A prefix that denotes “without”; often used in regards to romantic, sexual and gender identities: e.g. aromantic, asexual and agender.

Put simply, acceptance is the willingness for a society or culture to allow people to be who they are, despite their identity. That is, the degree in which a person is actively allowed to participate in social interactions, either with groups or other individuals.

In Queer contexts, this means the ability for Queer individuals to participate in the workplace, in social situations and institutions and to live without fear, prejudice or stigma. To live authentically, without discrimination.

A person who actively seeks to speak or write in favour of a cause, particularly regarding marginalised groups. In Queer contexts, a person who actively seeks to end inequality of LGBTQIA+ people and causes, e.g. an advocate for same-sex marriage; a transgender rights advocate.

the age at which an individual is legally able to give their consent; for example, the age at which an individual is legally able to consent to sex.

The age of consent has been a particular part of the Queer rights debate, as many countries and states within them have had differing ages of consent for homosexual and heterosexual acts, and at which age transgender youth should be allowed to navigate and seek medical therapies (e.g. hormonal) without parental permission.

It also may relate to the various laws in which transgender and nonbinary individuals may access medical treatment.

agency is the ability for individuals, groups and cultures to act and think for themselves; to entrust them to act in their own best interests, and to navigate their own paths; to be able to act independently and make their own free choices.

In Queer contexts, this may mean the ability for individuals to identify with their sexual or gender identity, without groups outside of that identity making decisions in their name or subjecting them to legislation or social prejudice which prevents them from living fulfilled lives or prevents them from navigating the various social, cultural and legal institutions to which other people have access.

For individuals with intersex variations, this may mean the ability for intersex individuals to make informed choices surrounding medical options and interventions that are based on necessity, or with health considerations in mind that are based on what is best for the intersex individual themselves, rather than on social, cultural or medical perceptions that view intersex as something that needs correcting.

An abbreviation for Acquired immunodeficiency/immune deficiency syndrome. It is a syndrome caused by HIV. However, not everybody who is HIV+ has AIDS.

AIDS causes the body’s immune system to be damaged, and as a result, compromises the body’s ability to fight off diseases and keep the body healthy, and thus can cause severe, life-threatening complications.

There is no cure for AIDS, but there are treatments to keep people with AIDS more healthy. This is why HIV prevention, such as safe sex, is important.

A cisgender/straight (non-Queer) person who supports the LGBTQIA+ community.

a slang term for a woman that a gay man marries or has a relationship with in order to hide his homosexuality.

The term can be problematic when used to describe relationships in which the male participant is presumed to be exclusively gay, when in fact, he could be bisexual+.

a prefix used in regards to romantic, sexual or gender identities. For example, biromantic, bisexual, bicurious, bigender.

the intolerant, unreasonable and determined devotion to one’s own opinions and prejudice, particularly against a particular group or community, often with hatred and intolerance, and with a refusal to entertain conflicting evidence or opinions.

Someone who is bigoted to the Queer community may refuse to even entertain the notion that their anti-Queer beliefs are wrong or based on faulty reasoning: for example, an individual may try to justify their prejudice on the basis of superstition (e.g. because of their religion). A bigot may assert that sexual activity between people of the same gender is wrong or unnatural without any evidence whatsoever to support it; similarly, a bigot may assert that transgender identities are merely the result of mental illness or are not legitimate, based solely on their own beliefs and opinions, with no interest in what medical or psychological experts have to say.

in Queer contexts, this usually refers to the gender binary; but this can also refer to related notions regarding various spectrums within Queer identities, either as extreme points or as the belief that such spectrums do not exist.

Such an example would be the sexuality spectrum; where both binary points would be homosexuality and heterosexuality on either end, with bisexuality and the various bisexual+ identities occupying the space in between. However, a binary belief would be that people are either heterosexual or homosexual.

An easy-to-use term for someone who is not Queer in the slightest, someone who is as straight as you can get; someone who is both cisgender and heterosexual.

an individual who is ‘Queer’ (not straight or cisgender) but is currently not open to everybody (or anybody) about their identity. There are a number of reasons for being “in the closet” for example, a fear of rejection or one’s safety, disapproval from friends/family, or discrimination.

the act of accepting one’s identity as gender or sexually diverse (not straight or cisgender; Queer); the process in which one shares their sexual or gender identity with others – for example, coming out to friends or family as gay.

See also: in the closet, out and proud.

in sociology, a social group of people that share an identity or social structure (e.g. culture, norms, roles, values). Communities represent a sense of belonging for people, and an avenue for individuals within them to participate and have agency.

In Queer contexts, this may refer to the Queer community as a whole, or the various communities within it, e.g. the gay and lesbian community, the bisexual+ community, the transgender community, the nonbinary community, etc.

simply put, consent is the act of giving permission, voluntarily, to the proposals or desires of another human being. A primary example of consent is the permission given between two or more individuals to engage in physically intimate behaviour with each other. Without consent, such acts are rape.

Both legally, and morally, consent can be subject to outside influences and legislation; for example, although a person under a certain age may give their permission, the law may determine that they are too young to consent (as they have not yet reached the age of consent). It is important to note, too, that permission given after coercion (that is by force or threat, or through manipulation or emotional blackmail), is not consent.

