For the most complete definitions, we encourage you to compare what you find here with information from other sources as language in our communities is always evolving, and there may be regional differences. Please be aware that these terms may be defined with outdated language or concepts. For suggestions, please email geneq@berkeley.edu
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
AFAB
"Assigned female at birth." A term to describe individuals who were assigned female at birth.
AMAB
"Assigned male at birth." A term to describe individuals who were assigned male at birth.
Note: AFAB & AMAB are most frequently used to designate a gender assigned at birth. The terms are used by a wide range of individuals, including those who are transgender, non-binary, or intersex. While AFAB or AMAB may be useful for describing different trans or non-binary experiences (like whether or not someone experiences/has experienced male privilege), they are generally not considered identities in and of themselves. Calling a transman “AFAB,” for example, erases his identity as a man. Instead, use a person’s requested pronouns and self-description. [Rainbow Round Table]
Agender
A person who is internally ungendered or does not feel a sense of gender identity
Androgynous
A person appearing and/or identifying as neither solely man or woman, presenting a gender either mixed or neutral. Can have physical elements of both femininity and masculinity, whether expressed through sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Ally
Someone who advocates for and supports members of a community other than their own. Reaching across differences to achieve mutual goals.
LGBTQIA Allyship is the practice of confronting heterosexism, sexism, genderism, allosexism, and monosexism in oneself and others out of self-interest and a concern for the well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people. Is founded on the understanding that dismantling heterosexism, monosexism, trans oppression/trans misogyny/cissexism and allosexism is a social justice issue.
Asexual
An umbrella term for a person who is not sexually attracted to any gender. Although asexual folks do not experience sexual attraction, they can experience other forms of attraction such as romantic attraction, physical attraction and emotional attraction, as these are separate aspects of a person’s identity.
Allosexism
Discrimination and exclusion that oppresses asexual people built out of the assumption that everyone should experience sexual attraction.
B
Bias
Prejudice; an inclination or preference, especially one that interferes with impartial judgment.
Bigender
A person whose gender identity encompasses two genders (often man and woman, but not exclusively), or is moving between two genders.
Binding
The process of reducing the appearance of breasts by wrapping or compressing the chest using various methods. Binding can be very gender-affirming for many people, however it must be done safely. Learn more about safe binding
Biphobia
Fear and hatred toward those who identify as bisexual, which may manifest in the form of prejudice or bias. Biphobia can be present in both the LGBTQ+ and broader community.
Bisexual/Bi+
A person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to more than one gender, though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree. The "bi" in bisexual can refer to attraction to genders similar to and different from one's own. Sometimes used interchangeably with pansexual. (See pansexual definition).
*This used to be defined as a person who is attracted to both genders or both sexes, but since there are not only two sexes (see intersex and transsexual) and there are not only two genders (see transgender definition), this definition is inaccurate.
Butch
A lesbian-specific gender identity, originating in women's working class communities. Associated with the rejection of femininity, in presentation as well as in being unavailable to men. Not necessarily equated with masculinity.
C
Chosen Family
Persons or group of people an individual sees as significant in their life. It may include none, all, or some members of their family of origin. In addition, it may include individuals such as significant others, domestic partners, friends, and coworkers.
Cisgender (adj.)
A term used to describe people who, for the most part, identify as the gender they were assigned at birth. (Cis is Latin for "on the near side of", "on the same side of")
Cisnormativity
Attitudes and behaviors that incorrectly assume gender is binary, ignoring genders besides women and men, and the assumption that people should align with conventional expectations of society for gender identity and gender expression. The incorrect assumption that people’s genders should correspond with the sex assigned at birth.
Cisgenderism
A prejudice that denies, ignores, denigrates, or stigmatizes non-cisgender forms of expression, sexual activity, behavior, relationship, or community. Cisgenderism exists in everyone regardless of gender identity because most have been raised in a predominantly cisgender society.
Cissexism
The appeal to norms that enforce the gender binary and gender essentialism, resulting in the oppression of gender variant, nonbinary, and trans identities.
Coming out
To recognize one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex identity, and to be open about it with oneself and with others. This process is unique for each individual and there is no right or wrong way to come out.
D
Deadname / Deadnaming
A deadname is a name someone no longer uses. Typically, it is a name assigned at birth. When someone uses this name, whether intentionally or not, it is referred to as deadnaming. Deadnaming is offensive and hurtful. See Lived Name
Demisexual
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which someone feels sexual attraction only to people with whom they have an emotional bond.
