Here are a handful of terms associated with the LGBTQ community. This glossary only scratches the surface. Many more terms and their definitions can be found at the LGBTQ Journalists Association style guide (which can be read here in Spanish) and Trans Journalists Association style guide.
LGBTQIA+ — An acronym standing for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus.” The term is an umbrella term referring to a variety of gender identities and sexual orientations.
SOGI — An acronym meaning “sexual orientation and/or gender identity.”
Sexual orientation — The term used to describe to whom someone is innately attracted. “Gay,” “lesbian,“ “bisexual” and “asexual” are all types of sexual orientation.
Gender identity — The gender with which one identifies.
Cisgender — The term used for someone whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth.
Transgender — The term used for someone whose gender identity does not match their sex assignment at birth. Some, but not all, transgender people undertake physical changes to match their external gender expression to the gender with which they identify. “Transgender” is often used as an umbrella term under which other terms like gender fluid or gender nonconfirming may fall.
Gender dysphoria — The feeling of discomfort or distress that can occur for those who identify as a gender different from the gender or sex assigned at birth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria.
Gender affirming care — An umbrella term referring to a number of commonly used medical treatments for gender dysphoria in minors and adults. The treatments include puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgical interventions.
Drag — The practice of dressing and acting in a manner typically associated with another gender, often in an exaggerated way as part of a performance or for entertainment value. Drag queens portray traditionally female roles and drag kings portray traditionally masculine roles. Drag performers may be gay or straight, cisgender or transgender.
Intersex — The term for someone born with sex chromosomes, genitalia and/or a reproductive system that may not fit the typical definitions of female or male. Parents and physicians often determine the sex of the child and may elect surgery or hormone treatment, a practice many intersex adults seek to end. Specialist in sex differentiation are called in about 1 in 1,500 births, according to the Intersex Society of North America, but many more people are born with subtler variations that may not be apparent until later in life.
Asexual — The term used to denote for someone who does not experience sexual attraction. This term is not synonymous with agender or gender nonconforming. Often called “ace” for short.
Queer — A term that may be used to denote someone is a member of the LGBTQ community. Historically a pejorative term, many LGBTQ people are reclaiming it as a helpful catchall. It means something different for each user, and it may refer to someone’s gender identity, sexual orientation or both.
