Important LGBTQ+ terms and definitions everyone should know

Celebrated annually throughout the month of June, Pride recognises the social and political struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. It's an homage to the Stonewall Inn uprising on 28 June 1969—credited as the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. Pride parades are held in June in many cities all around the world. In conjunction with Pride month, let's have a look at some important LGBTQ+ terms and definitions.

LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. The addition of the "plus" sign aims to include other sexual identities—from omnisexual to pansexual.

The Stonewall Inn riots started on 28 June 1969 and ended on 3 July 1969. The demonstrations by members of the LGBT community began when police raided the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, New York City. Invigorated by the events of the Stonewall riots, the gay rights movement gradually grew to become what it is today. One year after Stonewall, Christopher Street Liberation Day saw approximately 3,000 to 15,000 people taking part in the first Gay Pride parade—from Greenwich Village to Central Park.

An individual who does not consider sexual attraction or experiences to be notable.

Bisexuality describes romantic or physical attraction that is not limited to one gender.

A sexual orientation in which emotional bond is necessary for one to feel any sexual attraction.

This describes anyone who has attraction towards femininity regardless of gender.

Omnisexual means having attraction to all genders. While some might consider omnisexual and pansexual interchangeable, there is a distinction because pansexuality involves experiencing attraction to people regardless of genders whereas gender plays a part in omnisexuality. It's a slight but important difference.

Someone who is emotionally, physically, and romantically attracted to people regardless of biological sex or gender identity.

Someone who doesn't identify as distinguishably masculine or feminine.

The term is used to describe those whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth.

Usually expressed through behaviour and other characteristics, it is the external manifestation of one's gender identity.

Gender fluid describes someone who isn't confined to one gender category.

A person's gender identity may not be the same as the sex assigned at birth. It's how someone labels themselves and is not the same as sexual orientation.

This gender descriptor describes someone who identifies outside the gender binary. It indicates a gender expression that's non-traditional. People who do not behave in the way their gender are traditionally expected to behave or act.

It describes gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine.

An ally is someone who respects and supports members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The term describes the assumption that heterosexuality is superior to other sexualities and that everyone is heterosexual. Heteronormativity stigmatises other sexual identities.

Aromantic describes someone who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others.

Someone who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to masculinity.