Domestic Partner
One who lives with their beloved and/or is at least emotionally and financially connected in a supportive manner with another. Another word for spouse, lover, significant other, etc.
Dominant Culture
The cultural values, beliefs, and practices that are assumed to be the most common and influential within a given society.
Drag
The act of dressing in gendered clothing and adopting gendered behaviors as part of a performance, most often clothing and behaviors typically not associated with one’s gender identity. Drag Queens perform femininity theatrically. Drag Kings perform masculinity theatrically. Drag may be performed as a political comment on gender, as parody, or simply as entertainment. Drag performance does not indicate sexuality, gender identity, or sex identity.
E
Enby
A term used for nonbinary that is typically used for self-identification only. Enby is the phonetic pronunciation of “NB,” an abbreviation for nonbinary. Do not use the word “NB”, as that term is often shorthand for “non-Black”.
F
Family
Colloquial term used to identify other LGBTQ+ community members. For example, an LGBTQ+ person saying, “that person is family” often means that the person they are referring to is LGBTQ+ as well.
Femme
A person who is feminine of center in dress, attitude, and/or presentation. It is often, but not exclusively, used in a lesbian context. It is being increasingly used by other LGBTQIA people to describe gender expressions that reclaim and disrupt traditional constructs of femininity.
FTM
A person who transitions from "female-to-male," meaning a man who was assigned female at birth Also known as "transgender man." FTM is a term that is falling out of use due to its centering of biological sex categories in the identifier itself.
G
Gay
A term used to describe people who are emotionally, romantically, and/or physically attracted to people of the same gender. Typically used to represent men who are primarily attracted to men.
Gender
Socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes given to folks based on their assigned sex. Gender characteristics can change over time and are different between cultures. See "Gender Identity" and "Gender Expression" for more on gender.
Gender Affirming
A broad term encompassing actions, language, medical care, and more, that affirms someone’s gender identity or expression.
Gender Affirmation Surgery (formerly Sex Reassignment Surgery)
Surgical procedures that change one’s body to better reflect a person’s gender identity. This may include different procedures, including those sometimes also referred to as "top surgery" (breast augmentation or removal) or "bottom surgery" (altering genitals). Contrary to popular belief, there is not one surgery; in fact there are many different surgeries. These surgeries are medically necessary for some people, however not all people want, need, or can have surgery as part of their transition. "Sex change surgery" is considered a derogatory term by many.
Gender Conformity
When your gender identity, gender expression and sex “match” according to social norms. See "Gender Identity," "Sex" and "Gender Expression" for more on gender.
Gender Diverse
A person who either by nature or by choice does not conform to gender-based expectations of society (e.g. transgender, transsexual, intersex, genderqueer, cross-dresser, etc). Preferable to “gender variant” because it does not imply a standard normativity.
Gender Dysphoria
Used to describe when a person experiences discomfort or distress because there is a mismatch between their sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. This is also considered a clinical diagnosis for someone who does not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Gender Euphoria
A euphoric feeling often experienced when one’s gender is recognized and respected by others, when one’s body aligns with one’s gender, or when one expresses themselves in accordance with their gender. Focusing on gender euphoria instead of gender dysphoria shifts focus towards the positive aspects of being transgender or gender expansive.
Gender-Expansive
An umbrella term used for individuals that broaden commonly held definitions of gender, including its expression, associated identities, and/or other perceived gender norms, in one or more aspects of their life.
Gender Expression
Refers to all of the external characteristics and behaviors that are socially defined as either masculine or feminine, such as dress, grooming, mannerisms, speech patterns and social interactions, often along lines of race and class. Social or cultural norms can vary widely and some characteristics that may be accepted as masculine, feminine or neutral in one culture may not be assessed similarly in another.
Genderfluid
A person whose gender identification and presentation shifts, whether within or outside of societal, gender-based expectations. Being fluid in motion between two or more genders.
Gender Identity
An individual’s internal sense of their own gender, whether they identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, another gender or no gender.
Gender-Neutral/Gender-Inclusive
Inclusive language to describe relationships (“spouse” and “partner” instead of “husband/boyfriend” and “wife/girlfriend”), spaces (gender-neutral/inclusive restrooms are for use by all genders), pronouns ("they" and "ze" are gender neutral/inclusive pronouns) among other things.
