• Intersex

    A term to describe a person whose biological sex is ambiguous. There are many genetic, hormonal or anatomical variations which make a person's sex ambiguous. Parents and medical professionals usually assign intersex infants a sex and perform surgical operations to conform the infant's body to that assignment. This practice has become increasingly controversial as intersex adults are speaking out against the practice, accusing doctors of genital mutilation.

  • Lesbian

    A person who identifies as a woman and who is emotionally, romantically, and/or sexually attracted to women.

  • LGBT

    Abbreviation that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.

  • LGBTI

    Abbreviation that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex.

  • LGBTQ

    Abbreviation that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer/Questioning.

  • MSM

    An acronym that stands for "Men who have Sex with Men" and used to describe sexual behaviour. It is an inclusive term that can be used regardless of how an individual self-identifies.

  • MSW

    An acronym that stands for "Male Sex Worker."

  • MTF/M2F

    An acronym that stands for "Male to Female" and used to describe transgender people who want to change or have changed sex from being biologically male to being female.

  • Out/Outed/Outing

    Being out is being open about being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Being outed is having someone else reveal you as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, usually against your will. Outing is telling other people, to whom a person is not out, that you know that person is LGBT. Also see coming out.

  • Pansexual/Omnisexual

    Terms used to describe people who have romantic, sexual, or affectional desire for people of all genders and sexes. Used by many in place of "bisexual", which implies that only two sexes or gender exist.

  • Partner/Significant Other

    Terms most appropriate to use when referring to a gay or lesbian's spousal equivilent. LGBT people may also use "girlfriend/boyfriend," "lover," "roommate," "life partner," "wife/husband," or other terms when referring to their partners.

  • Queer

    Traditionally a pejorative term, queer has been appropriated by some LGBT people to describe themselves. Some value the term for its defiance and because it can be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. Nevertheless, it is not universally accepted even within the LGBT community and should be avoided unless quoting someone who self-identifies that way.