In Queer contexts, consent has an important role in Queer history and modern-day rights issues facing the Queer community.

Particularly in regards to sexuality, the age of consent has been a pressing LGBTQIA+ rights issue, as many countries and states have differing ages of consent for heterosexual and homosexual acts.

Various acts related to “conversion therapy“, particularly those performed on people under the age of eighteen who may be homosexual, bisexual+, asexual or transgender, have also come into the spotlight as a human rights issue, particularly as individuals may be there against their will or due to coercion (that is, without consent).

Consent is a particularly prevalent rights issue regarding intersex individuals, as often infants with an intersex variation may have been victim to “corrective surgery” – where no consent from the individual themselves could possibly have been given for surgery that is cosmetic or unnecessarily, rather than medically required.

Consent laws, particularly surrounding age, have become issues regarding to transgender youth, as seeking medical therapies to navigate their transgender identity may be subject to the permission of their parents, leading to discussions about what ages are appropriate for certain medical, non-surgical therapies (e.g. hormone therapy).

Informed consent is also an important factor to consent: that is, for consent to be given, one must be fully informed of the circumstances, consequences and conditions of the activity in which consent is given. This is particularly pertinent when it comes to accessing medical treatments.

Better known term for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts – the insidious practices enacted by homophobic, biphobic and transphobic groups and organisations that claim to “cure” people of their Queerness.

the action of banning something by law. For a long time, homosexual acts were criminalised by sodomy and buggery laws, and still are in many places in the world.

The reversal of such laws are known as decriminalisation.

Legislation may push to criminalise discrimination against Queer identified people.

the reversal of a criminalised activity; that is, allowing something that was once illegal to be legal again – for example, the reversal of sodomy/buggery laws that made homosexual acts illegal.

the act of refusing to acknowledge one’s sexual or gender identity; not only living in the closet, but to purposely try and convince oneself that they are not Queer – for example, a same-sex attracted man who refuses to acknowledge or identify with his homosexuality/bisexuality, even when acting upon his same-sex sexual desires.

if a remark or comment is derogatory, it expresses a low opinion; as a result, there are many slang terms in use that refer to Queer identified people that are derogatory – that is, they exist to disrespect or belittle Queer people in a way that is deliberately offensive.

However, some of the terms (such as Queer itself), have been reclaimed.

the unjust and/or prejudicial treatment of people based on a particular trait; for example, race, age, sex/gender identity, disability, sexual identity.

This can take many forms, such as exclusion or being treated less favourably. Discrimination may be indirect: that is, that there is a policy or rule that applies to everyone, but it has the effect of disadvantaging some people more due to a characteristic they share.

Increasingly, laws have been passed to prevent discrimination in areas of public life, such as employment, education and services – although exemptions apply – typically, but not exclusively, for religious organisations.

An umbrella-term for LGBTQIAP+/Queer people; that is, those who aren’t straight and/or cisgender. Often abbreviated to DSG.

initialism for Diverse Sexualities and Genders. Sometimes used as a shorthand or umbrella term for non-straight people, as an alternative to Queer or LGBTQ+, etc.

the strive for, and state of, being equal: particularly in status, rights and opportunities in society, regardless of their ascribed demographic. Used in terms such as marriage equality – that is, allowing access to the institution of marriage regardless of the involved people’s sexuality or gender identity.

the deliberate or ongoing process of excluding particular groups of people from something; the opposite of incorporating inclusion.

The institution of marriage was, and still is in many respects and countries, Queer exclusionary: that is, by restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples, Queer people were excluded. Other institutions, such as religious institutions (e.g. churches) also excluded Queer-identified people, deeming them unworthy of participation.

Sadly, there are some groups within the Queer community that are exclusionary; for example, some gay and lesbian groups may be bi-exclusionary, by deeming bisexual+ people as not being “gay enough” to participate; and the increasing rise in trans exclusionary spaces and groups that act in opposition to trans-identified people.

Some Queer spaces have, and continue to, exclude asexual participation, particularly for people on the asexual spectrum who may not be homo or biromantic.

Whilst such exclusionary groups may insist otherwise, the deliberate act of exclusion is, whether by straight or non-straight people, the result of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, acephobia, etc.

another term for targeted violence against members of the Queer community.

Related: Queer bashing; gay bashing.

the range of social movements and ideologies that strive for equality between men and women, in regards to all facets of life – such as in regards to politics, economics, society and on a personal basis; and to fight for the rights of women within those institutions – some of the key fights that have taken place under feminism are the rights to vote, hold office, their own property and assets, access to education, equal rights within marriage and maternity leave.

It is wrong, however, to assume that feminism is only concerned with the lives of women: indeed, feminism has, and continues to push, for equality that will benefit men too, and to liberate men from the harmful ideals and social norms that are detrimental to them (and, as a result to others too), such as toxic masculinity, the normalisation of house-husbandry (that is, male parents who opt to fulfil the role mothers traditionally filled, for example, being a stay-at-home parent) and parental leave for men.

Feminism has been criticised by both men and women who subscribe to traditional and conservative views (such as those based on religious doctrine), on the basis that it “undervalues” traditional “feminine” aspects (e.g. like motherhood). Although there are fringe movements within the broad church of feminism that may disparage or discourage such things, feminism is typically concerned with giving women the agency to choose.

