Here is our very own quick glossary of LGBTQIA+ terms and the corresponding flags in the shape of hearts. In order to be an advocate, ally or accomplice for the LGBTQIA+ community, people need to know and understand the terms that make up this population of individuals. This is only a snapshot of the terms that represent this diverse community and I highly encourage readers to do the research to learn more.  

• Queer

A term used by some LGBTQ+ people to describe themselves and/or their community. Reclaimed from its earlier negative use--and valued by some for its defiance--the term is also considered by some to be inclusive of the entire community and by others who find it to be an appropriate term to describe their more fluid identities. Traditionally a negative or pejorative term for people who are LGBTQ+, some people within the community dislike the term. Due to its varying meanings, use this word only when self-identifying or quoting an individual who self-identifies as queer (i.e., “My cousin identifies as queer” or “My cousin is a queer person”).

• Gay

A term used to describe people who are emotionally, romantically, and/or physically attracted to people of the same gender (e.g., gay man, gay people). The term should not be used as an umbrella term for LGBTQ+ people, e.g. “the gay community,” because it excludes other sexual orientations and genders. 

• Lesbian

Refers to a woman who is emotionally, romantically, and/or physically attracted to other women. People who are lesbians need not have had any sexual experience: Attraction and self-identification determines orientation, not the gender or sexual orientation of one’s partner.

• Bisexual

Commonly referred to as bi or bi+. According to bi+ educator and advocate ​Robyn Ochs, the term refers to a person who acknowledges in themselves the potential to be attracted--romantically, emotionally and/or sexually--to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree. ​The "bi" in bisexual can refer to attraction to genders similar to and different from one's own.

• Transgender

Often shortened to trans, from the Latin prefix for “on a different side as.” A term describing a person’s gender identity that does not necessarily match their assigned sex at birth. Transgender people may or may not decide to alter their bodies hormonally and/or surgically to match their gender identity. This word is also used as an umbrella term to describe groups of people who transcend conventional expectations of gender identity or expression--such groups include, but are not limited to, people who identify as transsexual, genderqueer, gender variant, gender diverse, and androgynous.

• Nonbinary

Refers to people who do not subscribe to the gender binary. They might exist between or beyond the man-woman binary. Some use the term exclusively, while others may use it interchangeably with terms like genderqueer, genderfluid, gender nonconforming, gender diverse, or gender expansive. It can also be combined with other descriptors e.g. nonbinary woman or transmasc nonbinary. Language is imperfect, so it’s important to trust and respect the words that nonbinary people use to describe their genders and experiences.

• Intersex

Intersex is the current term used to refer to people who are biologically between the medically expected definitions of male and female. This can be through variations in hormones, chromosomes, internal or external genitalia, or any combination of any or all primary and/or secondary sex characteristics. While many intersex people are noticed as intersex at birth, many are not. As intersex is about biological sex, it is distinct from gender identity and sexual orientation. An intersex person can be of any gender identity and can also be of any sexual orientation and any romantic orientation.

• Genderqueer

Refers to individuals who blur preconceived boundaries of gender in relation to the gender binary; they can also reject commonly held ideas of static gender identities. Sometimes used as an umbrella term in much the same way that the term queer is used, but only refers to gender, and thus should only be used when self-identifying or quoting an individual who uses the term genderqueer for themselves.

• Genderfluid

Describes a person who does not consistently adhere to one fixed gender and who may move among genders.

• Pansexual

Refers to a person whose emotional, romantic and/or physical attraction is to people inclusive of all genders. People who are pansexual need not have had any sexual experience: It is the attraction and self-identification that determine the orientation. Pansexuality and bisexuality are different; pansexuality includes all genders equally, whereas bisexuality can favor some genders over others.

*Definitions used for this site can be found on PFLAG . It is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. 

• GLSEN Educator Resources

GLSEN’s education team has created educator guides for each of our Days of Action, along with other resources for increasing LGBTQ visibility and affirmation into any curriculum. While GLSEN celebrates these Days of Action nationally at specific times throughout the year, the lessons, resources, and activities found here can be implemented at any time.  Check out the resources below for specific guides and tool related to GLSEN programs, days of action and more! Ready to supplement your curriculum? Explore our LGBTQ-Inclusive and Bullying, Bias & Diversity lesson plans.

