LGBTQ+ Key Terms

The purpose of this section is to provide several key terms associated with the LGBTQ+ community. This is not an exhaustive list and the usage and definition of these terms may vary for different people, in different places, and over time. Becoming more familiar with these terms helps us better understand and respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ people overall. At the same time, it is important not to make assumptions about how people identify and to use the language most meaningful to those that we aim to support.   

LGBTQ+: An acronym including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and various other identities outside of normative categories of gender and sexuality (i.e., cisgender/heterosexual). Also referred to as minority sexual/gender identities.

Queer: An umbrella term that is used interchangeably with LGBTQ+ to describe the diverse range of identities, experiences, and relationships other than heterosexual/cisgender. While the term has been “reclaimed” by many members of the LGBTQ+ community, due to its historical use as a derogatory term it is not embraced by all people. 

Gender Identity: Refers to one’s identification with a particular gender. Commonly assumed to consist of two possible classifications, known as a “gender binary” (i.e., man or woman). However, some people identify with a third gender or otherwise outside of the gender binary.

Cisgender: A term used to describe those with a gender identity that matches the sex that they were assigned at birth (i.e. assigned male at birth (AMAB) and identifies as boy/man).

Transgender (Trans): An umbrella term that is used to describe individuals who identify with a gender different from that assigned at birth, including those who identify outside of the  man/woman gender binary. Trans individuals vary in the degree to which they choose to pursue surgical or hormonal intervention.

Non-Binary: A gender identity that does not fit into a binary (i.e., two) classification of gender as either man or woman.

Gender Fluid: A person whose gender identity is not fixed. The identity and/or expression of a gender fluid person changes over time and can vary day to day.

Gender Expression: The way that a person conveys oneself through appearance, behaviour, speech, or role that corresponds to gendered experience (i.e., feminine, masculine, androgynous). Gender expression is not fixed and does not necessarily correspond to gender identity.

Intersex: A range of variations in sex characteristic that do not fit into typical binary classifications of biological sex (i.e., male or female), including hormonal, chromosomal, genital appearance, and/or reproductive organs/gonads. People with intersex traits may or may not identify with the term intersex and can have any gender identity.

Sexual Identity (Sexual Orientation): Refers to the type of affective (emotional), romantic, or sexual attraction a person has the capacity to feel for others of specific identities.

Heterosexual: Primary attraction to members of the “opposite sex” or relationships that are comprised by individuals of the “opposite sex”. Interchangeable with “straight”.

Lesbian: A sexual identity of women whose primary attraction is to other women or a relationship comprised of women. 

Gay: Attraction primarily to members of the same gender. Typically used to describe men who are primarily attracted to other men, but is also used as an umbrella term to describe all non-heterosexual attractions, identities, and relationships.

Bisexual: The primary attraction to two genders, typically used to describe those attracted to both men and women. 

Pansexual (Pan): A person who experiences attraction to many different genders.

Monogamous: Relationships that are comprised of two people or the inclination of an individual to be attracted to or in relationship with a single partner at one time. 

Polyamorous: Relationships that are comprised of more than two individuals or the inclination of an individual to be attracted to or in relationship with multiple partners at one time. Also called “non-monogamous”.

Outing: To be out is to have a minority gender or sexual identity that is disclosed to others. People may be out in some circumstances or with some people and not others. For example, some LGBTQ+ individuals are open about their identities with friends and family, but not at their workplace. Outing refers to the involuntary disclosure of a person’s minority sexual or gender identity by others. Outing may also refer to the involuntary disclosure of one’s HIV status.

Additional Terminology Resource: For a more comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ related terms see the Fenway Institute’s National LGBT Health Education centre’s glossary https://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/LGBT-Glossary_March2016.pdf