Vanilla refers to sexual or romantic behaviors that are considered traditional or lacking in kink. The term is used to describe actions that are straightforward and devoid of any BDSM elements, fetish activities, or other non-traditional dynamics. It’s not necessarily pejorative but rather descriptive of preferences that align with more conventional or widely accepted practices.

Ve/Ver/Vis are gender-neutral pronouns used as an alternative to traditional pronouns such as he/she or they. These pronouns are part of a broader effort within the LGBTQIA+ community to provide inclusive language options that respect and affirm individuals' gender identities. "Ve" is used in place of he/she (e.g., Ve went to the store), and "Ver" replaces his/her or their (e.g., That is ver book).

Vegan or Hippie Lesbian refers to a lesbian who typically embraces a lifestyle that emphasizes environmental sustainability, animal rights, and natural living. This term highlights a subcultural identity within the lesbian community that combines sexual orientation with specific ethical and lifestyle choices, often characterized by a commitment to veganism and an affinity for what might be considered 'hippie' aesthetics or values, such as peace, love, and communal living.

Versatile, often abbreviated as "vers," refers to an individual, typically within the gay and bisexual male communities, who does not prefer a single sexual role and is comfortable with both top and bottom roles during sexual activities. This flexibility in sexual preferences allows for a dynamic sexual expression and is often seen as a way to balance sexual pleasure and compatibility in relationships. The term emphasizes the absence of a fixed preference in sexual positioning, which contrasts with identifying strictly as a top (one who typically assumes a penetrative role) or a bottom (one who typically assumes a receptive role).

A video booth refers to small, private booths found in adult bookstores or sex shops where individuals can view pornography in a secluded setting. These booths may be equipped with a video screen and a selection of films, typically catering to various sexual orientations and fetishes. Historically, video booths have played a significant role within the gay community, serving not only as a space for sexual expression but also as clandestine meeting points for gay men at times when societal acceptance was much lower. This setting has been both a sanctuary for private exploration and a site of community and connectivity, albeit often shadowed by legal and social controversies related to public decency and safety.

The Village People are an iconic music group formed in 1977, known for their catchy disco hits and distinctive costumes reflecting American masculine cultural stereotypes. The group's members each portrayed characters such as a police officer, a cowboy, a construction worker, a Native American, a soldier, and a leatherman, which later became gay icons. The Village People became symbols of gay culture, celebrated for their flamboyant and campy style, and their music has been widely embraced in LGBTQIA+ communities around the world. Their songs often carry subtexts of gay pride and are considered anthems of the LGBTQIA+ movement, making them a staple in parades, gay bars, and nightclubs.

The Village Voice was an American news and culture paper, known for its progressive and often countercultural viewpoints. Founded in 1955 and based in Greenwich Village, New York City, it became an integral platform for LGBTQIA+ advocacy and culture. The publication extensively covered issues and topics pertinent to the LGBTQIA+ community, including arts, politics, and social movements, providing a vital voice during pivotal moments like the Stonewall riots and the AIDS crisis. It championed LGBTQIA+ rights, offering crucial visibility for the community and its members during times when mainstream media often overlooked such stories.

Viral load refers to the amount of a virus present in a person's bloodstream, often used in the context of monitoring HIV. In the LGBTQIA+ community, discussions about viral load are crucial for understanding the effectiveness of HIV treatment and the potential for transmission of the virus. An undetectable viral load, achieved through effective antiretroviral therapy, means that the virus is not transmissible through sexual contact, a key element of the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) campaign. This concept has significantly impacted the stigma associated with HIV and has been a cornerstone in the fight for the rights and health of people living with HIV within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Vogue, often referred to as voguing, is a highly stylized, modern house dance originating in the late 1980s that evolved out of the Harlem ballroom scene of the 1960s. It involves model-like poses integrated with angular, linear, and rigid arm, leg, and body movements. Voguing gained mainstream exposure through Madonna's song "Vogue" in 1990 and has been an important form of expression in the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among Black and Latino gay and transgender individuals. The dance form is a method of self-expression and a way to create a sense of identity and community, often serving as a form of escape, contest, and celebration.

Vogue Femme is a style of voguing, an expressive dance form that originated within the Black and Latino LGBTQIA+ ballroom communities. This style is characterized by fluidity, dramatics, and the exaggeration of femininity, incorporating elements like high heels, dramatic poses, and theatrical movements. Vogue Femme emphasizes the performance of traditional feminine gestures and body language, often seen as a celebration or subversion of gender norms. It allows performers, regardless of their gender identity, to express a range of emotions and stories through their bodies, serving both as a form of resistance and self-affirmation.

The Voting Rights Advancement Act is proposed legislation intended to restore and strengthen protections against racial discrimination in voting, originally established by the 1965 Voting Rights Act. This act responds to the weakening of these protections over time, notably by a 2013 Supreme Court decision that invalidated key parts of the Voting Rights Act. For the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring robust voting rights is crucial, particularly for transgender and non-binary individuals who may face obstacles in voting due to ID laws and other discriminatory practices that can disenfranchise members based on their gender identity or expression.

A voyeur refers to someone who derives pleasure from observing others, especially in scenarios involving intimacy or sexual activity. This term can encompass both those who watch consensually as part of sexual or kink dynamics and those whose behavior might invade privacy. Voyeurism is also a metaphorical term used to describe individuals or entities that consume LGBTQIA+ cultures and experiences without participating or contributing to the community, often critiqued for objectifying or fetishizing LGBTQIA+ lives.