Gender Non-Conforming
A term for individuals whose gender expression is different from societal expectations related to gender.
Genderqueer
A term for gender identities that do not exclusively align with a gender category—identities which are thus outside of the gender binary and cisnormativity
Gender Role
Societal beliefs that dictate acceptable behaviors for how people of certain genders should behave, usually binary in nature that is based on a person’s biological sex. Gender roles can be restrictive and harmful, as they reinforce the gender binary.
H
Hate Crime
Hate crime legislation often defines a hate crime as a crime motivated by the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of any person.
Heterosexual
Refers to a person who is sexually, emotionally, or romantically attracted to solely people of a different gender or sex than their own. Sexual, emotional, and/or romantic attraction to a gender other than your own. Also referred to as “straight”.
Heteronormativity
The assumption that every person is heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is superior to other sexualities. An often implicitly held belief that heterosexuality is the norm and that all other sexualities are “different” or “abnormal”.
Heterosexual Privilege
Unearned and often unconscious benefits derived from being (or being perceived as) heterosexual that are denied to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, queers and all other non-heterosexual sexual orientations.
Homophobia
Animosity, hatred, or dislike of LGBTQ+ people that often manifests in the form of prejudice and bias.
I
Institutional Oppression
Arrangement of a society used to benefit one group at the expense of another through the use of language, media education, religion, economic structures, etc.
Intersex
Intersex is a term to describe an individual whose primary and secondary sex characteristics do not align with what is typically read as "male" or "female." Intersex people still have gender identities and sexual orientations, which may or may not be LGBTQ+. Being intersex does not render someone LGBTQ+ identifying, and many intersex activists have advocated against the use of intersex conditions as "proof" that gender identity is socially constructed.
In the Closet
Keeping one's sexual orientation and/or gender or sex identity a secret.
L
Lambda
The Gay Activist Alliance originally chose the lambda, the Greek letter "L", as a symbol in 1970. Organizers chose the letter "L" to signify liberation. The word has become a way of expressing the concept "lesbian and gay male" in a minimum of syllables and has been adopted by such organizations as Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Lesbian
A woman who is emotionally, romantically, and/or physically attracted to other women. Women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves.
LGBTQ+
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer. The '+' signifies that one may identify with a sexual orientation or gender identity that is not represented within this acronym, but would still be considered a part of the LGBTQ+ community (e.g. pansexual).
Lived Name
Lived name is the name one uses in their daily life. Lived name is used instead of "preferred name" because the modifier "preferred" signifies that a trans person would simply prefer to be called by their name, rather than it being necessary.
M
Misgendering
Attributing a gender to someone that is incorrect/does not align with their gender identity. Can occur when using pronouns, gendered language, or assigning genders to people without knowing how they identify.
MSM (men who have sex with men)
Men who engage in same-sex behavior, but who may not necessarily self-identify as gay or bisexual.
MTF (male-to-female)
A person who transitions from "male-to-female", meaning a person who was assigned male at birth, but identifies as a woman. Also known as a “transgender woman.” A term that is falling out of use due to its centering of biological sex categories.
Monogamy
Refers to the practice of forming a romantic partnership with one partner at a given time.
N
Neopronouns
Gender-neutral pronouns such as ze/zir or ey/em that are used instead of more traditional ones such as they/them.
Nonbinary
An umbrella term for gender identities that fall outside the gender binary. For some people who identify as nonbinary, there may be overlap with other identities like gender expansive, gender non-conforming, and transgender.
O
Out (of the Closet)
Refers to varying degrees of being open about one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
P
Pangender
A person whose gender identity is composed of all or many gender expressions.
Pansexual
A person who has romantic, sexual or affectional desire for people of all genders and sexes.
Pink Triangle
A symbol of remembrance. Gay men in the Nazi concentration camps were forced to wear the pink triangle as a designation of being homosexual. The triangles are worn today as symbols of freedom, reminding us to never forget.
Polyamory
Polyamory is the practice of having multiple open, honest love relationships.
Pronouns
Linguistic tools used to refer to someone in the third person. Examples are they/them/theirs, she/her/hers, he/him/his. Learn more about pronouns.
Q
Queer
Originally harmful in its intent, the term is now commonly used by LGBTQ+ individuals to refer to themselves/their community. This term is considered by some to be more inclusive of the entire LGBTQ+ community to describe more fluid identities. Given its original harmful connotation, only use this term if folks self-identify as queer.
Questioning
Describes those who are in a process of discovery and exploration about their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or a combination thereof. Questioning does not imply that sexuality or gender identity/expression is a choice.
R
Rainbow Flag
The Rainbow Freedom Flag was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker to designate the great diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. It has been recognized by the International Flag Makers Association as the official flag of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. The original rainbow flag had 8 stripes, and now has 6 stripes.
S
Same gender loving
A term coined by activist Cleo Manago for African Diaspora use to describe homosexual folks in the African American community. It emerged in the early 1990s as a culturally affirming African American homosexual identity.
Sapphic
An umbrella term to describe attraction or relationships between woman-aligned gender identities – including folks who identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, non-binary, trans, etc. Often sapphic is used as a more inclusive term instead of “women who like women (WLW)”.
Sex
A medical term designating a certain combination of gonads, chromosomes, external gender organs, secondary sex characteristics and hormonal balances. Common terms are “male, “female” and "intersex." Informs the gender one gets assigned, therefore framing their later social interactions.
Sexual Minority
Refers to members of sexual orientations that are marginalized, such as LGBQ+ identities.
Sexual Orientation
The direction of one’s sexual and/or romantic attraction towards another gender. (Some sexual Orientation terms are gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, etc.). Like gender, sexuality is on a spectrum, meaning some people may experience fluidity in their sexuality.
Stereotype
A widely held, oversimplified belief about an entire group of people that are deeply embedded in social institutions. Groups are often stereotyped on the basis of sex, gender identity, race/ethnicity, nationality, etc.
Straight
Person who is physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to the opposite gender.
T
Transgender (adj.)
An adjective for people whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth. Transgender can be used as a broad term to encompass various transgender and nonbinary gender identities. “Trans” is shorthand for “transgender.”
Trans man
A term for a man who was assigned female at birth.
Trans woman
A term for a woman who was assigned male at birth.
Transitioning
Transitioning is the process of taking steps to live as one’s true gender identity, rather than the gender one was assigned at birth. Transitioning is different for each individual, and may include social, medical, or legal changes, such as, but not limited to:
Social Transition
Using a different name, pronouns, changing appearance, etc.
Medical Transition
Receiving gender-affirming medical care, such as hormone therapy, puberty blockers, surgery, etc.
Legal Transition
Legally changing name or gender on legal documents
**The extent of someone’s transition does not make that person’s gender identity any less or more valid.
Transphobia
Discrimination against transgender folks, including a rejection of trans identity and refusal to acknowledge the validity of transgender identity. Examples include barring trans folks from housing and job opportunities, microaggressions such as being misgendered, and other varying degrees of violence.
Transsexual
An outdated term for people whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth, who seeks to transition from male to female or female to male. This is not a term to call other ppl unless they self-identify
Two-Spirit
An umbrella term that specifically refers to Indigenous gender variant people who hold specific cultural roles in their communities across Turtle Island (North America) and Abya Yala (South America). This term has been reclaimed by some folks in Native American LGBTQ+ communities in order to honor their heritage and provide an alternative to the Western labels of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
*Because Two-Spirit refers to specific cultural roles within Native communities, it is not the same as being Indigenous and trans, or Indigenous and nonbinary, or Indigenous and queer. While Two-Spirit people can also be trans, queer, or nonbinary, being Two-Spirit is its own category of identity. It’s also important to note, non-Native people cannot be Two-Spirit, as it is a culturally specific identity.
W
WSW (women who have sex with women)
Women who engage in same-sex behavior, but who may not necessarily self-identify as lesbian or bisexual.
|
Subject |
Object |
Possessive Adjective |
Possessive Pronoun |
Reflexive |
|
|
Feminine |
She |
Her |
Her |
Hers |
Herself |
|
Masculine |
He |
Him |
His |
His |
Himself |
|
Gender Neutral |
They |
Them |
Their |
Theirs |
Themselves |
|
Gender Neutral |
Ze |
Hir |
Hir |
Hirs |
Hirself |
|
(Gender Neutral Pronunciation) |
/zee/ |
/here/ |
/here/ |
/heres/ |
/hereself/ |
(Some definitions adapted from National Center For Transgender Equality)
If you have other definitions that you would like to see on this page, changes to our definitions, or questions about these terms, please email us at LGBT@berkeley.edu
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