Other aspects of feminism that have been criticised are that feminism has, at times, been concerned with the concerns of women with privilege: for example, concerned with issues related to white, middle-class, educated, heterosexual and cisgender women; feminism that seeks to address issues that aren’t limited to such perspectives is known as intersectional feminism.

a description for someone identifies themselves to be feminine in some aspect, e.g. physically, mentally or emotionally. Some lesbian and bisexual women will describe themselves as femme rather than butch; similarly, with gay and bisexual men as an alternative to effeminate.

Originated as a Polari term.

In Queer contexts, a gender identity or sexual orientation in which one’s sense of self or attraction changes dynamically, rather than remains static.

For example, in gender identity, genderflux refers to an individual whose sense of gender identity fluctuates and changes over time. In bisexual+ identities, this could refer to the changing levels of attraction one has over one gender than another; for example, one could find themselves more attracted to one gender than another for a period of time, and find that such levels change on a shifting basis.

One should not consider fluctuating sense of self or attraction as evidence that static, firm identities do not exist, nor should they view them as evidence that non-cishet identities are phases. Just because one’s gender identity or sexual attractions may be fluid, does not mean that everybody else’s are.

Related: fluid.

used to describe a non-stagnant identity, for example genderfluid, or a fluid sexuality; the idea that sexualities and genders exist on a spectrum or continuum and may shift over time, and fluctuate.

when individuals take it upon themselves, with no authority whatsoever, to determine who has access or rights to an identity or community, often with a misplaced sense of self-superiority.

An example of Queer gatekeeping would be implying that, for example, bisexuals are not “Queer” or “gay” enough for gay venues or the Queer identity, similarly with asexual people.

Trans gatekeeping may be dismissing the concerns of nonbinary individuals or transgender individuals who have not taken a certain amount of steps (e.g. gender reassignment surgery) for not being “trans enough”.

Binary gatekeeping refers to the act of dismissing transgender, intersex and/or nonbinary individuals’ identities in order to prop up the sex binary.

acts of abhorrent, targeted violence against Queer individuals.

Related: fag bashing, Queer bashing

a nightclub venue that caters primarily for Queer people; often incorporating Queer culture.

an umbrella term for the Queer community.

an umbrella term for LGBT/Queer culture; or, relating specifically to homosexual culture.

Like any culture, this is a broad and all-encompassing term that takes into account the many facets of an individuals’ lifestyle that can broadly shared with the rest of the gay/Queer community.

Examples of gay culture would include gay slang – a shared lexicon in the community of which many are familiar; Queer arts, books, television series; gay clubs; gay icons; etc. The rainbow Pride flag is an instantly recognisable gay culture symbol, and Drag is a known as a prominent feature of many gay events, such as Pride.

As well as the broader shared experiences of culture, the various subcultures, such as lesbian, gay (male), bi, trans, etc, have specific cultural identities and features.

an individual, typically a celebrity or famous person, who is held in high regard and/or loved by the gay community. Gay icons aren’t necessarily Queer themselves, in fact, many gay icons are heterosexual and cisgender – but typically, are strong allies (although too, many gay icons only become strong allies after being adopted by as gay icons).

There is no specific set of requirements for a celebrity to become a gay icon; some have been adopted as icons due to their flamboyant or camp style (e.g. Cher, the Spice Girls), or, on the other end, butch style (e.g. k.d. Lang, James Dean) others for singing songs in which the Queer community can adopt (e.g. Lady Gaga’s Poker Face), even if the songs aren’t specifically about Queer sexuality (e.g. Donna Summer’s I’m Coming Out), and songs that have been consistently popular in gay venues.

Similarly across other areas of the entertainment industry, some celebrities have achieved gay icon status for being in films that suggest or can be considered metaphors (however loosely) for Queer themes, love, etc.; Judy Garland is perhaps one of the most famous examples of achieving gay icon status, due to her appearance in The Wizard of Oz.

Other icons, such as German actress Marlene Dietrich achieved gay icon status due to their own sexuality (Dietrich was a bisexual), but also their sense of style – Dietrich was a pioneer in breaking gender norms with her presentation: one of Dietrich’s most famous and celebrated looks is her in a tuxedo and top-hat, which was revolutionary at the time.

Some times, people achieve gay icon status merely for living lives that have relatable experiences to the Queer journey: typically those whose lives have been tragic.

Not at all gay icons embrace the label or status, indeed, some have pushed back against it or have been marred in controversy since (e.g. Donna Summer).

a term referring to the marriage of two people of the same gender; often synonymous with marriage equality and same-sex marriage; although, obviously, not all people in a same-sex marriage identify as gay (e.g. in same-sex marriages, one or both could be bisexual).

the cultural and social environment that is associated with the gay and Queer community, for example gay clubs, gay venues, etc.

the large lexicon of slang words, euphemisms and terms used by the gay/Queer community to describe all things Queer. Many of which have their origins in using coded language at a time where Queer people and acts were either illegal or taboo; this way, Queer people could identify each other (in much the same way you could identify people from the same region as you by the words they used).

Many are humourous in origin, although a great many are pejorative and/or problematic, arising from self-deprecation.

often initalised to GSM, it is an umbrella term for Queer identified people; those who are not cishet.

an initialism for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Used as an umbrella term, but is less common than the abbreviation LGBT.

initialism for gender and sexual minorities; used as an umbrella term for individuals who are not cisgender and straight; an alternative to Queer or LGBT (etc).

an initialism of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a type of retrovirus that damages the human immune system: thus, it compromises the body’s ability to fight off illnesses.

As a result, as HIV continues to weaken and damage a person’s immune system, it leads to the development of AIDS. People that have HIV are known to be HIV+. Not all people that are HIV+ also have AIDS; if left untreated, HIV+ typically develop AIDS, but with the help of antiviral treatments, people who are HIV+ are at a far lower risk of developing AIDS as a result.

There is no cure for either HIV or AIDS, however.

HIV is transmitted through certain body liquids: blood, semen, vaginal and anal liquids, and breast milk. It is not transmitted through saliva, tears or sweat, nor can it be spread from hugging, coughing/sneezing, sharing dishes or using the same facilities as someone who is HIV+.

As such, some common ways that HIV is transmitted is through unprotected sexual intercourse; by using needles that may have been used by a person with HIV; from mothers during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding; or from blood transfusions when blood is used from someone who is HIV+.

As such, safe sex is an important thing to do in order to avoid acquiring or transmitting HIV, and it is important for people not to share or use previously-used needles (to inject drugs, for example). It is also important to ensure that any tattoos you may get are from licensed, trustworthy facilities.

a term referring to subjects relating to both HIV and AIDS. HIV and AIDS are not synonymous terms; HIV is the retrovirus that causes AIDS to develop. Not all people that are HIV+ have AIDS, and people that are on treatment for HIV are far less likely to develop AIDS than those who are untreated.

There is no cure for either HIV or AIDS.

Because of the close relationship between HIV and AIDS, they are often referred to as “HIV/AIDS” together, as medical, social and policy interventions need to take both HIV and AIDS into account.

HIV/AIDS was previously known as GRID: gay-related immune deficiency, as it was thought to be a “gay disease” that only effected men who had sex with men. This was soon shown to be false, however, although the false perception remained for a long time afterwards.

if an individual is HIV+, it means they have HIV in their system (that is, that they are infected with the retrovirus called HIV).

Not all people that are HIV+ have AIDS. However, if left untreated without medication, HIV will weaken you immune system to the point that you will develop AIDS.

a set of moral principles and guarantees that are seen to be applicable to all human beings, regardless of a particular characteristic – that is, they are the rights awarded to all humans because they are human beings.

an acronym for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia.

acronym (often pronounced “Idaho”) for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia; originally an abbreviation for International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia.

The day typically takes place on May 17th each year.

Also known as IDAHO and IDAHOBIT.

how someone sees themselves and wishes to be seen by others; an affiliation to an identity.

In Queer contexts, how one identifies is the the sexual orientation or gender identity that they most associate with, that is, the one they most identify with.

The verb has become commonly associated with transgender and nonbinary individuals; for example, ‘I identify as nonbinary’. But it is also common with sexual orientations, particularly those that are not strictly homosexual or heterosexual, or indeed easily labeled or defined: for example, ‘I identify as Queer, rather than gay or bisexual‘.

who a person is, that is – the various labels one attributes to themselves, or that others attribute to them, to form a picture of themselves; how they identify.

Identity is essential to being Queer; that is, our gender and sexual identities have been identified for and by us, and Queer people have been held to such identities, often in a way that is all-defining (for example, being identified as a homosexual or such term in a negative, stigmatising way; now, the identity of being gay is a matter of pride and a way of others to understand who we are); identity is a large part of one’s gender and identity helps us to understand each other’s sexuality.

to be inclusive means to provide spaces, resources and systems that are open and fully accessible to everyone, regardless of their identity or particular traits.

An example of this is may be creating Queer spaces that are trans-inclusive. That is, spaces that allow transgender individuals to participate and feel safe without hostility or objection.

This may extend to using language that is inclusive of differing identities; for example, when talking about same-sex attraction, one can be inclusive of bisexual+ people by not referring to all same-gender attracted people as being ‘gay’.

a framework that understands the multiple aspects of an individual’s social and political identities, rather than focusing on them alone; that is, taking numerous factors to identify the numerous advantages and disadvantages that are experienced due to factors (such as sexual orientation, class, gender, ethnicity/race and education).

As such, an intersectional view of Queer identity takes into consideration both Queer sexual and gender identities, and the similarities, the differences how they may relate to one another (e.g. how they overlap).

Another example is intersectional feminism is a form of feminism which concerns itself with the equality and liberation of women with diverse identities (such as those from different backgrounds), rather than focusing on women as a homogeneous group.

An initialism for lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender. An umbrella term for the Queer community.

an alternative term to Queer culture or gay culture.

An initialism for lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender; with the + used to include other Queer identities. An umbrella term for the Queer community.

An initialism for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex. An umbrella term for the Queer community.

An initialism standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer/questioning, with the “+” sign signifying the various other Queer identities. An umbrella term for the Queer community.

an initialism and umbrella term for the Queer community; lesbian, gay, bisexual, Queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/ally – with the “plus” referencing the various other Queer identities.

Some dispute that the A stands for ally at all.

An initialism standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, aromantic, ally, pansexual with the “+” sign signifying the various other Queer identities. An umbrella term for the Queer community.

Sometimes asexual and ally are combined, or ally is excluded completely to form LGBTQIAP+.

An initialism standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/ally, pansexual with the “+” sign signifying the various other Queer identities. An umbrella term for the Queer community.

Some dispute that the A stands for ally at all.

an initialism and umbrella term for the Queer community; lesbian, gay, bisexual, Queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/ally/aromantic, pansexual/polyamorous, kink.

the treatment of a person, or particular group of people, as if they are not important or as important as other groups.

Examples within Queer contexts would be the marginalisation of LGBTQIA+ people in general society by their cishet peers, with their rights considered less significant.

It also takes place within the Queer community – such as the marginalisation of people of colour within various Queer communities, which, as a consequence, has led to their voices, cultures and specific concerns being ignored; others include the erasure of bisexual+ people from Queer discourse (and as such, their health concerns and their identities); the exclusion of asexual people within the Queer umbrella; the lack of voice given to people with intersex variations within the Queer community; the focus on gay male/MSM sexuality and health over lesbian/WSW in academia or media; the anti-trans rhetoric found within some sectors of the Queer community, and indeed, the dismissal of nonbinary individuals by cisgender Queer peopleand other transgender people.

a social/cultural institution in which a union between people is recognised by society and the law. The definitions of marriage vary from culture to culture and have changed throughout time.

In the West, this has typically been a union between two people under the authority of the state representing God, that legally and morally allows for sexual intercourse and family raising (and thus, any sexual activity or children produced outside of marriage as being lesser or even illegal).

The definition of marriage has changed in the West; firstly, it is no longer a requirement for the marriage to be religious in nature or recognised and allowed by any religious institution: these are known as civil marriages. The age of consent for marriage has also changed, as have the legal rights and responsibilities within them: a pertinent example being that a wife is no longer considered a husband’s property through marriage, and no longer does the husband automatically hold all of his wife’s assets.

A major change in marriage occurred throughout many countries in the world when marriage equality was enacted; marriage was no longer restricted to opposite-sex couples.

A cultural variant in marriage also occurs in monogamous and polygamous marriage; many countries in the world allow for (predominantly men) to be married to more than one person; whereas in most countries in the West, this is considered bigamy and is illegal.

the social and political push to allow people of the same gender to be able to marry; and to grant marriage rights to those who are transgender, or legally acknowledged as nonbinary or intersex too, rather than to restrict the right to marry to a couple comprised of a cisgender man and woman.

It’s important to note that it is often referred to by the terms same-sex marriage or gay marriage, but the legality of same-sex marriage does not necessarily mean that there is marriage equality for all (for example, for those who are legally acknowledged as neither male or female, or those who are transgender).

For example, the marriage plebiscite in Australia asked, specifically, if people of the same-sex should be allowed to marry: however, the resulting legislation removed the references to gender altogether, to define marriage as simply being the union of two people.

the dislike, contempt or ingrained prejudice against women: it can be as extreme as outright hatred or aversion, or more subtle, such as sexist beliefs or attitudes that consider women to be lesser than men.

Misogynistic thinking may be as explicit as having the belief that women are incapable of self-determination and need men to live a fulfilled life, of lesser intelligence to men, or that they exist in order to serve men or provide certain duties for them (e.g. to provide them with offspring, to provide domestic duties for them, to provide sexual satisfaction to men).

Misogynistic thinking can be a lot more subtle, such as subconsciously underestimating a woman’s ability to do things, which may lead to assuming the male candidate is more equipped or better-able to perform a job (e.g. in a position of power or politics), despite all things being equal; or the objectification of women in which their qualities are based in relation to traits not looked for in men: e.g. their looks or appearance – such as offering a job to a woman because they’re sexually attractive.

a process an individual goes through in order to change the name they are known by socially (e.g. being known to friends and family by a name) and/or legally (e.g. on official records).

Transgender/nonbinary individuals may opt to change their name to better reflect their gender identity; others may opt to change their name for numerous other reasons.

Any previous names are known as deadnames, and the referring to them by their deadname is known as deadnaming: deliberately deadnaming trans and nonbinary people is transphobic, and certainly, referring to anybody by a name in which they do not like is antagonistic and rude.

a phrase used by – predominantly – heterosexual men who make a comment that could be interpreted as being homoerotic or homoromantic, typically to assert their masculinity or heterosexuality.

This could simply be for something as innocent and small as one man complimenting another; for example, “Dude, you look great tonight, no homo”.

The term and the concept behind it is problematic: firstly, it is perhaps an example of toxic masculinity, in which men have to constantly remind each other that they are straight, and that something as simple as a compliment may call their heterosexuality into question. Secondly, it asserts a certain homophobic or biphobic attitude that being seen as same-sex attracted is something to be ashamed of.

in Queer contexts, an individual who is not on a particular spectrum; an asexual individual is ‘off the sexuality spectrum‘, an agender person is ‘off the gender spectrum‘.

To be ‘out’ means that someone has publicly disclosed their Queer identity to friends, family, work colleagues, etc.; from the term ‘out of the closet‘ as opposed to being in the closet; and as such, is popularly known as being out and proud, following the process of “coming out“.

However, people can be out in some respects, but not others, e.g. having come out to one’s family and friends, but not their work colleagues.

an individual who is out; that is, someone who does not keep their Queer gender identity or sexuality a secret from others.

This is the opposite to someone who is “in the closet“.

a slang term to describe someone who is out of the closet; that is, someone who is open about their Queer sexuality or gender identity, typically with connotations of being completely unashamed with it, and/or more “open” or expressive about it than the average person may be.

‘Outing’ someone (or ‘to out’ someone) means to publicly reveal someone as being Queer without their consent; e.g. “Marianne outed John as gay to his work colleagues”.

Obviously, nobody should out someone without their permission.

a term that expresses disapproval, is insulting, or denigrating. Typically, these come in the form of words used to label a trait or group of people in a negative way.

In Queer contexts, pejorative terms are terms used against Queer people in order to insult them; for example, faggot is a highly pejorative term and a slur.

Some pejorative terms have been reclaimed, however, such as the word gay.

the practice or desire for intimate relationships with more than one person, with the informed consent of all partners involved. A form of non-monogamy, people that engage in polyamory are known as polyamorous.

A polyamorous relationship may be a relationship between three or more people which each other, or an open relationship.

This is typically different from swinging (although polyamorous people may also be swingers), where the focus is on sexual activity, rather than deep romantic and/or emotional bonds outside of the relationship.

a preconceived opinion or attitude that is not based on reason, particularly towards a group of people – opinions and attitudes that are usually unfavourable (but not always), and as such as discriminatory.

An example of prejudice is to believe that a gay man is, by his very nature, immoral simply because he is gay; or that a transgender individual is mentally ill. Such attitudes become detrimental when they start to influence attitudes in society and its institutions – such as in employment, when job offers may be restricted from such individuals because of these preconceived ideas.

Queer people have faced prejudice in society and continue to do so, and such attitudes manifest into homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia, transphobia, acephobia, interphobia, etc; that have been detrimental to the health and well-being of Queer people.

In Queer contexts (and in many other marginalised communities), this refers to the act of being unashamed.

This is often misunderstood by cishet people to refer to being “proud” in the sense of having achieved something, but it is used as an antonym (that is, an opposite) to shame or social stigma, an act of being out-and-proud. As such, we have Pride parades and festivals.

As such, it is related to promoting Queer agency, dignity, equality and visibility – for Queer people to not merely be hidden away or made taboo.

A flag that represents a particular identity within the Queer community; the most famous – and oldest – Pride flag is the rainbow flag. Since then, numerous Pride flags relating to the different Queer communities have been designed and adopted.

Outdoor events celebrating LGBTQIA+ people, culture and achievements, the push for Queer rights and visibility, and an act of pride (that is, an act in which one is unashamed).

Pride parades (also known as Pride marches) take place all across the world at various times of the year, with many taking place during June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City – a pivotal moment in Queer history.

An initialism of Queer People of Colour.

An initialism of Queer and Trans People of Colour.

An umbrella, catch-all term for LGBTQIA+ people; that is, the Queer Community, those who are not heterosexual and cisgender (“cishet“).

May also be used by people to describe their sexuality in a way that excludes preconceived labels; such as those who feel their sexuality does not fit neatly into prescribed definitions such as gay, lesbian, bisexual+, asexual etc.

In terms of gender identity, it is used typically as genderqueer, with much the same meaning in regards to queer sexuality, that is, one’s gender does not fit neatly into other identities.

Queer was originally used as an insult towards LGBTQIA+ individuals; but has been reclaimed by Queer people – the adjective queer is distinct from Queer with a capital “Q”. It is used in academia to describe various disciplines that relate to Queer topics, such as Queer literature, Queer health, etc.

The term is still considered problematic by some LGBTQIA+ individuals who still see it as a pejorative term; particularly in the United States of America where the word “queer” was used in a particularly hateful manner, such as with Queer bashings.

However, in other countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia, the word has been reclaimed rather successfully (in much the same way gay has), and continues to be used as shorthand/umbrella term for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The abhorrent act of targeted violence or abuse against Queer/LGBTQIA+ people; these targeted acts are the result of homophobia, biphobia and/or transphobia. Also known as gay bashing or fag bashing.

An umbrella term for the various non-cishet identities; refers to Queer people, and synonymous with other terms such as LGBTQIA+.

also known as gay culture, or LGBT culture. It relates to the components of the Queer community in which many Queer identified people can identify. This includes the extensive lexicon of words most familiar to Queer people, rather than straight/cisgender people; Queer arts, literature, movies, music; gay icons; gay clubs; and the various cultures of the subgroups of the Queer community.

An example of Queer culture that has become recognisable outside of it in mainstream culture is Drag.

an umbrella term referring to the various topics and issues relating to the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people. Queer people face significant challenges compared to their cishet peers in regards to certain health considerations and health disparities.

It also covers the wide array of services Queer people may need, for example, specialist services for transgender individuals, as well as mental health services and community services that are built to include Queer-identified individuals – for example, mental health services and domestic violence services that take into account the added challenges and considerations needed when dealing with Queer-identified people.

an umbrella term to refer to Queer-identified individuals who also identify as men; although commonly, the term is used to describe gay and bisexual+ men.

an alternate term to gay slang, that is the large lexicon of slang terms and euphemisms that are used by the Queer community to describe all things Queer.

an umbrella term to refer to Queer-identified individuals who also identify as women; although commonly, the term is used to describe gay and bisexual+ women.

in entertainment, it is the practice of hinting at same-sex romance or attraction without actually depicting it. For example, a television series in which two male characters form a close bond where there are sexual or romantic connotations or suggestions, but the romance or sexual element is never actually developed.

Celebrities have been accused of queerbaiting, too – that is, using Queer identity and love as a marketing technique: one such example may be a heterosexual singer that sings about being interested in somebody of the same gender, or being suggestive with other people of the same gender in music videos or performances – essentially, being Queer for show (also known as being a fauxmosexual).

Using Queer identity as a marketing technique trivialises Queer identities, particularly when it happens at the hands of cishet people who have very little knowledge of the experiences and journeys of Queer people; particularly when heterosexual entertainers play with the idea of being bicurious or bisexual as a ploy or marketing technique (or indeed, to appeal to LGBT+ fans), it further encourages the biphobic idea that bisexuality isn’t a legitimate, real orientation, and merely a fashionable fad.

Of course, being suggestive rather than explicit also happens between opposite-sex characters, and it is a form of dramatic tension in narrative arcs; and so not all examples of sexual or romantic tension between characters is, in itself, a deliberate act of Queerbaiting.

An individual who is currently in the process of exploring their sexuality and/or gender identity. Somebody who is still unsure about whether or not they are Queer or not. In terms of sexuality, they may be described as bicurious.

An alternative to LGBTQIA+, but far less common, it is an acronym of Queer/Questioning, Undecided, Intersex, Lesbian, Transgender, Bisexual, Asexual, Gay/Genderqueer.

a meteorological phenomenon that has become widely recognised as a symbol of Queer Pride and social movements, due to the rainbow Pride Flag.

As a result, “rainbow” has been used to describe various Queer-related concepts; such as “Rainbow Family“.

A term relating to families in which the parent/s identify as Queer; that is, when at least one parent is LGBTQIA+ identified. Some examples are when a parent is transgender, or a family where the parents are a same-sex couple.

Not all rainbow families are immediately identifiable, for example, one or more parents could be bisexual+.

in a linguistic sense, reappropriation refers to taking a word once used to denigrate a group (a pejorative term or slur) or demographic, and to reclaim it as a term of a pride. The most obvious example of this within the Queer community is the word Queer itself: once used (and in some parts of the word, still is) to insult and humiliate LGBTQIA+ people, it is has been successfully reclaimed to become a prominent and preferred catch-all term for the community; even to the extent of being academic – e.g. Queer literature, Queer film festivals, etc.

in culture and linguists, a word that was once considered a slur to denigrate a demographic, that is now used as a term of empowerment, for example, the words gay and Queer.

Even though the words may be reclaimed, they may still prove controversial (as with Queer). Other words may be partially reclaimed, such as the words dyke or poof where it is considered inappropriate for – particularly – cishet (non Queer) people to use, and should be used with caution by those who are Queer.

the legal, social and ethical principles of freedom or entitlement; that is, what people are allowed or owed in society.

Some rights are considered inalienable human rights – that is, that they should be guaranteed to all human beings regardless.

Rights have often had to be won because they have not been guaranteed: for example, the right to marry for couples regardless of gender; or the right to have one’s gender officially recognised when it differs from sex assigned at birth. The fight to for one group to have the same rights other groups have is known as a fight for equal rights.

a place or environment in which a member of a marginalised group can enter without fear of being discriminated, harassed or harmed.

For example, a Queer safe space is a place where LGBTQIA+ can feel safe and confident about being themselves, without their sexuality and/or gender identity being a problem or issue for the other people there.

a term referring to the marriage of two people of the same sex or gender; often called gay marriage, and the push for it is referred to as marriage equality.

Sex may refer to:

Often a shortened way of referring to biological sex; that is, the sex assigned at birth – although often conflated with gender.

Or, the vast array of activities related to physically intimate behaviour. One should not restrict sex into only being penetrative (e.g. vaginal sex, anal sex). Sex is (perhaps viewed ideally) the activities that take place between two (or more) consenting individuals with the intention of evoking physical, emotional and/or romantic gratification; intimate pleasure; or, in some cases, merely an act of procreation used for reproduction.

The insidious practices enacted by homophobic, biphobic and transphobic groups and organisations that claim to “cure” people of their Queerness. Such practices are pseudo-scientific, and often have long-lasting and damaging implications, for example, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. There is absolutely no medical or scientific evidence that such practices work.

There are a wide range of “conversion therapy” (also known as “reparative therapy”) practices used in order to “cure” people of their LGBTQIA+ status. Traditionally, these have included practices such as electro-shock therapy or corrective rape (that is, where individuals are forced to engage in heterosexual sex). Other methods that are commonly portrayed are conversion camps, where people are sent away to be intensively “trained” to be cisgender and heterosexual.

