Understanding the LGBTQ+ Alphabet (Quick Guide)

Appendix M

Language evolves. When in doubt, ask people what words they use for themselves and follow their lead.

LGBTQIA+
An umbrella for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic—the “+” includes many others on the spectrum.

Sex Assigned at Birth (SAAB)
The label (female/male/intersex) noted on a birth record based on observed anatomy. It’s not the same as gender.

Gender Identity
Your internal sense of being a man, woman, both, neither, or another gender. Example: “I identify as a woman.”

Gender Expression
How you present gender through clothing, voice, hair, mannerisms. Expression isn’t the same thing as identity.

Cisgender (cis)
Your gender identity aligns with your sex assigned at birth. Example: assigned male at birth and identifies as a man.

Transgender (trans)
Your gender identity doesn’t align with your sex assigned at birth. Example: assigned male at birth, identifies as a woman (a trans woman).

Nonbinary
An identity outside the woman/man binary. Some nonbinary people use they/them; others use he/him or she/her.

Genderqueer / Genderfluid / Bigender / Agender

• Genderqueer: umbrella term for identities beyond the binary.
• Genderfluid: identity that shifts over time or context.
• Bigender: two genders (simultaneously or alternating).
• Agender: no gender or a neutral gender.

Two-Spirit (2S)
A modern, pan-Indigenous term used by some Native peoples for culturally specific gender/sexual identities. Use respectfully; it’s not a generic synonym for LGBTQ+.

Intersex
A person born with sex characteristics (chromosomes, gonads, anatomy) that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex is about biology, not orientation or identity.

Sexual Orientation
Who you’re romantically/sexually attracted to (or not). Orientation is separate from gender identity.

Lesbian
A woman attracted to women. Some nonbinary people who relate to womanhood also use “lesbian.”

Gay
Commonly, a man attracted to men; also used broadly for same-gender attraction.

Bisexual (bi)
Attracted to more than one gender (not “two only”). Example: attracted to women and men, or to women and nonbinary people.

Pansexual (pan)
Attracted to people regardless of gender; gender doesn’t limit attraction.

Queer
Reclaimed umbrella term for sexual and/or gender minorities. Some embrace it; some don’t. Follow personal preference.

Questioning
Still exploring identity or orientation. Space to learn without pressure to label.

Asexual (ace)
Little or no sexual attraction. Distinct from celibacy (a choice). Ace people may still pursue romance.

Gray-A / Demisexual

• Gray-A: occasional or context-limited sexual attraction.
• Demisexual: sexual attraction typically arises after strong emotional bond.
• Aromantic (aro) / Demiromantic
• Aromantic: little or no romantic attraction.
• Demiromantic: romance emerges after strong emotional bond.

Pronouns
Words like she/her, he/him, they/them, ze/zir. Ask, don’t assume: “What pronouns do you use?”

Chosen Name / Deadname

• Chosen name: the name a person uses.
• Deadname: a prior name a person no longer uses. Avoid using or sharing it.

Misgender / Outing

• Misgender: refer to someone with incorrect pronouns or terms.
• Outing: revealing someone’s LGBTQ+ status without consent. Don’t do it.

Transition
The process a trans person may pursue to live as their gender—social (name/pronouns, clothing), medical (hormones, surgeries), legal (IDs). Paths vary; not all choose every step.

Gender Dysphoria / Gender Euphoria

• Dysphoria: distress from mismatch between body/role and gender identity.
• Euphoria: joy/relief when affirmed (e.g., hearing the right name/pronouns).

MSM / WSW
Clinical/public-health terms: men who have sex with men / women who have sex with women. Describe behavior, not identity.

Ally / Accomplice

• Ally: supports LGBTQ+ people.
• Accomplice: goes further—shares power, takes risks to challenge harm.

Microaggressions
Everyday slights (often unintentional) that communicate bias. Example: “You don’t look nonbinary.”

“Passing” / “Stealth”

• Passing: others perceive you as your affirmed gender/sexuality.
• Stealth: living without disclosing trans status. Both are personal choices, not obligations.

Conversion or Reparative Therapy / SOCE
Attempts to change orientation or gender identity. Widely discredited by major medical/mental-health orgs; many regions restrict or ban it.

PrEP / PEP

• PrEP: medication that significantly reduces risk of acquiring HIV when used as prescribed.
• PEP: emergency HIV prevention started within 72 hours after possible exposure.

SOGI / SOGIESC
Acronyms used in policy/advocacy: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity (and Expression), Sex Characteristics.

Quick Usage Tips

• Ask > assume. “What name and pronouns do you use?”
• Mirror language. Use the terms someone uses for themselves.
• Honor privacy. Share no one’s story without permission.
• One ethic for all. Apply the same covenant/consent/honesty/non-exploitation standard to everyone.