Language & respect
A starting point for the words.
These short definitions are introductions, not labels to assign to someone. Follow a person’s own terms and respect what they choose to keep private.
- LGBTQ+
- A collective abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning people, with + recognizing further identities.
- Sexual orientation
- A person’s pattern of emotional, romantic or sexual attraction.
- Gender identity
- A person’s own understanding of their gender.
- Gender expression
- How a person presents gender; appearance alone does not establish identity.
- Transgender
- Describes someone whose gender differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.
- Nonbinary
- An umbrella term for genders outside an exclusively male or female binary.
- Bisexual
- Attraction to more than one gender; people use the term in different ways.
- Queer
- A reclaimed term for some people; others do not use it. Follow the person’s own preference.
- Questioning
- Exploring one’s identity or orientation without needing a settled label.
- Coming out
- Sharing an aspect of identity; the person decides when, how and with whom.
- Ally
- Someone who supports LGBTQ+ people through their actions.
- Chosen family
- Relationships of care and belonging beyond biological or legally recognized family.
Sources & further reading
Original commentary by REALLY BYTE. Sources support the historical or institutional details; our reading prompts are our own.
Language changes and varies between people and communities. PFLAG’s fuller glossary provides more detail. If you are unsure how to refer to someone, ask respectfully when appropriate; do not press for a disclosure.