Another word for not gay
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re terrified of saying the wrong thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to aid make conversations easier and more content. LGBTQ+ people utilize a variety of terms to recognize themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always tune in for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of Gay people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as successfully as those within the LGBTQ+ collective who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for concise, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual exercise with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may encounter no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The terror and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who affection and are sexually attracted to more than one gender.
Bisexual | A person emotiona
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, transforming and often mean alternative things to different people. They are provided below as a starting show for discussion and sympathetic. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the initial 2000s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help grant others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they represent when they use a term, especially when they use it to depict their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a phrase for themselves.
“If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” -Audre Lorde
This glossary contains terms, such as ableism and disability, that may not be considered directly related to identities of sexuality or gender. These terms are essential to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress
Glossary
This is a list of carefully researched and thoughtfully discussed definitions for key gender and sexuality terms. It is by no means a comprehensive list, but it is a good place for us to start. Identity terms mean very particular things to different individuals. The definitions provided in this document reflect the current general understanding of these terms. We understand that language around sexuality and gender is always transforming and we will review these terms regularly.
If there is a term that you feel should be included here, please allow us know. You can email and/or call the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at gscc@msu.edu or (517) 353-9520.
- Getting Started
- Birth-Assigned Sex Terms
- Gender Terms
- Sexuality Terms
- Identity Terms
- Trans Community Terms
- Romantic Identity Terms
- Oppressive
- Legal, Academic, and Legislation Terms
- Historical Terms
- Racial Identity and Racial Justice Terms
To understand LGBTQIA2S+ identities and communities we must first distinguish three important concepts (gender, sex, and sexuality) and talk about the version of the acronym we are using on this website and in our educational programs and resources.
LGBTIQA+ Library Guide
Organisation of the glossary
This glossary contains commonly used terms related to sexuality, gender identity and gender expression. It is organised alphabetically, with terms linked to their antonym, synonyms, or closely related terms.
Antonym - antonym meaning or counterpart (e.g. Transgender/Cisgender)
Synonym - same meaning (Homosexual/Gay)
Closely comparable term - Terms that own different meanings, but may arise in similar contexts (Nutrois/Non-binary)
Please note, the terms included in this glossary are not meant to be exhaustive. The language used by LGBTIQA+ communities to illustrate themselves and their experiences are constantly evolving and modern terms or usages can quickly gain currency. If in doubt, always defer to people with LGBTIQA+ lived experience when using language that describes them.
This glossary is loosely based on the Glossary produced by the UC Davis LGBTQIA Resource Centre.
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ society organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary.
Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org
*NOTE: Inquire people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender culture and gender statement before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, male lover, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel