sie/Hir" are gender-neutral pronouns used by some individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. Similar to "they/them" pronouns in English, "sie/hir" offer a way for non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid individuals to express their identity without being confined to traditional male or female gender pronouns. "Sie" is often used as the subject (replacing he/she), and "hir" is used as the possessive and object pronoun (replacing his/her and him/her). These pronouns play an essential role in affirming an individual’s gender identity by providing linguistic alternatives that challenge binary gender norms.

"Silence = Death" is a slogan that originated in the late 1980s as a critical rallying cry of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), a direct action advocacy group working to end the AIDS crisis. This phrase encapsulates the urgent message that remaining silent about the oppression and health issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly those related to HIV/AIDS, contributes to mortality and societal neglect. It emphasizes the importance of speaking out, advocacy, and visibility as life-saving actions, promoting an active stance against discrimination and the spread of misinformation surrounding HIV/AIDS.

A "Silver Daddy" is a term used within the gay community to describe an older man, typically distinguished by his silver or grey hair, who often possesses a charismatic and attractive demeanor. This term is not only about age and appearance; it also conveys a sense of respect and admiration for maturity, experience, and the nurturing or mentoring roles these individuals may play in relationships or interactions with younger men. The term can reflect both physical traits and social dynamics within the community.

A "Silver Fox" refers to an older, attractive gay man whose hair has turned grey or silver, but who still maintains a youthful appearance and charismatic allure. This term celebrates aging within the gay community, recognizing the appeal and dignity that comes with maturity. It highlights that attractiveness and desirability do not diminish with age, challenging societal norms around beauty and aging.