It also includes some more subtle methods, such as with ‘spiritual intervention’, where people are told they can “pray the gay away” through religious devotion and abstinence from homosexual behaviours or expressions of gender that are not considered ‘consistent’ with traditional gender roles.

Many countries have acted on advice from medical authorities and taken steps to make conversion therapies illegal, based on the damaging effect they have on people’s mental health and wellbeing, particularly as these forms of practices are most often led by individuals with no certified or reputable training in the areas of psychology or psychiatry.

Many defenders of these kinds of practices have attempted to distance spiritual or religious interventions from “conversion therapy”, or to portray their methods as being available to consenting adults who have “unwanted sexual attractions or gender identities”: however, most often homophobia and transphobia are often the root cause of such individuals wishing to be ‘converted’, or may be the result of anti-Queer church teachings that effectively put individuals in a position where they have to choose between their faith and their sexuality/gender identity.

shortened to STI, and previously commonly referred to as a sexually transmitted disease. STIs are infections that are commonly spread through sexual activity, particularly vaginal, anal and oral sex, and are either bacterial STIs, viral STIs or parasitic STIs.

Many STIs do not have immediate symptoms, which means they can be at risk of being passed on to others as the carrier may not be aware they have an STI. Signs and symptoms of an STI may include vaginal or penile discharge, ulcers around or on the genitals and pelvic pain.

If left untreated, STIs can cause serious health complications and can also be passed onto infants before or during childbirth.

As a result, it is important to practice safe sex.

a remark or term that criticises someone to an extent of wanting to, or likely to, have a harmful effect on their reputation; typically a term that is pejorative.

As such, it has come to mean a term that does not pay any respect whatsoever to the person they have come to describe, a term that is used with the intent of being insulted.

Some slurs, however, come to be reclaimed: such as dyke.

a term in sociology to describe something that is created, defined and/or ascribed by society; and as such, may or may not be universal. An example of a social construct is money; money does not exist without the social defining of its value and worth.

Gender is a social construct: this doesn’t mean that gender does not exist (just as money does not exist), and as such, understandings and definitions of gender can be cultural, which is why many different descriptions and gender identities have existed throughout time and from culture to culture; and as such the associated gender norms and expectations are also social constructs.

particular sets of beliefs and attitudes as to how people should appear or behave, that differ between societies and cultures; what they perceived to be “expected”, and thus “normal”.

Examples include the social/cultural expectations of women to have children, or for individuals to be heterosexual rather than homosexual/bisexual+/asexual.

Defying such expectations may result in stigma and discrimination.

a term for a gay man or anyone suspected of practising sodomy – which extends to any form of sex that isn’t vaginal between a man and a woman; however, typically, it was only men who had sex with other men that were prosecuted under sodomy laws.

in Queer contexts, the spectrum refers to the wide variety of identities that fall between two binary or “extreme” points.

An example would be the sexuality spectrum (as exampled by the Kinsey scale), with homosexual on one end, heterosexual on the other, and bisexual+ identities falling somewhere in between (and asexual identities, in this respect, being off the spectrum).

In the gender spectrum, one might look at female and male being at either end, with nonbinary identities falling in between (and agender being off the spectrum). Trans men and trans women may see themselves as being on either end of that spectrum.

Another example is the asexual spectrum, which covers the wide variety of asexual identities within it; one “extreme” point at one end may be asexuality/aromanticism, on the other, allosexual.

It is important to note, however, that the term spectrum on its own – particularly, when used in the context as being “on the spectrum” – has become synonymous with the autistim spectrum.

the process of making a particular trait or label one with negative connotations, in such a way that a person is judged by that trait and label unfairly, without regard to any other aspect of their personality or ability. Stigma results in people feeling shame about who they are.

Stigma has played a large part in the mental health of Queer-identified people; society has stigmatised Queer sexuality and gender identity by referring to it as a mental illness and a perversion, and as such, a wide variety of negative connotations are associated with Queer identity – such as labeling Queer people as psychopathic, sexual predators that are a risk to people’s safety.

Religion has often stigmatised Queer sexuality and gender, such as referring to it as a sin, and therefore, an ungodly act for which Queer people should be ashamed, shunned or cured of (leading to abhorrent practices like conversion therapy).

a pivotal event in Queer rights, ‘Stonewall’ refers to the Stonewall riots/uprising/rebellion of June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, New York City, in which members of the Queer community fought back against police that became violent during a police raid (same-sex activity was illegal at the time).

This refusal to be victimised by an anti-Queer legal system and police force became a major event in the American fight for LGBT rights in the United States.

Although in other places, such as countries in Western Europe, same-sex activity was legal, it also had a profound effect in such places where Queer people were still stigmatised and had less rights, and is seen as a precursor for Pride Parades that occur across the world.

A heterosexual and/or cisgender ally to the Queer community.

Now typically used to describe somebody who is both heterosexual and cisgender (cishet) but supportive of the Queer community; an individual who does not identify as Queer/LGBTQIAP+ but recognises and works towards fixing the discrimination, health issues and acceptance of Queer/LGBTQIAP+ peoples.

a word or phrase that covers a wide range of concepts; in Queer contexts, it refers to a term that refers to a collection of identities, for example “Queer” is in itself an umbrella term for the various sexualities and gender identities that aren’t heterosexual or cisgender, as are terms like LGBT+.