What is gay sexuality mean

what is gay sexuality mean

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 other individuals.  The definitions provided in this document reflect the current general awareness 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 call the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at gscc@msu.edu or (517) 353-9520.

  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 talk about the version of the acronym we are using on this website and in our educational programs and resources. 

Sexuality is not about who you include sex with, or how often you have it. Sexuality is about your sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviours towards other people. You can discover other people physically, sexually or emotionally attractive, and all those things are a part of your sexuality.

Sexuality is diverse and personal, and it is an key part of who you are. Uncovering your sexuality can be a very liberating, exciting and positive experience.

Some people experience discrimination due to their sexuality. If someone gives you a hard time about your sexuality, it’s good to chat to someone about it.

Different types of sexuality

Sometimes, it can take time to figure out the sexuality that fits you best. And your sexuality can change over second. It can be confusing; so don’t worry if you are unsure.

You might be drawn to men or to women, to both or to neither. There is no right or false – it’s about what’s right for you. And while there are shared terms to depict different types of sexuality, you don’t have to adopt a label to describe yourself.

Heterosexual and homosexual

Most people are attracted to the opposite sex – boys who appreciate girls, and women who like

List of LGBTQ+ terms

A-D

A

Abro (sexual and romantic)

A word used to explain people who have a fluid sexual and/or amorous orientation which changes over time, or the course of their life. They may use different 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 intimate attraction or occasional sexual attraction might also employ terms such as queer , bi, lesbian, straight and queer in conjunction with asexual to describe the direction of their sentimental or sexual attraction.

Ace and aro/ace and aro spectrum

Umbrella terms used to depict the wide group of people who experience a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of passionate 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, aromantic, aro, demi, grey, and abro. People may also use terms such as gay, bi, lesbian, unbent

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Definitions

Sexual orientation

An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people. Note: an individual’s sexual orientation is independent of their gender identity.

Gender identity

One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or diverse from their sex assigned at birth.

Gender expression

External appearance of one's gender persona, usually expressed through conduct, clothing, body characteristics or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically related with being either masculine or feminine.

Transgender

An umbrella designation for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, non-binary people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, double attraction, etc.

Gender transition

The process by which some people compete to more closely align their intern

Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ

Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ society organizations and leaders. Notice acknowledgements section.

Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender statement, 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:  Ask people what terms they operate to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression 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 woman loving woman, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering sustain 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