2SLGBTQ+ Terms and Definitions
This list serves as a resource and guide. Terminology is fluid, and identity terms hold different meanings to different people. By no means can every definition perfectly describe every individual’s experience with identity.
Common Terms
Agender
An identity term used by people who do not identify with or conform to any gender.
Ally
A person that actively combats queer and trans hostility, oppositions, and engages in advocacy work for the well-being and concern for LGBTQ+ people in their day-to-day life.
Androgynous
Gender expression that falls somewhere on the spectrum between masculinity and femininity.
Aromantic
Someone who does not experience romantic attraction to others. Aromanitc is sometimes shortened as “aro.”
Asexual
Someone who does not experience sexual attraction towards people. They may still have romantic, emotional, affectional, or relational attractions to other people. Asexuality is not a form of celibacy, which is the intentional abstention from sexual activity. Asexual is sometimes shortened as “ace.”
Bisexual
A person who experiences varying forms of attraction to both men and women or to more than one gender.
Cisgender
A term for a person whose gender identity and gender expression, generally matches with their gender assigned at birth.
Demisexual
A person who experiences sexual attraction after a strong emotional connection is formed.
FAAB or AFAB
Abbreviation for “female assigned at birth” or “assigned female at birth.”
Gay
Generally, a man who experiences forms of attraction to other men. People have used “gay” as a term to express attraction to people of the same gender.
Gender Expression
A term used to describe how one expresses themselves externally in terms of dress, speech, or mannerisms on the scale of masculinity and femininity.
Gender Identity
A person’s internal sense of their own gender (e.g. cisgender, transgender, genderqueer, etc.)
Genderfluid
A person who experiences shifts in their gender identity and/ or gender expression.
Gender Non-conforming
A person who does not subscribe to gender expression or roles expected of them by society.
Genderqueer
A person whose gender identity and/ or expression falls outside of the masculine/feminine gender binary.
Heterosexual
A person who experiences emotional, romantic, sexual, affectionate attraction to someone of the opposite gender. Often called a “straight” person.
Intersex
A term used to describe bodies that fall outside the male/female binary. In general, the term is used for people born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the boxes of female or male based on chromosomes, internal/external genitals, hormones, etc.
Lesbian
A term used to describe a woman who experiences emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectionate attraction to other women.
MAAB or AMAB
Abbreviation for “male assigned at birth” or “assigned male at birth.”
Masculine of Center
A term used to describe queer or lesbian female assigned at birth with a more masculine gender expression.
Nonbinary
An umbrella term describing anyone whose gender identity falls outside the binary of woman/man.
Pansexual
A person who experiences various forms of attraction to others regardless of their gender identity.
Polyamorous
A term used to describe an individual who has more than one romantic relationship during a period of time.
Queer
An umbrella identity term used by people who do not conform to the norms of heterosexuality and/or the gender binary. The term has historical roots as a slur but has been reclaimed.
Questioning
The process of exploring one’s own sexuality and/ or gender identity.
QPOC / QTPOC
Abbreviation for “queer people of color” or “queer and trans people of color.”
Romantic Attraction
A form of attraction where individuals experience attraction through deep, emotional connections with another person(s).
Sexuality
The type of sexual, romantic, physical, and/ or spiritual attraction one experiences for others.
Third Gender
A term used for those who belong to a gender identity not recognized in the Western understanding of the gender binary.
Transgender or Trans
An umbrella term used to describe individuals whose gender identity does not align with their gender assigned at birth.
Two-Spirit
An umbrella terminology used by Native American/ First Nations/ Indigenous peoples who identify with a third gender, or as means to unify various gender identities and or expressions.
Undocuqueer
An identity used by some individuals in the United States who are both queer and undocumented to show that their identity is not only intersectional, but also inseparable.
Pronouns
What are pronouns?
Pronouns are a set of words used to refer to an individual without using a name. Examples include, she, he, they, ze, xe, ey, etc.
Why do pronouns matter?
Using someone’s pronouns correctly is one of the most basic ways to show you respect for them as a person. When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can make them feel dismissed, invalidated, dysphoric, and disrespected. For trans and gender-diverse people, these experiences can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. Respecting someone’s pronouns is one life-saving and affirming act of support and helps create an inclusive environment.
Are there more than two pronouns to describe a person's gender?
Yes, there are many pronouns available. Some include:
- She, her, hers
- He, him, his
- They, them, theirs
- Ze, Zir, Zirs
We cannot assume someone’s pronouns in the same way we can’t assume people’s gender identities or names. It’s best to always introduce yourself with your pronouns when you meet someone new, which gives them the opportunity to share theirs. Make sure to remember people’s pronouns, and use them correctly.
What is misgendering?
To misgender someone means to use the wrong name, pronouns, or form of address for a person’s gender. Example: Susie uses he/him pronouns and you misgender him by saying “Susie is such a great piano player. She is amazing!”
What if I don't know a person's pronouns?
Often, misgendering happens by accident. When we meet a new person, sometimes we don’t know their pronouns. It’s wise to never assume pronouns based on appearance. If you don’t know someone’s pronouns when speaking about them or to them, use their name in place of pronouns.
Pronoun Guide
How important is it to use a person’s correct pronouns and name?
Several studies show that when you use someone’s correct pronouns and name, it drastically decreases that person’s thoughts of suicide, depression, and anxiety. This is especially true for transgender youth. Here is a list of some pronouns and how you can use them.
| Subject Pronouns | Object Pronouns | Possessive Pronouns | Reflexive Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| he | him | his | himself | He is speaking I listen to him That book is his |
| she | her | hers | herself | She is speaking I listen to her That book is hers |
| they | them | theirs | themself or themselves | They are speaking I listen to them That book is theirs |
| per | per | pers | perself | Per is speaking I listen to per That book is pers |
| ze with zir (pronounced “zee” and “zeer”) |
Zir | Zirs | zirself | Ze is speaking I listen to zir That book is zirs |
| ze with hir (pronounced “zee” and “heer”) |
hir | hirs | hirself | Ze is speaking I listen to hir That book is hirs |
| xe (pronounced “ze”) |
xem | xyr/xyrs | xyrself | Xe is talking I listen to xem That book is xry/xyrs |
| ey (pronounced “ay”) |
em | eir/eirs | emself | Ey is talking I listen to em That book is eir/eirs |
Names
Some trans and nonbinary people choose a new name that aligns with their gender. It can be something entirely new or a variation on their old name. Be supportive of trans and nonbinary folks by honoring and using the names they choose regardless of whether their name has been legally changed.
Deadnaming
Deadnaming is the act of calling a transgender person by an incorrect name. Often, this is a name they were given at birth and no longer use.
Diversity at Ringling
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