Gay and straight meaning

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 show the current general understanding of these terms. We understand that language around sexuality and gender is always changing and we will review these terms regularly.&#;

If there is a term that you feel should be included here, please let us know.&#; You can email and/or ring the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at gscc@ or ()

  1. Getting Started
  2. Birth-Assigned Sex Terms
  3. Gender Terms
  4. Sexuality Terms
  5. Identity Terms
  6. Trans Community Terms
  7. Romantic Identity Terms
  8. Oppressive
  9. Legal, Academic, and Legislation Terms
  10. Historical Terms
  11. Racial Identity and Racial Justice Terms

To understand LGBTQIA2S+ identities and communities we must first distinguish three important concepts (gender, sex, and sexuality) and discuss the version of the acronym we are usin

Sexual Orientation

Adolescence is the dawn of sexual attraction. It happens due to the hormonal changes of puberty. These changes involve both the body and the mind — so just thinking about someone attractive can cause physical arousal.

These new feelings can be intense, confusing, sometimes even overwhelming. Teens are beginning to uncover what it means to be attracted romantically and physically to others. And recognizing one's sexual orientation is part of that process.

What Is Sexual Orientation?

The term sexual orientation refers to the gender (that is, male or female) to which a person is attracted. There are several types of sexual orientation that are commonly described:

  • Heterosexual (straight). People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: males are attracted to females, and females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are often called "straight."
  • Homosexual (gay or lesbian). People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the same sex: females are attracted to other fema

    List of LGBTQ+ terms

    A-D

    A

    Abro (sexual and romantic)

    A word used to describe people who own a fluid sexual and/or quixotic orientation which changes over second, or the course of their life. They may use adj terms to describe themselves over time.

    Ace

    An umbrella term used specifically to describe a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of sexual attraction. This encompasses asexual people as well as those who identify as demisexual and grey-sexual. Ace people who experience romantic attraction or occasional sexual attraction might also use terms such as gay, bi, lesbian, straight and queer in conjunction with asexual to describe the direction of their romantic or sexual attraction.

    Ace and aro/ace and aro spectrum

    Umbrella terms used to describe the wide group of people who experience a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of romantic and/or sexual attraction, including a lack of attraction. People who identify under these umbrella terms may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including, but not limited to, asexual, ace,

    Cisgender and Straight Don’t Mean the Same Thing — Here’s Why

    Some people tell you what terms they use to describe themselves. For others, you might possess to ask.

    If you’re not sure and you aren’t content asking, don’t assume the labels someone does or doesn’t use.

    Remember that some people might sense uncomfortable talking about their gender or orientation, especially if they’ve experienced discrimination in the past.

    If you’re unsure about what terms to use to describe yourself, take time to think about it. Read up about terms that might describe you. Verify out forums on Reddit and Facebook groups.

    You can’t always tell what pronouns someone uses by looking at them. They might state their pronouns up front, or you have to ask. Remember, it’s better to ask than to assume.

    If you’d like, you can share your pronouns when you meet adj people.

    For example, you could simply say “Hi! My mention is so-and-so and my pronouns are they/them.” You can also add your pronouns to your social media bios and email signature.

    There are many places where you can learn