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.

Hung

Hung, refers to a man, often gay or bisexual, who is noted for having a large penis. This term is commonly used in personal ads, online profiles, and casual conversations within the community to describe or inquire about someone's endowment without explicit language.

Hunty

Hunty is a term of endearment within the drag community, combining the words "honey" and "cunt." It is used to affectionately address or refer to someone, often in a playful or sassy manner. The term gained popularity in drag culture but has spread to wider usage within various LGBTQIA+ subcultures as a way to express a close bond or friendly teasing among members.

Hustler / Prostitution

Hustler or prostitution often refers to a person who engages in sex work, which can include the exchange of sexual services for money or other benefits. Historically, this term has been associated with young men who cater to a predominantly male clientele. Within the community, discussions around hustling or prostitution can also intersect with conversations on safety, legality, and the rights of sex workers, as well as the socioeconomic factors that influence individuals to enter the trade.

I Feel Love (Song)

"I Feel Love" is a song by Donna Summer, released in 1977, renowned for its groundbreaking production by Giorgio Moroder that introduced an entirely synthesized backing track, shaping the sound of electronic and dance music. The song became an anthem in the disco era, celebrated especially within the LGBTQIA+ community for its embrace of free love and expression, transcending traditional norms of gender and sexuality. It holds a significant place in LGBTQIA+ culture as it became a staple in nightclubs and pride events, symbolizing liberation and the joy of being oneself without reservation.

I Live

"I live" is a phrase popularly used within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in drag culture, to express strong approval or excitement about something or someone's performance. It signifies a moment of admiration or when someone is particularly impressed or moved by an aspect of LGBTQIA+ culture, performance, or personal expression. This term captures the vibrancy and the spirited reaction that is a hallmark of drag and broader LGBTQIA+ celebratory environments.

I oop

"I oop" is a phrase that gained popularity within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among younger individuals and those involved in social media and meme culture. It's typically used to express surprise, embarrassment, or as a comedic reaction to a sudden realization or mistake. The phrase became widely recognized after being popularized by drag queen Jasmine Masters in a viral video, where it was used as an exclamation following an unexpected interruption or mistake.

Ilga (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans And Intersex Association)

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) is a worldwide federation of organizations committed to improving human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) people. Founded in 1978, ILGA advocates for LGBTI rights through international campaigns, and provides research and resources to support its member organizations. It plays a crucial role in addressing and combating human rights violations based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. ILGA also works to influence international legislation and policies and is involved in global events such as Pride parades and international human rights conferences.

In Face / Outta Face

The terms "In Face" and "Outta Face" are colloquialisms within the drag community. "In Face" refers to a drag performer being fully made up, with their drag persona completely realized through makeup, costume, and character presentation. This term underscores the transformation and performance aspect of drag. Conversely, "Outta Face" indicates that the performer is not in their drag persona, typically appearing without makeup or costume, and essentially presenting their day-to-day, non-drag identity.

Incel

Incel, short for "involuntary celibate," originally described someone who, despite desiring to, remains unable to establish romantic or sexual relationships. The term has evolved and often carries negative connotations due to its association with certain online communities. These groups have sometimes been linked to misogyny, entitlement, and bitterness towards those who are sexually active or successful in relationships. It is important to clarify that while "incel" is not inherently an LGBTQIA+ term, the concept of involuntary celibacy can intersect with experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among individuals who feel marginalized or alienated from mainstream dating cultures due to their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Inclusion

Inclusion refers to the proactive efforts to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, disability, or socioeconomic status, are welcomed, represented, and given equal opportunities in social, professional, and advocacy spaces. This concept emphasizes the importance of creating environments where diverse voices and experiences are respected and valued, promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance. Inclusion goes beyond mere tolerance or non-discrimination, aiming to actively engage and support every member of the community to contribute to and benefit from all aspects of society and community life.

Intellectual Attraction

Intellectual attraction refers to a type of attraction that is primarily based on admiration for or interest in another person's intellect rather than physical or emotional characteristics. It involves a profound appreciation for someone's way of thinking, knowledge, insights, or intellectual pursuits. This form of attraction can be a significant aspect of relationships within the LGBTQIA+ community, where emotional and intellectual connections often transcend traditional boundaries of romantic and platonic interactions.

InterPride

InterPride is a global organization that represents and facilitates collaboration among the organizers of Pride events worldwide. Founded in 1982, it focuses on networking, education, and leadership development to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) issues on an international platform. The organization works to empower Pride organizations in different countries through resource sharing, best practices, and aiding in the protection of global LGBTI rights. InterPride is also responsible for selecting the host city for WorldPride, an event that promotes LGBTQIA+ issues on an international level through parades, festivals, and other cultural activities.

