It can be difficult for some people to find and use right words when talking about the LGBTQ+ community. But words have an impact. And making an effort to use and learn the right terms can make others feel more comfortable. This guide can help.

Ally

A term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people.

Gender identity

Describes a person’s understanding of their gender identity. Each person has their own point of view on their gender identity. It cannot be known simply by looking at a person. Common genders include:

Cisgender – People whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Transgender – People whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Some people transition to align their gender expression with their gender identity. However, you do not have to transition to be transgender.
Nonbinary – People whose gender identity and/or gender expression is outside of the male-female gender binary.
Two-Spirit – A term created by First Nations/Native American/Indigenous peoples that is not captured by traditional gender binary. This term should not be used to describe people who are not First Nations/Native American/Indigenous members.

Gender expression

Describes the external appearance of one’s gender identity. It can be expressed through behavior, clothing, body characteristics or voice. This may or may not conform to features people may think of as masculine or feminine.

Sexual orientation

The scientific term for a person’s physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction to others. Avoid the term “sexual preference.” It is considered offensive because it suggests that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is voluntary and therefore “curable.”

Asexual – Describes people who do not experience sexual attraction. A person can also be aromantic, meaning they do not feel romantic attraction.
Bisexual, Bi – A person who may have physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or to those of another gender.
Gay – people whose physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions are to people of the same. Avoid identifying gay people as homosexuals.
Heterosexual/Straight – Used to describe people whose physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attraction is to people of the opposite sex.
Intersex – People born with reproductive or sexual anatomy and/or a chromosome pattern that can’t be classified as male or female.
Lesbian – A woman whose physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women.
LGBTQ – Stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. Sometimes, when the Q is seen at the end of LGBT, it can also mean questioning. LGBT and/or GLBT are also often used. A plus sign at the end represents those who do not identify specifically as LGBTQ.
Pansexual – A person who has the potential for emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to people of any gender. Sometimes used interchangeably with bisexual.
Queer – Used by some people whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual. Once considered a negative term, queer has been reclaimed by some LGBT people to describe themselves. However, it is not a universally accepted term even within the LGBT community. When Q is seen at the end of LGBT, it typically means queer and, less often, questioning.
Questioning – An adjective used to describe people who are in the process of exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Pronouns

Since some pronouns are gendered (“she/her” and “he/him”), it is important to respect others’ wishes about pronouns. Commonly used pronouns include: She/her/hers, He/him/his, They/them/theirs.

To show your support, you can also introduce your own pronouns when you meet a person. This makes it easier for them to share theirs.

If you are unsure of someone’s pronouns, opt for more gender-neutral language when addressing a group of people or coworkers, such as “team,” “friends” or “y’all.”
When trying to identify someone use descriptive language, such as “the person on the left in the black jacket.”
If you use someone’s incorrect pronoun, it’s OK. Mistakes happen. Apologize, use the correct pronoun, move on and make a mental note to get it right next time.

Sources:

The Trevor Project. A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth. Accessed July 1, 2024.

GLADD. FACT SHEET: Reporter Guide to Covering Transgender People, Topics, and Legislation Accessed July 1, 2024

Human Rights Campaign: Glossary of Terms. May 31, 2023

LGBTQ+ Terminology Guide

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