Frequently Asked Questions

Sexual Diversity: Terminology and Definitions

Sex = A person’s sex is determined by a combination of anatomical (the body’s parts, such as reproductive organs) and physiological (how those parts work together, as in the reproductive system) components. Words that refer to sex: Female, Male, Intersex, Transsexual.

Gender = The characteristics that are culturally expected of an individual based on their perceived sex. This includes manner of dress, what toys one can play with, acceptable ways of expressing emotion, acceptable ways of walking, etc. Gender is a cultural concept, so expectations of gender expression can vary from culture to culture and even within certain cultures based on race, ethnicity, and/or religion, just to name a few. Some words that refer to gender: Woman, Man, Feminine, Masculine, Femme, Butch, Androgynous, Bigender, and, Genderqueer.

Sexuality = The expression or contemplation of sexual feeling or attraction for other persons or oneself. Sexuality can also be expressed and/or governed by different cultural "rules" depending on race, ethnicity, religion, etc. Some words that refer to sexuality: Homosexual, Heterosexual, Bisexual, Queer, Gay, Lesbian, Pansexual, Omnisexual, Asexual.

The following definitions are neither absolute nor are they meant to categorize or label anyone. Individuals have the right to choose how they want to be identified and how that identity is defined.

LGBTQQ = An acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning. There are many other variations, such as GLBTQQ.

Queer = (1) An umbrella term used to refer to the entire LGBTQQ community. (2) A term identifying a person as a sexual minority (not conventionally heterosexual). More often used for self-identification. (3) A term that some straight allies use to self-identify, acknowledging their connection to the community, based upon shared values, supportive behavior, commitment to social change, etc., which isn't contingent upon their own sexual identity.

Many LGBT people consider this term derogatory--particularly those belonging to the older generation. Its use is more prevalent in youth communities and reasons for usage vary. Some feel that using language that has a historically negative connotation, in a positive way challenges that negativity and is a means of taking back power. When referring to the community as a whole, others feel that, unlike using LGBTQQ, it is more inclusive and makes allowances for more radical ways of identifying. Still others choose to identify as queer because terms such as gay or lesbian are associated with certain racial, political, economic, or social implications that they may not identify with or want to perpetuate.

Gay = A term identifying a man who is predominantly or exclusively attracted to men emotionally, physically, and/or sexually. It can also refer to lesbian women, any person that doesn't identify as heterosexual, or the LGBTQQ community as a whole. Some find this offensive because it uses male-specific language to describe women and/or a whole community, which perpetuates sexism.

Lesbian = A term identifying a woman who is predominantly or exclusively attracted to women emotionally, physically, and/or sexually.

Bisexual = A term identifying a person that is attracted to both sexes emotionally, physically, and/or sexually.

Transgender = A broad term used to define a continuum of individuals whose gender identity and expression, to varying degrees, do not correspond to their biological gender. The term may be used to refer to one’s social identity, gender behavior, or both.

Questioning = The process of exploring one’s identity, especially sexual or gender identities, often but not necessarily accompanied by confusion and uncertainty. Questioning can be a life-long process.

Experimenting = Specifically refers to behaviors, often sexual, which are not necessarily connected to later identification as LGBTQ.

In the Closet = Being secretive about one’s sexual orientation; frequently necessary given widespread discrimination and anti-gay violence, but causing it’s own psychological pain. Sometimes cultural.

Coming Out = The process of becoming aware of one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity, accepting it, acting on it, and telling others about it. It is often a life-long process.

Homo/Bi/Trans-phobia = The irrational fear of, hatred of, or aversion to homosexuals, bisexuals and/or transgender people, or people perceived to be LGBT. These phobias can be external: the experience of fear or hatred from another person or an institution because one is or perceived to be LGBT. These phobias can also be internal: the experience of shame, aversion, or self-hatred in reaction to one’s own feelings of or behavior as LGBT.

Heterosexism = the institutional and individual manifestation of the idea that all people are or should be heterosexual and that heterosexuality is inherently superior to and preferable to homosexuality or bisexuality. This assumption thus excludes or invalidates the needs, concerns, and life experiences of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people.