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.

Tangy

"Tangy" is a slang term used to describe someone who exhibits behaviors or characteristics that are stereotypically associated with femininity, flamboyance, or sassiness, often in a humorous or affectionate manner. It can be used to describe individuals of any gender identity who embody these qualities, and it's often used within LGBTQIA+ social circles as a playful way to acknowledge and celebrate these traits.

Tavern on Camac

Situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tavern on Camac (ToC) is a notable venue in the LGBTQIA+ community, primarily known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance. The establishment functions as a piano bar, dance club, and restaurant, making it a unique gathering spot for social and cultural interactions within the LGBTQIA+ community. It is celebrated not only for its entertainment and nightlife but also for its role in providing a safe, inclusive space where individuals can express themselves freely and foster community connections.

Tentacles

"Tentacles" is a slang term that refers to the practice of exploring or experiencing sexual activities with multiple partners simultaneously, often in a non-monogamous or polyamorous context. It can also imply a sense of openness to diverse sexual experiences and a willingness to engage in unconventional or adventurous sexual encounters. This term is typically used informally and may carry different meanings or connotations depending on the context and the individuals involved.

Terf (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist)

"Terf" is an acronym standing for "Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist." It refers to individuals or groups who identify as feminists but hold beliefs and advocate for policies that exclude transgender women from women's spaces and rights, often based on the assertion that transgender women are not "real" women. Terf ideology rejects the validity of transgender identities and seeks to maintain a rigid, binary understanding of gender, which can perpetuate discrimination and harm against transgender individuals. This term is widely used within LGBTQIA+ communities to critique and challenge the harmful attitudes and actions of those who espouse Terf beliefs.

The Black Cat Tavern

"The Black Cat Tavern" was a historic LGBTQIA+ bar located in Los Angeles, California. It gained prominence as a significant site in LGBTQIA+ history due to the Black Cat Tavern Riot, which occurred on New Year's Eve in 1967. During this event, LGBTQIA+ patrons of the bar resisted police harassment and brutality, marking one of the earliest instances of LGBTQIA+ resistance against police oppression in the United States. The riot at the Black Cat Tavern is considered a precursor to the more well-known Stonewall riots in New York City, which took place a few years later and sparked the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement.

The Furies Collective

The Furies Collective was a radical lesbian feminist collective based in Washington, DC, active during the early 1970s. It was founded in 1971 and named after the Erinyes, also known as the Furies, from Greek mythology, who were spirits of vengeance. The collective aimed to address issues of gender and sexuality within the broader feminist movement, advocating for lesbian rights, women's liberation, and the dismantling of patriarchal structures. The Furies Collective published a newspaper called "The Furies," which served as a platform for their feminist and lesbian perspectives. They played a significant role in shaping the discourse around lesbian feminism during their time of activity.

The L Word

The Raven

"The Raven" refers to a historic LGBTQIA+ bar located in Anchorage, Alaska. It has been a vital hub for the LGBTQIA+ community in Anchorage and beyond, serving as a safe space for socializing, organizing, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture. The Raven has played a significant role in providing support and fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Alaska, particularly during times when acceptance and visibility were limited.

The Women’s Building

The Women’s Building in San Francisco, California, is a historic landmark and community center that has served as a vital space for women and LGBTQIA+ communities. Founded in 1971, it was established to provide a safe and supportive environment for women and promote gender equality. Over the years, the Women’s Building has hosted numerous LGBTQIA+ events, meetings, and organizations, making it an important hub for LGBTQIA+ activism, education, and cultural expression.

Theatre Gay / Queen

Theatre Major

A "Theatre Major" refers to an individual who is pursuing or has a degree in theatre or performing arts and is also part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. This term emphasizes the intersectionality between one's academic or professional pursuits in theatre and their LGBTQIA+ identity, acknowledging the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals within the theatre industry.

Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act refers to legislation aimed at prohibiting the practice of so-called "conversion therapy" or "reparative therapy," which seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy has been widely discredited by major medical and psychological associations, as it is not only ineffective but also harmful, often leading to psychological distress and trauma. The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act seeks to protect LGBTQIA+ individuals from being subjected to these harmful practices by prohibiting any advertising, offering, or provision of conversion therapy services in exchange for monetary compensation.