Internalized oppression

Internalized oppression occurs when individuals unconsciously absorb and accept the negative beliefs, stereotypes, and prejudices that society holds against their own group. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, this can manifest as LGBTQ+ individuals adopting or believing homophobic, transphobic, or biphobic views about themselves or others in their community. This process can result in reduced self-esteem, self-doubt, and the perpetuation of community stereotypes, impacting mental health and overall wellbeing. Overcoming internalized oppression often involves education, supportive community interactions, and affirmative therapies designed to reinforce positive self-identification and community pride.

International Human Rights Defense Act

This act is a proposed legislation in the United States aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals globally. It seeks to advance human rights through diplomatic efforts, foreign assistance, and international cooperation to address discrimination, violence, and persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. The act underscores the importance of defending LGBTQIA+ rights as part of a broader commitment to human rights and equality worldwide.

Interrogation

Interrogation in the context of BDSM refers to a role-playing scenario where participants engage in a dynamic of captor and captive. This kink involves one partner questioning another within a controlled, consensual setting, often incorporating elements like blindfolding and restraints to enhance the power exchange. The captor (Dom) simulates a scenario of extracting information from the restrained partner (sub), using various techniques that can include psychological play, sensory deprivation, and physical stimulation. The key aspect of this practice is consent; all parties agree to the terms and boundaries beforehand, making it a safe, consensual exploration of power, control, and erotic fantasy.

Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a framework developed to understand how aspects of a person's social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege. Originally coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, it highlights the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, which can lead to overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. In the LGBTQIA+ context, intersectionality is crucial for recognizing and addressing the varied and sometimes compounded experiences of individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups, ensuring that advocacy and policies are inclusive and attuned to the complexity of their lived experiences.

Intersex

Intersex is a term used to describe individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit typical definitions of male or female. This variation can involve chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, or genitals that differ from the expected male or female body. Intersex traits can be apparent at birth, but sometimes they are not noticeable until puberty or later. Being intersex is a natural biological variation, and it is distinct from a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

Intersex Flag

The Intersex flag is designed to represent the intersex community, individuals born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies. The flag features a purple background with a yellow circle in the center. Purple and yellow were chosen because they are considered gender-neutral colors, not traditionally associated with either male or female. The circle symbolizes wholeness and completeness, and the right of intersex people to be unaltered and recognized as naturally occurring variations of human biology.

Intersex Genital Mutilation

Intimacy

Intimacy encompasses physical, sexual, romantic, or emotional closeness between individuals in various types of personal relationships. This term is broad and can refer to a range of interactions and connections, from platonic friendship to romantic involvement. Intimacy is crucial for understanding the depth and nature of relationships within the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing the importance of emotional bonds and the diversity of ways individuals connect and care for one another.

Invasion, The

The Invasion of the Pines is an annual event held every July 4th at Fire Island Pines, a popular vacation destination for the LGBTQIA+ community. It commemorates a key moment in 1976 when a resident of the Pines denied entry to Teri Warren, a drag queen, from a restaurant. In response, Warren and a group of drag queens from the neighboring Cherry Grove community "invaded" the Pines by boat, dressed in full drag, to confront the discrimination. This playful and bold act of defiance has since evolved into a cherished tradition and a major celebration, drawing large crowds to witness a parade of drag queens and LGBTQIA+ individuals expressing their identity with pride and joy. The event symbolizes resistance against discrimination and the unity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community.

It's Giving

The phrase "it's giving" is used, especially in ball culture and among queer people of color, to describe something or someone that strongly embodies a specific quality or vibe. This term, rooted in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), gained popularity through Black Twitter and ball culture, the latter being a safe space for queer Black and Latino individuals since the 1990s in New York. It is often used to highlight a look, attitude, or presence that aligns well with the expectations or themes prevalent in these communities.

JO / Jack-Off

JO, short for "jack-off," is a term used to refer to the act of masturbation. This term can be used casually in conversations about sexual practices and is often seen in the context of personal ads or discussions where individuals are talking about sexual activities without the involvement of a partner. It is also a common theme in discussions about sexual health and personal sexual exploration.

Jack’D

Jack’D is a location-based dating application primarily targeting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Launched in the early 2010s, it allows users to connect with potential partners in their vicinity through profile browsing and instant messaging. Jack’D also offers features that focus on the privacy and security of its users, distinguishing itself with options that limit who can view a profile and how interactions are shared. It has been particularly notable for its popularity within communities of color, providing a platform for networking and personal connection among its users.

James Merrill House

The James Merrill House in Stonington, Connecticut, served as the home of the American poet James Merrill, known for his eloquent and deeply personal poetry that often explored his life as a gay man. Merrill, who received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1977, lived and worked in this historic Stonington residence, where he wrote much of his critically acclaimed work, including his epic poem "The Changing Light at Sandover." The house is celebrated not only for its architectural beauty but also as a literary site where Merrill's contributions to LGBTQIA+ literature and culture were cultivated.

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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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