Who is this gay
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ collective organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, 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Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated?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: Request people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender self and gender phrase 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 lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support 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
Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone.
For many people who are brand-new to the LGBTQIA+ collective, this acronym can come across confusing or overwhelming.
If you are new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today.
And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to learn more about how the people has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too.
The way the LGBTQIA+ society interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly altering. We strive to add everyone and to form everyone feel seen and understood.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?
For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to describe the community.
Now, many people worry about how to come out, but coming out before the 1970s wasn’t even an option, as many states illegalized what they called “homosexuality” or “sodomy.” There was also no acronym at all, restricting the inclusivity of our community.
Once an acronym appeared, all versions of it began with “L” – for an important reason.
In the early days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian community often felt dismissed or
What Does "Gay" Mean?
There is not one right answer
Many educators are unsure how to respond when a student asks you what does same-sex attracted mean. It is enhanced to try to reply than to respond with silence or evade the question.
Practice different responses with colleagues, just as you practice other things that you want to study. Figure out what you feel comfortable saying.
Responses will vary by age and developmental stage of the student. Your comfort in answering these questions will set a welcoming tone in your class and school community.
Keep it simple
An answer can be as simple as: “‘Gay’ means two people of the same gender who admire each other – two women or two men.” Try to answer the question honestly without overloading a student with knowledge. Throughout elementary school a student’s ability to know what “gay” means and what your explanation means may increase with development.
Focus on love and relationships
A discussion with elementary-age students about the meanings of “gay” or “lesbian” is a discussion about adore and relationships. You can just clarify that people love each other in different ways. Some women love and want to be partners
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