Learn the
2-SLGBTQ+ Lingo
Practice more-inclusive language by learning the terms used by and for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community. The terms and definitions below are always evolving, changing, and can often mean different things to different people. We provide them as a starting point for discussion and understanding.
We recommend that if you are wondering what it means to a specific person to have a dialogue with them if they consent to do so.
Ultimately it is important that each individual be able to define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a term for themselves.
2-SLGBTQ+ Glossary
An agender person is someone who does not identify with any gender or does not feel that gender is relevant to them personally. Some agender people feel that they have no gender identity, while others feel that agender is itself a gender identity. This can be similar to or overlap with the experience of being gender neutral, or having a neutral gender identity.
A broad range of orientation generally characterized by feeling varying degrees of sexual attraction or a desire for partnered sexuality. Asexuality is distinct from celibacy, which is the deliberate abstention from sexual activity, despite sexual desire. Some asexual people do have sex and do experience varying levels of sexual attraction. There are many diverse ways of being asexual. A person who does not experience sexual attraction can experience other forms of attraction such as romantic attraction, physical attraction and emotional attraction, as these are separate aspects of a person’s identity. These may or may not correlate with each other – for instance, some people are physically and romantically attracted to women. However, others might be physically attracted to all genders and only emotionally attracted to men.
Assigned Sex at Birth means that a doctor assigned the person female or male based on their external anatomy when they were born. People can also be assigned intersex at birth.
The terms Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) and Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB) are used by a wide range of individuals, including those who are transgender, non-binary, or intersex. While AFAB or AMAB may be useful for describing different trans or non-binary experiences, they are generally not considered identities in and of themselves. Calling a transman “AFAB,” for example, erases his identity as a man. Instead, use a person’s requested pronouns and self-description.
The process of reducing the appearance of breasts by wrapping or compressing the chest using various methods. Binding can be very gender-affirming for many people, however it must be done safely.
Fear, hatred, discomfort with, or mistrust of people even perceived to be bisexual or pansexual.
Disdain for or invalidation of identities and relationships of bisexual or pansexual people.
A bisexual person is attracted to people of the same gender and other genders.
“Bi” means two, so there is some controversy about what counts as bisexual, but many people use the term bisexual to describe attraction to more than one gender.
Cisgender means that your gender identity matches your sex assigned at birth. For example, someone who was assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman, or someone assigned male at birth who identifies as a man. This does not mean they must perfectly conform to gender roles.
Coming out is the process of voluntarily sharing one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity with others. This process is unique for each individual and there is no right or wrong way to come out.
A deadname is a name that a trans+/nonbinary person no longer uses. Usually it is the name assigned at birth. When someone uses this name, whether intentionally or not, it is referred to as deadnaming. Deadnaming is considered offensive and hurtful.