The Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ community in response to a police raid that began in the early hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City. These riots are widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBTQ rights in the United States. Over several days, intense clashes saw the community fight back against years of police harassment and societal discrimination, marking a significant turning point in the fight for queer rights.

A pioneering figure in LGBTQIA+ history, Stormé DeLarverie (1920-2014) was a biracial lesbian whose brave actions during the Stonewall Riots of 1969 helped ignite the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. Known as the “Rosa Parks of the gay community,” DeLarverie was a drag king performer and a fearless advocate for equality. Her confrontation with police at the Stonewall Inn became a rallying cry for resistance and unity. Beyond the riots, she dedicated her life to protecting and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, working as a bouncer, singer, and volunteer street patrol to ensure the safety of her peers. DeLarverie’s legacy endures as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Str8 is a colloquial abbreviation for "straight," used primarily in digital communication within the LGBTQIA+ community. It refers to individuals who identify as heterosexual, meaning they are sexually and romantically attracted to people of the opposite gender. In LGBTQIA+ contexts, the term is often used to discuss relationships, attractions, or social interactions between people who are heterosexual and those who are not, as well as in conversations about identity and orientation differences.

Straight refers to a person who identifies as heterosexual, meaning they are attracted to people of the opposite sex. This term is crucial within the LGBTQIA+ community for distinguishing between those who are part of sexual minorities and those who conform to the majority's sexual orientation expectations. It is also used in discussions about the dynamics of acceptance, rights, and understanding between heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The Straight Ally flag represents heterosexual and cisgender individuals who actively support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. The flag typically features a black-and-white striped background with a large rainbow-colored "A" in the foreground. This design symbolizes the allyship and support of non-LGBTQIA+ individuals towards LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. The black and white stripes represent the heterosexual or cisgender identity, while the rainbow "A" stands for allyship with the LGBTQIA+ movements, emphasizing unity and support across different sexual orientations and gender identities.

Straight-acting is a term used to describe a gay individual whose behavior, mannerisms, and interests align with stereotypical heterosexual norms, often used in contexts where individuals wish to convey a sense of masculinity that is recognized by broader society. This term can be contentious as it implies that there are specific ways straight people act, inadvertently reinforcing stereotypes and sometimes marginalizing those within the LGBTQIA+ community who do not fit these societal norms.

Straight-washing refers to the practice of minimizing, altering, or ignoring LGBTQIA+ elements or characters in cultural representations, especially in media and literature, to make them appear heterosexual or cisgender. This often occurs to appeal to a broader or more conservative audience, resulting in a loss of LGBTQIA+ visibility and authenticity in storytelling. It's a form of erasure that can perpetuate misconceptions and stereotypes by reinforcing the idea that being straight is the default or more socially acceptable state.

A stud refers specifically to a masculine-presenting lesbian, often within the Black and Latino communities. Studs typically exhibit what is traditionally considered masculine attire and behavior but do not necessarily identify as male. This term is part of a broader spectrum of identity expressions within queer communities of color, often associated with pride in both racial and sexual identity.

A stud dyke, similar to a stud, is a term used primarily within the Black and Latino LGBTQIA+ communities to describe a lesbian who presents in a masculine way. This term emphasizes a strong, assertive masculine identity and often intersects with cultural expressions specific to these communities. Stud dykes may prioritize masculine clothing, hairstyles, and behaviors as part of their gender expression, distinguishing themselves from other categories like "butch" due to cultural, contextual, and personal identity nuances.

Studio 54 is historically renowned not only as a legendary nightclub in New York City during the late 1970s but also as a pivotal social space for the LGBTQIA+ community. It became a haven where the norms of gender and sexuality were openly challenged and celebrated. This club was known for its extravagant parties, diverse crowd, and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals at a time when discrimination was rampant. It symbolized freedom and self-expression, serving as a cultural landmark that contributed significantly to the visibility and burgeoning empowerment of the LGBTQIA+ movements.

A submissive, often abbreviated as "sub," in the context of BDSM and various LGBTQIA+ subcultures, refers to an individual who consensually gives up control to another person, known as a dominant. Submissives engage in a dynamic where they allow their actions, and sometimes their well-being, to be controlled by their dominant partner. This role can be adopted in various aspects of life, from specific sexual or kink-related activities to everyday decisions. The practice is based on mutual consent, respect, and understanding of limits.

Subjective physical attraction describes an individual's personal feelings of desire or admiration towards another's physical appearance, based on their unique preferences and experiences. This type of attraction emphasizes the personal chemistry and connection one feels with another, which might not align with conventional or widely held standards of attractiveness. It highlights the variability and deeply personal nature of physical attraction that is specific to the dynamics of a particular relationship or interaction.

Subjective sexual attraction refers to sexual feelings or desires that are based on personal feelings and individual experiences, unique to one's own perception rather than a consensus view. This type of attraction emphasizes the importance of personal chemistry and the specific connection felt between individuals, which may not align with broader societal norms of attractiveness. It acknowledges the deeply personal nature of sexual attraction, which can vary greatly from one person to another.

