Difference is not a defect. You are allowed to be yourself.
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LGBTQ+
An umbrella term that includes people with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
L = Lesbian
G = Gay
B = Bisexual
T = Transgender
Q = Queer or Questioning
+ = Other identities beyond the main letters, recognizing the full diversity of gender and sexual identities.
Why include gender identity and sexual orientation?
Teaching these topics promotes respect, inclusion, and safety for all, including LGBTQ+ youth, and helps reduce bullying and discrimination.
Gender Identities
Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of who they are in terms of gender. It may or may not match the sex assigned at birth, and it is separate from sexual orientation. Everyone experiences gender differently, and identities exist on a spectrum.
Man
Man
A person who identifies as male. Gender identity is based on self-understanding, not biological sex.
Woman
Woman
A person who identifies as female. Gender identity is based on self-understanding.
Cisgender (Cis)
Cisgender (Cis)
Gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth. Example: A person assigned female at birth who identifies as a woman.
Transgender
Transgender
Gender identity does not match the sex assigned at birth. This is an umbrella term covering transgender men, transgender women, and other trans or nonbinary identities.
Nonbinary
Nonbinary
A person whose gender identity is not exclusively male or female.
Genderqueer
Genderqueer
A term for people whose gender exists outside traditional categories.
Agender
Agender
A person who does not identify with any gender.
Genderfluid
Genderfluid
A person whose gender identity changes over time, sometimes identifying more with one gender, sometimes another, or neither.
Intersex
Intersex
People born with biological sex traits (chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy) that do not fit typical male or female definitions. "Intersex" describes biological traits, not gender identity; intersex people may identify as man, woman, nonbinary, or another gender.
Sexual Orientations
Sexual orientation describes a person’s emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to others. It is distinct from gender identity. A person may know their orientation even without sexual experience.
Heterosexual/Straight
Heterosexual/Straight
Attracted primarily to people of a different gender.
Lesbian
Lesbian
A woman who is attracted primarily to other women.
Gay
Gay
A person attracted primarily to people of the same gender. Often used for men, but can apply more broadly.
Bisexual
Bisexual
Attracted to more than one gender. Attraction does not need to be equal for all genders.
Pansexual
Pansexual
Attracted to people regardless of gender. Gender is not a determining factor.
Asexual
Asexual
Experiences little or no sexual attraction, though romantic attraction may still exist.
Queer
Queer
Broad, inclusive term for sexual orientations or gender identities that do not fit traditional categories. Not all people identify with this term.
Key Concepts About Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
» Distinct but Related:
Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of who they are (man, woman, nonbinary, etc.).
Sexual orientation is about who a person is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to (gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, etc.).
Both are parts of a person’s identity, but they are separate aspects.
» Expression vs. Identity:
Gender expression is how someone presents their gender outwardly (clothing, behavior, style). It does not always match gender identity.
Sexual orientation is about attraction, not outward appearance.
» Respect and Inclusion:
Using a person’s chosen name and pronouns (he/him, she/her, they/them, or others) shows respect.
Respecting a person’s sexual orientation means using the terms they identify with.
» Fluidity and Diversity:
Gender identity and sexual orientation can be fluid; they may evolve over time.
There are many valid identities beyond commonly known labels.
» Education and Awareness:
Understanding and using inclusive language helps reduce bullying and discrimination, creating safer and more supportive communities.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 29). Terminology: Lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth/lgbtq-youth/terminology.html?
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). LGBTQ+ topics.
https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq
Stonewall. (n.d.). List of LGBTQ+ terms and inclusive definitions.
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/list-lgbtq-terms
Heterosexual. (n.d.). Gender Wiki.
https://gender.fandom.com/wiki/Gender_Wiki
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