Vocabulary

Two white teens who present as boys are kissing.
Image from Flickr.

Queer- and trans-related vocabulary is constantly changing and is impacted by one's location, age, race, politics, education level, and a host of other factors. So while there are basic words that we all agree on, you're likely to find disagreements on some terms between various websites, books, podcasts, and other sources.

This is not inherently a problem; it merely reflects the fact that language — all language — is a living, evolving thing. Some language just evolves more quickly, including queer and trans terminology.

When in a conversation with someone, let them know how you're using a term and ask them how they’re using it; agreeing on a definition, even if only temporarily, will facilitate conversation and learning.

If you'd like, you can start with the definitions section of R2T2 for how i'm using common words here. I'd also recommend checking out the critical vocabulary in the Level-Setting 1 page. Then you can think about exploring what's below.

You aren't supposed to read everything in all these sources. Just pick a couple that sites pique your interest and see what they say.

Notation reminder (*):

  • Everything that's preceded by a red asterisk (*) is a source recommended by my survey-takers.
  1. * The ABC's of LGBT+, by Ashley Mardell
  2. * Are there any family titles that are gender free?
  3. Basic Definitions: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) (PDF)
  4. Bisexual vs. Pansexual: What's The Difference?
  5. An Ever Growing List of Sexualities & their Definitions
  6. For Those Triggered By The Word 'Cisgender' (This is now a "members-only" piece on Medium, unfortunately. Everyone can read the first part, though.)
  7. * Gender Wiki
  8. The Genderbread Person (PDF)
  9. * Glossary of Terms
  10. * Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
  11. * How to Refer to Your Nonbinary Family Members
  12. * LGBTQ+ Glossary
  13. * LGBTQ+ Vocabulary Glossary of Terms
  14. * LGBTQIA+ Wiki
  15. * List of LGBTQ+ terms
  16. Nonbinary Wiki
  17. Q Guide
  18. Romantic and sexual orientation
  19. Sexual orientation and gender diversity
  20. Trans Language Primer
  21. Urban Dictionary (This is not an LGBTQA+/SGL site. But it can be a fascinating place to look up queer and trans terms.)
  22. What Does "Two-Spirit" Mean? (YouTube video)
  23. Why Are There So Many Queer Identities?
A group of tweens and teens, two Black and five white, pose on stage wearing face masks and t-shirts that read, "PROUD Theater."
Image from "Proud Theater helps queer Madison youth advocate for community, embrace their identities through theater."