A sugar baby is typically a younger individual who forms a relationship with an older, wealthier person, known as a sugar daddy or sugar mommy, in exchange for financial benefits or gifts. This relationship dynamic can be part of broader LGBTQIA+ community discussions where gender and sexual orientation diversities may play significant roles. Sugar babies may seek such arrangements for various reasons, including financial stability, mentorship, or lifestyle enhancement, and these relationships can vary widely in terms of expectations and boundaries.

A Sugar Daddy refers to an older, typically wealthier gay man who offers financial and material support to a younger partner, often referred to as a "sugar baby." This support can include paying bills, gifting expensive items, or providing other forms of financial assistance in exchange for companionship or romantic involvement. The dynamics of a sugar daddy relationship can vary widely, with some resembling more transactional interactions and others more closely aligned with traditional romantic relationships, albeit with a pronounced economic aspect.

A Sugar Mommy refers to an older, typically wealthier lesbian or bisexual woman who provides financial and material support to a younger partner, who may be referred to as a "sugar baby." Similar to the sugar daddy dynamic, this relationship is characterized by the sugar mommy offering economic support in various forms such as paying bills, purchasing expensive gifts, or providing a living allowance, in return for companionship or romantic involvement. These relationships can range from being highly transactional to more genuinely affectionate and nurturing, depending on the individuals involved.

A "Suicide Hotline" refers to specialized crisis intervention services designed to provide support and assistance to individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, or emotional distress. These hotlines are staffed by trained volunteers or professionals who are knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ issues and are equipped to offer non-judgmental, confidential support, and resources to those in need. They play a crucial role in suicide prevention within the LGBTQIA+ community, offering a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and receive compassionate assistance.

"Swish" refers to a stereotypically effeminate manner of movement or behavior, often associated with gay men. It may involve exaggerated hip movements, a flamboyant gait, or theatrical gestures. The term is rooted in LGBTQIA+ culture and is used both affectionately within the community and pejoratively by those outside it. Embraced by some as a form of self-expression and identity, it can also be a target of ridicule or discrimination. "Swish" can be considered a form of gender expression and presentation that challenges traditional norms of masculinity.

"Switch" typically refers to an individual who is versatile in their sexual roles or preferences, particularly within BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism) relationships or encounters. A switch may enjoy taking on either dominant or submissive roles during sexual activities, depending on their mood, partner, or circumstances. This term emphasizes flexibility and fluidity in sexual expression, allowing individuals to explore different power dynamics and experiences within their intimate relationships.

Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002) was a pioneering transgender activist and a key figure in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement in the United States. As a transgender woman of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descent, she played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, particularly those who were marginalized within the LGBTQIA+ community. Rivera co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance, organizations that fought for the inclusion of transgender rights in the broader LGBTQIA+ movement. She was also a founding member of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), a group dedicated to providing support and shelter to homeless transgender youth. Rivera's activism centered on addressing issues of poverty, homelessness, and discrimination faced by transgender people, especially transgender people of color. Her legacy continues to inspire LGBTQIA+ activists around the world.

"T-Boy" or "T-Guy" is a colloquial term used to refer to a transgender man or a transmasculine individual. The "T" in the term stands for "transgender," indicating that the individual identifies as a gender different from the one assigned to them at birth. "Boy" or "guy" is used to signify their gender identity as male. These terms are often used affectionately or casually within the community and are a way for transgender men to assert their identity and experience within LGBTQIA+ spaces.

"T-Girl" is a term used to refer to a transgender woman or a transfeminine individual. The "T" in the term stands for "transgender," indicating that the individual identifies as a gender different from the one assigned to them at birth. "Girl" is used to signify their gender identity as female. While this term may be used by some individuals within the transgender community to describe themselves, it's essential to note that not all transgender women may identify with or use this term, as language preferences vary among individuals.

The term "T-slur" refers to a derogatory or offensive word used to refer to transgender individuals. These slurs are typically used to demean, dehumanize, or marginalize transgender people and are often based on outdated or inaccurate stereotypes about gender identity. Examples of T-slurs include words like "tranny," "shemale," and "he-she." The use of T-slurs perpetuates discrimination, prejudice, and violence against transgender individuals and is considered highly disrespectful and harmful within the LGBTQIA+ community.

"T4T" is an abbreviation commonly used to denote "trans for trans" or "transgender for transgender." It refers to relationships, connections, or interactions where both parties involved identify as transgender. T4T relationships can encompass romantic, sexual, or platonic connections and are grounded in shared experiences, understanding, and solidarity within the transgender community. This term underscores the importance of building supportive and affirming relationships within the transgender community, where individuals can find understanding, validation, and companionship among peers who share similar gender identities and experiences.

"THOT" is an acronym that stands for "That Hoe Over There." It is a derogatory term often used to shame or demean individuals, particularly women, who are perceived as promiscuous or sexually liberated. While originally not specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, the term has been adopted and used within various subcultures, including LGBTQIA+ communities, to describe someone who is perceived as overly sexual or promiscuous.