Gay categories
List of Queer terms
A
Abro (sexual and romantic)
A synonyms used to portray people who acquire a fluid sexual and/or romantic orientation which changes over time, or the course of their life. They may use different terms to describe themselves over time.
Ace
An umbrella term used specifically to describe a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of sexual attraction. This encompasses asexual people as skillfully as those who identify as demisexual and grey-sexual. Ace people who trial romantic attraction or occasional sexual attraction might also apply terms such as gay, bi, sapphic, straight and lgbtq+ in conjunction with asexual to depict the direction of their romantic or sexual attraction.
Ace and aro/ace and aro spectrum
Umbrella terms used to describe the wide group of people who encounter a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of passionate and/or sexual attraction, including a lack of attraction. People who identify under these umbrella terms may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including, but not limited to, asexual, ace, aromantic, aro, demi, grey, and abro. People may also operate terms such as gay,
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing.
This glossary was written to help provide people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more comfortable. LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A legal title used to describe someone who is actively supportive of Homosexual people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the LGBTQ+ people who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual activity with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may experience no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The phobia and hatred of, or discomfort with, people who love and are sexually attracted to more than one gender.
Bisexual | Some gay men operate types to depict, identify and express themselves. Who hasn't heard someone express “he’s my type" or been asked if a guy is yours? There is always some disagreement around the terms we exploit and whether we should use them at all. Therefore, you should be sensitive if applying a type to someone, bearing in brain some gay men reject them altogether as narrow, superficial, and demeaning. Equally, some use types affectionately and as a convenient shorthand. It's a bit of a bear pit (no pun intended), but here's our take on types, though you are perfectly entitled to throw them out and be your own gay, your own homo, gender non-conforming, etc. Physical types and personal characteristics Some guys are primarily attracted to physical types of gay men (eg: bears, twinks, and muscle guys) while some discover characteristics in men most attractive (eg: warmth, intelligence, and humour). Others mix and match and understanding these distinctions is important. For example, the type(s) of men we spot attractive sexually may not necessarily be the qualities we are looking for to sustain a relationship. Trouble is, we can obtain so caught up in a type we can forget sight that not far ben These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help grant others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they intend when they use a term, especially when they use it to detail their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a designation for themselves. “If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” -Audre Lorde This glossary contains terms, such as ableism and disability, that may not be considered directly related to identities of sexuality or gender. These terms are vital to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress
Types
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, altering and often mean alternative things to different people. They are provided below as a starting direct for discussion and knowledge. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the prior 2000s.