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LGBTQ TERMS Every thorough discussion about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community starts with some very basic but often confusing terms. The definitions of many of them are changing as the climates for the community change, so keeping up with the trends of language can be overwhelming, especially with “in-group words.” The power of language is dynamic and fickle, and the word that is embraced by one person might be offensive to another. LINKS TO TERMS
A term used to refer to variations in object of emotional and sexual attraction. The term is preferred by some over “sexual orientation” because it indicates that the feelings and commitments involved are not solely (or even primarily, for some people) sexual. The term stresses the affective emotional component of attractions and relationships, including heterosexual as well as GLBT orientation. Displaying characteristics of both or neither male or female. The dichotomous distinction between female and male based on physiological Fear or hatred of those assumed to be bisexual. A person who has sexual and emotional relationships with, or feelings towards both women and men, although not necessarily at the same time. Butch/Femme or Lipstick Lesbian A lesbian, or gay woman, who prefers traditionally masculine (butch)/feminine dress, style, expression, or identity. Use caution with these terms for they can still be taken offensively, mainly because they are still often used offensively. Avoid use of the term “lipstick lesbian” and stick to “femme.” In LGBT circles, people (especially gay men) may be described as “camp” or “campy” if they behave in a manner that exaggerates gay mannerisms or stereotypes. Such exaggeration is often powerful in its ability to reveal the absurdity of gender expectations. Civil Union A voluntary union of two adults for life (or until divorce). This is one of several terms for a civil status similar to marriage allowing homosexual couples access to the benefits enjoyed by married heterosexuals. It can also be used by couples of differing sexes who do not enter into the legal institution of marriage but who would rather be in a union more similar to a common-law marriage. The confining state of being secretive about one’s true Sexual Identity. To acknowledge one’s true Sexual Identity, either to oneself or to others. Most often used in terms of “publicly coming out.” Wearing the clothing of another gender, often exaggerating stereotypical characteristics of that gender. Once known as a derogatory term for lesbian, the word dyke was reclaimed by lesbians in the 1970’s as slang, and many lesbians now refer to themselves as dykes. Female-to-Male. A term used in the GLBT community that refers to male-identified people who were categorized as female at birth. (See also MTF and Transgender.) Homosexual. The term refers to both men and women, though many gay women prefer to call themselves Lesbian. Characteristics of masculine and femininity that are learned or chosen. A person’s assigned sex does not always match their gender (see Transgender), and most people display traits of more than one gender. Gender is different from sexuality. Recognizes only two genders and regulates behavior. The idea is that all males should be male-identified and masculine, and all females should be female-identified and feminine. The blurring the binary gender roles. Stands for Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual / Transgender. You may also see the letters Q and A added at times; these letters stand for Questioning Youth and Allies. Other combinations are used also: LGBT, BGLT, etc. A bias towards heterosexuality or the exclusion of homosexuality. Also, the presumption that heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality. Or, prejudice, bias or discrimination based on these things. Homophobia Fear or hatred of those assumed to be LGBT and anything connected to their culture. When a person fears homosexuality, either in other people or within themselves. Homophobia can either be mild discomfort or violent. A person who is primarily attracted to members of the same gender. Intersexed The continuum model devised by Alfred Kinsey in 1948 that plotted sexuality from 0 to 6 -- with 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 being exclusively homosexual. It was the first scale to account for bisexuality. According to a 1954 survey using the scale, a majority (70%) of people fall between 1 and 5. The scale has been criticized for being too linear and only accounting for behavior and not sexual identity. Preferred term for a female homosexual. What Martha Stewart has – the consistent, integrated way of life of an individual as typified by his/her manner, attitudes, possessions, etc. GLBTQ people have lives – it is not a life-style. Male-to-Female. A term used in the GLBT community that refers to female-identified people who were categorized as male at birth. (See also FTM and Transgender.) To publicly reveal the Sexual Orientation of an individual who has chosen to keep that orientation a secret. Some activists, political groups and media believe outing is justified and/or newsworthy when the person involved works against the interests of lesbians and gays. Others oppose it entirely as an invasion of privacy. Inclusive language substitute for “girl/boyfriend,” “husband/wife,” can be used for all orientations, gender identities, and kinds of relationships.
With regards to sex, gender, and sexuality, “passing” means intentionally appearing as or being read as a sex, gender, or sexuality other than the one you were assigned or with which you identify. The symbol of an inverted triangle was reclaimed and adopted by lesbian and gay culture in the 1970’s in remembrance of the homosexuals who were forced to wear pink triangles in Nazi concentration camps. Lesbians (and other “unnatural” acting women were made to wear black triangles. As in Gay Pride -- a healthy respect, which, claimed (or proclaimed) in the context of the gay community promotes empowerment, education, safe living, and the sense that it is “okay to be gay.” A Gay man who prefers traditionally feminine dress, style, expression or identity. If you identify as straight, use caution with this term. Once known as a derogatory term for homosexual, “queer” was reclaimed by lesbian, gay, and bisexual activists in the 1980’s as a proud name for themselves. Queer can mean a blurring of both gender and sexual orientation and is regarded as a more inclusive of variance than lesbian or gay. In other words, it acts as an all inclusive or “umbrella” term for all GLBT individuals. It’s not ok to use “queer” as an offensive term to degrade GLBT people. Many in the LGBT community consider it only appropriate that other LGBT people use the term. Designed in 1978 in San Francisco by artist Glibert Baker, it signifies the diversity and unity of the GLBT movement. Originally, there were eight colors in the flag -- pink for sexuality, red for light, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for natural serenity, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. In 1979, the flag was modified to its current six-stripe format (pink was omitted, blue was substituted for turquoise and indigo, and violet became a rich purple). The biological traits used to categorize someone as either male or female. The meaning we impose on sex is called gender. Who you like and what you do. Sexuality is distinct from gender identity and sex. It refers to the labels we assign to sexual desires and practices: homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, asexual, etc. How you personally identify your sexual feelings and desires; not necessarily your practices. Sexual Orientation Avoid using this term. It is misleading. The majority of queer individuals will tell you that being queer is not a preference. Sexual Orientation is the preferred term. The Stonewall Inn tavern in New York City’s Greenwich Village was the site of several nights of violent protests following a police raid committed on June 28, 1969 for no other reason than that it was a queer bar. The Stonewall riots are often regarded as the birth of the modern LGBT movement. A heterosexual; a non-Queer person. An umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex and gender role they were assigned at birth. Transgender people do not necessarily want to have sex reassignment surgery (SRS) and may or may not identify as transsexual. Transgender people can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and may or may not identify as GLBT. A person whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Some transsexuals may take hormones and/or get sex-reassignment surgery (SRS).
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