
The LGBTQIA+ Community is a large community with a wide variety and fluidity. Below, you’ll find more information about common terminology.
Terminology was quoted from the Pratt Institute Library website, linked under “Plus (+)” below.
Lesbian
Typically, a woman who is romantically and sexually attracted to other women. Some trans* people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are attracted to women also identify as lesbians due to their connection to that community and/or due to the lack of terminology for “non-binary gendered person who is attracted to women”.
Gay
A person who is romantically and sexually attracted to other people of the same gender. “Gay” is usually used by men, but not always.
Bisexual
A person who experiences attraction to some people of their gender and another gender. Bisexual attraction does not have to be equally split or indicate a level of interest that is the same across the genders an individual may be attracted to.
Transgender
Transgender people have a gender identity or expression that differs from the one they were assigned at birth or are expected to exhibit in adulthood.
Queer
An umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ community (ex: the queer community). 2. A sexual orientation that is intentionally left vague. Many people identify as queer because they feel that no other sexual term applies to them. People who identify as queer might also do so for political reasons: to specifically and publically reject society’s prevailing view of sexuality. Some people experience “queer” as a slur, so use this term with care.
Intersex
A term for a combination of chromosomes, gonads, hormones, internal sex organs, and genitals that differs from the two expected patterns of male or female. Formerly known as hermaphrodite (or hermaphroditic), these terms are now outdated and derogatory.
Asexual
Experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others and/or a lack of interest in sexual relationships/behavior. Asexuality exists on a continuum from people who experience no sexual attraction or have any desire for sex, to those who experience low levels, or sexual attraction only under specific conditions. Many of these different places on the continuum have their identity labels. Sometimes abbreviated to “ace.”
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We recognize the expansiveness and fluidity of the LGBTQIA+ Community and know that not everyone is strictly defined by these terms. To learn about more different gender and sexuality definitions, we encourage you to CLICK HERE to visit the Pratt Institute Library page with a comprehensive list.