Homosexual and bisexual meaning
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or phrase because it feels taboo, or because they’re scared of saying the improper thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more content. LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A word used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Gay community who support each other (e.g., a female homosexual who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual outing with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may trial no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with
Homosexuality and Bisexuality
Definition
Homosexuality is the consistent sexual and feeling attraction, including fantasy, interest, and arousal to a person of the equal sex. Bisexuality is the sexual and emotional attraction to members of both sexes.
Description
References to homosexuality and bisexuality can be found in recorded history and literature dating support thousands of years. They are part of a trio of classifications referred to collectively as sexual orientation. The third is heterosexuality, the sexual and emotional attraction to members of the opposite sex. Both male and female homosexuals are commonly referred to as gay while lgbtq+ females are called lesbians.
The earliest documentation of homosexuality in Western civilization occurs in ancient Greece, where same-sex relationships were considered normal by society. Although there were some homosexual relationships between adult males, most were between men and boys. Although there is some disagreement among historians, a number of historical figures were believed to be gay, including Alexander the Great (
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, changing and often indicate 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 s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help give others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they mean when they use a term, especially when they use it to portray their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a word for themselves.
“If I didn't characterize myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” -Audre Lorde
This glossary contains terms, such as ableism and disability, that may not be considered directly related to identities of sexuality or gender. T
The Bees andthe Bees: A Homosexuality and Bisexuality Primer
For most of us, realizing that we’re gay (A guy who is attracted to other men, or a person of any sex or gender who is sexually and emotionally attracted to people of the same or a similar sex or gender. Often used alongside lesbian.), lesbian (Describes the sexual orientation of a woman who is sexually and emotionally attracted only or mostly to other women.) or bisexual (A term for sexual orientation that describes a person who can be sexually and emotionally attracted to people of more than one gender.) isn’t something that happens overnight. We don’t depart to sleep straight one day and wake up gay the next (or the opposite). It’s not like, “Oh crap, looks like I got a zit in my nap last night and I got gay!”
Perhaps we have had crushes on people of the same or similar sex (Different things people choose to do to actively express or enact sexuality and sexual feelings; often this involves genitals, but not always. ) or gender (Characteristics that are seen or presented as distinguishing between mal