LGBTQ+ Terminology Glossary

Last Updated 9/20/2024.

Hello! The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer + (LGBTQ+) community have many identities and various terms we use for ourselves. This glossary is a tool to help you understand some terms. But before we begin, we want to emphasize the following:

  • Terms change overtime and can hold multiple meanings. Sometimes we use current language to describe identities that were not defined in the same way in the past. And words that are common today may change meaning overtime and be replaced with other terms. 
  • Not all terms will be in this glossary, but we will add more overtime.
  • Focus on “I”-dentity. This is the concept that individuals get to decide how they use a term, even slurs, to describe themselves. Even if we would define the word differently or see the term as contradictory or offensive.
  • Don’t get caught up on having to know every term. Just support anyone’s identity.
  • Many words on this list are both identities and terms that been used as slurs against us. Some people do not wish to be called these words, so we recommend careful use of them to describe others. Many terms are reclaimed, taking the negative power the word has had and using it to show pride in that identity.
    • Some examples: Queer, Gay, Dyke, Faggot
  • Some words are what we call Umbrella terms. These are words that cover a wide array of additional identities like Genderqueer falling under the term Trans.
  • Many words have minor grammatical difference such as genderfluid vs gender-fluid. The term generally means the same thing, it may just be written differently depending on person, region, etc.
  • When in doubt, ask! It’s better to make sure you understand then to be confused. An example of how to ask is: “I’d like to clarify, how are you defining ____ for yourself?”
    • Don’t ask random people how they identify and don’t tell other people the identities of others without permission.

We thank community glossaries such as The Human Rights Campaign and PFLAG for providing glossaries that have inspired this one. Reviewing other glossaries is a helpful way to get a variety of perspectives on the terms.

The use of Headings can help you find the terms faster if reviewing this document electronically. 

Is there a word you’d like to see added? Have questions? Found a typo? Email us at lgbtq@wwu.edu. This document will be reviewed minimally on a quarterly basis for updates. Anyone, even outside of WWU, has permission to use this document. Thank you for using this tool, we hope it is helpful for you. -LGBTQ+ Western Team

If you need this document in an alternative format, please also email lgbtq@wwu.edu and we will work with you.

Update Log:

9/20/2024: We have a new section! We have added some Spanish terms in the new Spanish section. Additional languages will be added overtime. Please note that many languages, such as Spanish, use traditionally gendered grammatical structures. Some LGBTQ+ people, including linguists, are exploring ways to make these languages feel affirming by creating gender-inclusive and gender-neutral terms.

Download LGBTQ+ Terminology Guide