WBW (Woman Born Woman) refers to a phrase historically used within certain feminist and lesbian communities to denote women who were assigned female at birth, emphasizing a shared biological and social experience distinct from those of transgender women. The term has been controversial and often criticized within the broader LGBTQIA+ and feminist communities for excluding transgender women and reinforcing a binary view of gender. It highlights the tensions and discussions around gender identity, inclusion, and the definition of women's spaces.

WLW, an abbreviation for "Woman-Loving-Woman," is a term used to describe women who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to other women. It is commonly used within the LGBTQIA+ community as a way for women to identify themselves and their sexual orientation. WLW encompasses a diverse range of identities, including lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, and other non-heterosexual orientations.

"WSW" stands for "Women who have Sex with Women." It is a term used to describe women who engage in sexual activities with other women, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity. This term is often used in research, healthcare, and public health contexts to discuss sexual behavior and risks among women.

Waacking or Whacking is a form of dance that originated in the LGBTQIA+ communities of Los Angeles during the 1970s disco era. It involves expressive movements of the arms to the rhythm of music, dramatic posing, and incorporates elements of vogueing—a dance style popularized by the Harlem ballroom scene. Waacking gained prominence for its expressive outlet in queer clubs and its role in the ballroom culture, where dancers, particularly from the transgender and gay communities, used the dance as a form of personal expression and competitive performance.

in ballroom culture, a "walk" refers to a competitive performance where participants showcase their skills in vogueing, fashion, and overall presentation to meet specific criteria set by the ball. Participants "walk" or perform on a runway to demonstrate their prowess in various categories, each with distinct themes and rules. This performance is judged on criteria such as poise, costume, realness, and dance ability. Originating in the African American and Latinx LGBTQIA+ communities, ballroom walks serve as a vital expression of identity and resilience, offering a space for celebration and recognition within the community.

The Walt Whitman House in Camden, New Jersey, is the historic residence where the esteemed American poet Walt Whitman spent his last years. Whitman, celebrated for his poetry that often delved into themes of nature, love, and humanity, is noted for his contributions to American literature and his progressive views on human sexuality and identity, which have been interpreted to have significant LGBTQIA+ relevance. His residence, now a museum, serves as a landmark in LGBTQIA+ history, offering insight into the life and times of a figure who embraced and celebrated the diversity of human experience.

Watching specifically refers to the act of observing others engage in sexual activities without participating. It is a form of voyeurism that can be consensual and part of sexual expression among individuals. This practice can be a part of various sexual subcultures and is often seen as a way to explore sexual interests and boundaries safely within a consensual environment.

Watersports refers to sexual practices involving urine. This can include activities such as urinating on a partner, being urinated on, or other forms of urine play. It is a form of kink that falls under the broader category of BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism). Participants engage in watersports for various reasons, including pleasure, power dynamics, and exploration of taboo and erotic desires. Safety, consent, and communication are crucial elements in these practices to ensure the well-being and agreement of all involved parties.

Weave often refers to a hair extension or hairpiece integrated with one's natural hair to either enhance or completely change one’s hairstyle. While weaves are used by people of all genders, they hold particular significance in some queer and transgender communities, especially among transgender women, as a means of gender expression and for crafting a personal aesthetic that aligns with their gender identity. Weaves can play a crucial role in the presentation and affirmation of one's gender, particularly in spaces where personal appearance is both a form of expression and a critical aspect of one's identity negotiation.

Werk" or "Werq" is a term popularized particularly among drag culture and performers, to express doing something with exceptional skill and passion, often with a flair for dramatics or high energy. It's a celebratory exclamation or encouragement, signaling approval and admiration, frequently used during performances or as a form of cheering on someone. It embodies a spirit of overcoming adversity, excelling, and being unapologetically flamboyant or fierce.

West Hollywood, often abbreviated as WeHo, is a city in Los Angeles County known for its vibrant LGBTQIA+ community and culture. It has been a safe haven and a cultural hub for LGBTQIA+ individuals since the 20th century, featuring numerous gay bars, clubs, and businesses. West Hollywood is also notable for its strong LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy and hosts one of the largest LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations in the United States. The city's commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights includes protections and services tailored specifically to the needs of its diverse community, making it a significant location in the history and ongoing narrative of LGBTQIA+ rights and culture in America.

West Village, a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, is renowned for its historical significance to the LGBTQIA+ community. It was the site of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which marked a pivotal moment in the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. The area is known for its artistic flair, Bohemian history, and as a gathering place for LGBTQIA+ people. It hosts various important cultural landmarks, bars, and community spaces that cater to or are significant to LGBTQIA+ individuals. The neighborhood continues to be a central hub for LGBTQIA+ activism, culture, and community, maintaining its status as a symbol of resistance and unity.

"When Ocean Meets Sky" is a documentary film that explores the history of Fire Island Pines, a notable summer resort in New York known for its prominent LGBTQIA+ community. The film features 50 years of history, highlighting the transformation of the community from a small, secluded spot into a vibrant hub for LGBTQIA+ rights, culture, and celebration. It includes stories from the early pioneers to the present day, celebrating the legacy and impact of Fire Island as a sanctuary for LGBTQIA+ individuals.