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.

Trevor Project, The

Triangle

"Triangle" refers to symbols and historical elements, notably derived from the pink triangle used by Nazis during the Holocaust to identify and persecute homosexual men. This symbol was reclaimed by the LGBTQIA+ community as a symbol of remembrance and resistance against oppression. It also inspired other symbols like the black triangle, which has been similarly reclaimed to represent lesbian and feminist identities against marginalization and discrimination.

Tribbing

Tribbing, often referred to as "scissoring," is a sexual practice where two people, typically women, engage in genital-to-genital contact to achieve sexual stimulation. This term is most commonly associated within lesbian and queer women communities but can be applicable to others. The motion involves the rubbing together of vulvas, which can lead to mutual orgasm. It is recognized as a form of non-penetrative sex that emphasizes the intimacy and pleasure derived from close physical contact.

Trixie Matel

Trixie Mattel is the stage name of Brian Michael Firkus, an American drag queen, singer-songwriter, and television personality. She gained fame as a contestant on the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and later won the third season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars." Known for her distinctive makeup style and comedic persona, Trixie has become a prominent figure in the drag community and LGBTQIA+ culture. She co-hosts the web series "UNHhhh" and the podcast "The Bald and the Beautiful" with fellow drag queen Katya Zamolodchikova, and has released several music albums in the country and folk genres.

True Colors United

True Colors United is a non-profit organization co-founded by Cyndi Lauper in 2008, focusing on addressing LGBTQ youth homelessness in America. The organization works to develop solutions that make a significant impact through a broad array of strategies including advocacy, training & education, and youth collaboration. True Colors United emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting LGBTQ youth's experiences and identities to effectively prevent and combat their disproportionate representation among the homeless population.

Tryke

Tryke is a colloquial term used to describe a transgender person who identifies as a biker or has an affinity for biker culture. This term is a blend of "trans" and "dyke" and is sometimes adopted by those who want to express their dual identity within the motorcycle and queer subcultures. It can be used to affirm one's gender identity and subcultural belonging simultaneously, emphasizing pride in both their transgender identity and their participation in the traditionally masculine, rugged biker world.

Tuck / Tucking

Tuck or tucking refers to the practice of concealing one's external genitalia to create a smooth, flat appearance typical of a cisgender female body contour. This practice is commonly used by transgender women, gender-nonconforming individuals, and drag performers to help align their physical presentation with their gender identity or the demands of performance. Tucking can involve techniques such as positioning the testes upward into the inguinal canals, and securing the penis between the legs with tight undergarments or specialized tape.

Turn It

"Turn it" or "Turning It" means to perform exceptionally well or to deliver an outstanding presentation. It is often used to describe a situation where an individual excels in showcasing their talent, charisma, or overall appeal, effectively "turning" the audience's perception in their favor. This phrase encapsulates the act of impressing onlookers or judges in various contexts, from drag performances to broader cultural expressions where LGBTQIA+ individuals emphasize their distinctiveness and flair.

Twenty-Four Seven / 24-Hour Girl

Twenty-Four Seven or 24-Hour Girl is a term used to describe a transgender woman who lives full-time as her affirmed gender. The term emphasizes the constant, everyday commitment to her gender identity, regardless of the setting or context. It acknowledges the dedication and often the challenges faced in maintaining one's gender presentation and identity in all aspects of life, without temporary breaks or changes that might occur in less permanent expressions of gender transition.

Twink

A twink is a term often used within the gay community to describe a young, gay man with a youthful, slim to average body type, and minimal body hair. The term can carry connotations of being effeminate and is typically used to highlight certain aesthetic attributes and physical appearances that adhere to specific youthful qualities. It's also used to describe a persona that embodies innocence or naiveté.

Two-Spirit

Two-Spirit is a term used by some Indigenous North American communities to describe a person who embodies attributes of both masculine and feminine genders, or who occupies a distinct gender role outside of the traditional Western binary gender norms. This term is culturally specific and has a significant spiritual and social role within the communities that use it. Two-Spirit people are often involved in ceremonial activities that are integral to their communities and may hold unique roles that vary widely between tribes.

Twunk

A "twunk" is used to describe a man, typically younger or within the gay community, who combines the physical attributes of a 'twink' (a young, slender build) with the muscle mass or physical fitness associated with a 'hunk.' The term is playful and used to categorize a specific body type and aesthetic within the gay male community that emphasizes both youthfulness and muscularity.

Tyler Clementi (1991-2010)

Tyler Clementi was a young gay man whose tragic suicide in 2010 brought national attention to the issues of cyberbullying and harassment of LGBTQIA+ youth. He was a freshman at Rutgers University when his roommate secretly broadcast a live stream of him being intimate with another man. This invasion of privacy and the subsequent bullying contributed to his decision to take his own life. His death inspired the creation of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, which aims to prevent bullying through inclusion, assertion of dignity, and acceptance, thus addressing the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act

U-Haul Lesbians

U-Haul Lesbians is a term that humorously refers to the stereotype that lesbian couples tend to move in together very quickly after starting to date. The name comes from the U-Haul rental company, often used for moving household items, suggesting that some lesbians might rent a U-Haul shortly after beginning a relationship to move in together. This term captures a cultural observation within the community and is used both jokingly and critically to discuss lesbian relationship dynamics.

U=U

UC (Uncut)

Underwear

Underwear kink refers to a sexual interest or fetish where individuals derive pleasure and excitement from wearing, seeing, or interacting with specific types of underwear. This can include various styles such as briefs, jockstraps, thongs, or lingerie, and often involves scenarios where the underwear plays a central role in sexual activities or fantasies. This interest emphasizes the erotic potential of underwear beyond its functional use.

Undetectable

Undetectable refers to the status of an HIV-positive individual who has achieved an undetectable viral load through effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). When HIV cannot be detected by standard blood tests, it means the viral load is so low that the virus cannot be transmitted to sexual partners, summarized by the term U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). This concept has become a pivotal aspect of HIV advocacy, changing the discourse around HIV transmission, reducing stigma, and emphasizing the importance of access to and adherence to treatment.

Undocumented

Unicorn

A unicorn typically refers to a bisexual person, often a woman, who is willing to join an existing couple in a threesome, usually with no strings attached and focused on fulfilling the desires of the couple. This term can sometimes carry pejorative connotations when used to describe individuals who are seen as fantasy fulfillers for couples looking to explore a polyamorous relationship or sexual novelty without considering the unicorn's emotional or relational needs.

Untransmissible

Untransmissible, in the context of HIV, refers to the scientific consensus that individuals with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to their partners. This understanding is commonly summarized in the community and health education materials through the phrase "Undetectable = Untransmissible" or "U=U." The concept is vital for reducing stigma associated with HIV, promoting public health, and encouraging adherence to treatment among those living with HIV.

UpStairs Lounge

Urolagnia

Ursula

Ursula often refers to a butch lesbian who possesses strong, dominant qualities, similar to the character Ursula from Disney's "The Little Mermaid." This term celebrates the assertive and commanding aspects of butch identity within lesbian culture. Ursula can symbolize empowerment and defiance against traditional gender roles, resonating with individuals who identify with strong, non-conventional femininity.

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What's In The Pipeline

We have improvements in the works for this resource. Here's whats coming down the pipeline.

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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