• The GLSEN National School Climate Survey (2021)

This is GLSEN's flagship report on the school experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in schools, including the extent of the challenges that they face at school and the school-based resources that support LGBTQ students’ well-being. The survey has consistently indicated that specific school-based supports are related to a safer and more inclusive school climate, including: supportive educators, LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum, inclusive and supportive policies, and supportive student clubs, such as Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs).

• GLSEN Mental Health Advocacy

• GLSEN LGBTQ-Visibility and Integration in Elementary Schools

• GLSEN Research and Education Webinars

• The Safe Zone Project

The Safe Zone Project (SZP) is a free online resource providing curricula, activities, and other resources for educators facilitating Safe Zone trainings (sexuality, gender, and LGBTQ+ education sessions), and learners who are hoping to explore these concepts on their own. 

• Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ students

The Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students is a joint program of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

• Human Rights Campaign-Establishing an Allies/Safe Zone Program

• The Stonewall Center at UMASS, A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Resource Center

• Western Massachusetts Trans Resource Guide

• Out Now Springfield Youth Organization

The only queer youth organization in Springfield MA, Out Now provides a safe space for queer youth & allies to learn about themselves, develop lasting friendships and leadership skills, explore the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, and so much more.

• Community Action Pioneer Valley  Generation Queer

Generation Q is a confidential educational and social/support group for LGBTQIA+ and questioning youth/young adults and allies. These programs are available for anyone who wants to join and connect with LGBTQIA+ folks for support and community.

• House of Colors

A youth resource center creating a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies by building community and offering

resources.

• OUT MetroWest

OUT MetroWest builds communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive.

• GLSEN MASSACHUSETTS Racial Justice Updates & Resources

GLSEN Massachusetts is currently working with other GLSEN chapters around the country on a grassroots, chapter-led effort to create racial justice goals and accountability processes that we will hold ourselves and each other to. 

• THEM Magazine

• LGBTQ+ Objects in the NMAAHC Collection

The LGBTQ+ objects and archival collections at the National Museum of African American History and Culture focus on the familiar, untold, and unknown stories that have shaped the nation’s past. With the goal of promoting greater understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and contributions, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is exploring new ways of helping visitors reinterpret artifacts and the lives of people who have changed the course of history.  

• Translategender.org

Translate Gender is a collective-based consensus-run organization that works to generate community accountability for individuals to self-determine their own genders and gender expressions. Since 2006, They have led efforts to fight gender oppression and educate communities on concerns specific to Trans, Gender-Expansive, and/or Gender Nonconforming individuals. 

• Bridegroom-Documentary-Tubi/Amazon Prime

• Bessie-Movie-Max

• Carol (Movie)-Netflix

• Do I Sound Gay? (Documentary)- Tubi/Kanopy

• Gentleman Jack (Series) -Max

• Gia (Movie) -Max

• In and Out (Movie)- Amazon Prime

• Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel-Comedy Special-Max

• Love Simon (Movie) -Hulu

• Love, Victor (Series) -Hulu

• Moonlight (Movie) -Hulu

• Pariah (Movie) -Amazon Pride

• Paris is Burning-Movie-Max

• Philadelphia (Movie) -Amazon Prime/Apple TV

• Rocketman (Movie)-TBS

• The Birdcage (Movie) -Amazon Prime/Apple TV

• The Color Purple (Movie) -Amazon Prime

• The Danish Girl (Movie) -Amazon Prime

• The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson- Documentary- Netflix

• The Miseducation of Cameron Post (Movie)- Peacock

• The Out List (Documentary) -Max

• The Trans List-Documentary-Max

• To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (Movie)-Amazon Prime

• Wig (Documentary)-Max

*Please note that this list has some films, shows and series that feature adult content, language and situations. They may not be appropriate for younger viewers, so viewer discretion is advised.