The terms and definitions below are always evolving, changing and often mean different things to different people. They are provided below as a starting point for discussion and understanding. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the early 2000s. Are we missing a word or term? Let us know!
Ability
The quality of being able to do something. Ability is also a social identity. This identity encompasses the diverse differences in an individual's array of physical, mental, learning, and/or emotional capacity. (Source: Appalachian State University "Big 8 Identities") (See: Disability).
Ableism
The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses people who have mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. (Source: Rauscher and McClintock “Ableism Curriculum Design”)
Aegosexual
A sexual orientation generally characterized by not feeling a desire for partnered sexuality, yet still having sexual fantasies. Aegosexual individuals may experience some sexual desire, attraction, or arousal, but feel removed from the experience. (Source: OULGBTQ+ Society “Ace & Aro Spectrum Definitions)
Ageism
Any attitude, action, or institutional structure which subordinates a person or group because of age, or any assignment of roles in society purely on the basis of age. (Source: Traxler “Let’s get gerontologist: developing a sensitivity to aging”)
Agender
A person who does not identify with or experience any gender. Agender individuals may use any pronouns and have various ways of expressing their gender (or lack of it).
Allistic
An adjective used to describe a person whose neurology functions in a way that society deems to be acceptable or "the norm". A term used to call attention to the privilege of people who are not on the autism spectrum.
Allosexism
The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses asexual people based in the belief that everyone does and should experience sexual attraction. This may be through prejudice, hatred, or hostility. (Source: Healthline “What are the Different Types of Attraction”)
Allosexual
A sexual orientation generally characterized by sexual attraction or a desire for partnered sexuality. An allosexual person would not be on the asexual spectrum.
Allyship
The action of working to end oppression through the support of, and as an advocate with and for, a group other than one's own. Being an ally is a lifelong process. It is not self-defined. The work and efforts must be recognized by those you are allies with. (Source: Forbes “Allyship- The Key To Unlocking The Power of Diversity”)
Androgyne (aka: androgynous)
Identifying and/or presenting as neither masculine nor feminine (Source: AACRAO “Glossary”)
Aromantic (abbrev.: aro)
Aromantic orientation is generally characterized by not feeling romantic attraction or a desire for romance. Aromantic people can be satisfied by friendship and other non-romantic relationships. Some aromantic people are also asexual while others desire sexual relationships. (Source: Healthline “What are the Different Types of Attraction”)
Asexual (abbrev.: ace)
A sexual orientation generally characterized by not feeling sexual attraction or a desire for partnered sexuality. It is also used as an umbrella term. Asexuality is distinct from celibacy, which is the deliberate abstention from sexual activity. Some asexual people do have sex. There are many diverse ways of being asexual. Some asexual people are also aromantic, while others desire romantic relationships. (Source: AUREA “All Terms”)
Attraction
Attraction can be defined as an affinity or a liking for something or someone. Some, but not all types of attraction include: aesthetic, emotional, intellectual, physical/sensual, platonic, romantic, and sexual. (Source: Verywell Mind “What Are the Types of Attraction”)
Aesthetic Attraction: attraction that focuses on physical appearance or attributes; attraction towards the way someone presents themselves
Emotional Attraction: the desire to get to know and connect with someone; the desire to be emotionally present with someone
Intellectual Attraction: the desire to engage someone in an intellectual way; attraction focused on someone's mind, thoughts, and/or conversation
Physical/Sensual Attraction: the desire to give or receive touch in a physical (but not in a sexual) way; the desire to touch, hold, or cuddle someone
Platonic Attraction: the desire to be friends and have a close bond with someone; the desire to have relationships that are intimate and loving
Romantic Attraction: attraction that focuses on romantic contact or interest with other person(s)
Sexual Attraction: attraction that focuses on the desire for sexual contact or showing sexual interest for other person(s)
Autism
“Autism is a neurological variation that occurs in about one percent of the population and is classified as a developmental disability. Although it may be more common than previously thought, it is not a new [neurological variation] and exists in all parts of the world, in both children and adults of all ages. The terms ‘Autistic’ and ‘autism spectrum’ often are used to refer inclusively to people who have an official diagnosis on the autism spectrum or who self-identify with the Autistic community. While all Autistics are as unique as any other human beings, they share some characteristics typical of autism in common.
Different sensory experiences.
Non-[dominant] ways of learning and approaching problem-solving.
Deeply focused thinking and passionate interests in specific subjects.
Atypical, sometimes repetitive, movement.
Need for consistency, routine, and order.
Difficulties in understanding and expressing language as used in typical communication, both verbal and non-verbal.
Difficulties in understanding and expressing typical social interaction.”
(Source: Autistic Self Advocacy Network - ASAN)