They / Them / Theirs

They/Them/Theirs refers to a set of gender-neutral pronouns used by individuals who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, or agender. These pronouns are used instead of gender-specific pronouns like "he/him" or "she/her" to affirm and respect a person's gender identity outside the traditional binary understanding of male and female. Using "they / them" pronouns acknowledges and validates the diverse spectrum of gender identities beyond the binary, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.

Thick / Thicc / Thique

Third Gender

"Third Gender" refers to a gender identity or category that exists beyond the traditional binary notions of male and female. It encompasses individuals who identify neither strictly as male nor female, but rather as a distinct and separate gender. This term is often used by non-binary, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming individuals to describe their gender identity, which may fall outside of the conventional male-female spectrum.

This is It

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, "This Is It" is a notable gay bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and historic significance in the local LGBTQIA+ community. Established in the late 1960s, it is one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars in the United States. The bar serves as a social hub for the LGBTQIA+ residents of Milwaukee, offering a variety of themed nights, entertainment events, and community gatherings that celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging. It has played a significant role in the history of LGBTQIA+ rights and activism in the area.

Tina (T)

Tired

Tomgirl

"Tomgirl" is a term used to describe someone, typically assigned male at birth, who exhibits characteristics or behaviors traditionally considered feminine. This term is a counterpart to "tomboy," which describes individuals assigned female at birth who exhibit traits considered masculine. Tomgirls may or may not identify as transgender or non-binary; the term primarily focuses on gender expression rather than gender identity. It highlights the fluidity and spectrum of gender expression, challenging traditional gender norms and roles.

Tongue Pop

Tongzhi

"Tongzhi" is a term adopted by the LGBTQIA+ community in Chinese-speaking regions to refer to themselves. Originally a political term meaning "comrade" in Mandarin, it has been reappropriated to signify membership within the LGBTQIA+ community. This linguistic shift occurred as activists sought a positive, affirming word in response to more derogatory terms previously used. "Tongzhi" is used to describe someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared identity among community members. It underscores the intersection of language, identity, and activism within the cultural context.

Top

"Top" refers to a person who typically assumes the more dominant or controlling role during sexual activities, particularly in relation to anal sex among men. This term is not exclusive to any one gender or orientation and can be applied broadly across various relationships. In lesbian and queer women's communities, a top might be someone who takes the lead or more active role in sexual interactions. The designation of "top" can also intersect with personal identities and relationship dynamics, reflecting a broader range of dominant behaviors or preferences beyond just the physical aspects of sex.

Top Bunk

"Top Bunk" is a playful term derived from the concept of a "top" in sexual relationships, referring to someone who prefers the dominant role, particularly in sexual encounters. The term "Top Bunk" humorously alludes to the upper bunk in a bunk bed, suggesting a position of dominance or being on top. It's used lightheartedly within the community to discuss sexual dynamics without explicit details.

Top Surgery

"Top Surgery" refers to surgical procedures typically sought by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals to alter their chest to be more congruent with their gender identity. For transgender men and transmasculine individuals, this usually involves breast removal (subcutaneous mastectomy) and male chest contouring. For transgender women and transfeminine individuals, it can involve breast augmentation. Top surgery is a significant step in the physical transition process for many transgender people, helping to align their physical appearance with their gender identity, which can greatly improve mental health and quality of life.

Toys

"Toys" refers to sexual devices or aids used to enhance sexual pleasure and intimacy. These can include items like dildos, vibrators, harnesses, anal beads, and other accessories designed for sexual activity. Toys are employed by individuals of any sexual orientation and gender identity to explore different aspects of sexual pleasure, either alone or with partners. The use of toys can be particularly significant in the LGBTQIA+ community for affirming and exploring sexual identities and for facilitating sexual activities that might not involve traditional penetrative methods, thereby expanding the ways in which pleasure and intimacy can be experienced.

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What's In The Pipeline

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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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