Language is powerful. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, the words we use to describe our identity, experiences, and community can validate our lived experiences, foster understanding, and create spaces for authentic self-expression. At Element Q Healing Center, we recognize that inclusive language is essential to providing affirming mental health care that celebrates rather than pathologizes the diverse beauty of human identity.
This glossary serves as a resource for understanding key terms related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and the diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. As San Diego’s premier LGBTQIA+ mental health provider, we believe that education and awareness are essential components of creating truly affirming healthcare environments.
Why Inclusive Language Matters in Mental Health Care
Research consistently shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals face mental health disparities, with adults more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience mental health conditions. These disparities are not inherent to LGBTQIA+ identity but result from discrimination, rejection, and minority stress experienced in various life settings.
Using accurate and inclusive language validates LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences, reduces discrimination and stigma, and encourages open, respectful conversations in healthcare settings. When mental health providers use affirming language, it creates an environment where clients feel safe to share their authentic selves and engage more fully in the healing process.
Learn more about what we treat and how we can support your healing journey.
Important Note About This Glossary
Language within the LGBTQIA+ community is constantly evolving, and terms can have different meanings for different people. This glossary represents commonly understood definitions and should serve as a starting point for understanding. We encourage readers to follow the lead of individuals in describing their own identities and experiences.
Sexual Orientation and Romantic Attraction
Note: Sexual orientation describes who someone is attracted to, not their behavior or experiences. People may use different terms throughout their lives, and it’s important to respect how individuals choose to identify themselves.
Asexual (Ace): A person who does not experience sexual attraction to others. Sometimes shortened to “ace.” Asexual is an umbrella term that can also include people who are demisexual, meaning a person who does experience some sexual attraction, but only in certain situations, such as after they have formed a strong emotional or romantic connection with a partner.
Bisexual: A person who has the potential to be physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree. The bi in bisexual refers to genders, the same as and different from one’s own gender. Bisexual people need not have had specific sexual experiences to be bisexual.
Bicurious: A term used by people who are exploring whether they are attracted to people of the same gender as well as people of other genders. This exploration is a common part of understanding one’s sexual orientation.
Biphobia: Prejudice, fear, or hatred directed toward bisexual people. This may include doubts about the legitimacy of bisexuality as an orientation or harmful stereotypes suggesting bisexuality is “just a phase” or that bisexual people cannot be monogamous.
Fluid: A term describing someone whose sexual and/or romantic orientation may change over time or in different situations. Sexual fluidity acknowledges that attraction can be dynamic rather than fixed.
Gay: A person whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to people of the same gender. While historically used primarily by men, gay can describe anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Lesbian: A woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women. Some lesbians may prefer to identify as gay or as gay women.
Omnisexual: A person who experiences attraction to people of all genders, often with an awareness of gender as a factor in their attraction. This differs from pansexual in that gender may play a role in the attraction.
Pansexual: A person who has the capacity to form enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attractions to any person, regardless of gender identity. This is one of several terms under the bi+ umbrella.
Polysexual: A person who experiences attraction to multiple genders, but not necessarily all genders. This term represents attraction to more than one, but not all, gender identities.
Queer: An adjective used by some people, particularly younger people, whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual. Typically, for those who identify as queer, the terms lesbian, gay, and bisexual are perceived to be too limiting. Once considered a pejorative term, queer has been reclaimed by some LGBTQ people to describe themselves. However, it is not universally accepted even within the LGBTQ community, so use caution when using it outside of describing how someone self-identifies.
Questioning: A person who is in the process of exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This is a widely experienced part of identity development for many people.
Same-Gender Loving (SGL): A term used by some African American people as an Afrocentric alternative to what are considered Eurocentric, or white, identities like gay and lesbian. Coined by activist Cleo Manago in the 1990s, the term explicitly recognizes the histories and cultures of people of African descent.
SOGIESC: Acronym for sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics. This term is more commonly used in countries outside the United States and is inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits.
Additional Sexual Orientation Terms
Allosexual: A person who experiences sexual attraction to others and is not asexual.
Androsexual/Androphilic: A person who is primarily sexually, aesthetically, and/or romantically attracted to masculinity.
Aromantic: A person who does not experience romantic attraction. Aromantic is an umbrella term that can also include people who are demiromantic, meaning a person who does not experience romantic attraction until a strong emotional connection is formed with a partner.
Gynesexual/Gynephilic: A person who is primarily sexually, aesthetically, and/or romantically attracted to femininity.
Heterosexual: A person whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to people of a sex different than their own. Also called straight.
Gender Identity and Expression
Note: Gender identity is deeply personal and may not align with assigned sex at birth. Always use the names and pronouns people specify for themselves, and remember that gender expression can vary regardless of identity.
Sex Assigned at Birth: The designation of “male” or “female” given to infants based on the appearance of their external anatomy, recorded on birth certificates. However, human development is complex, and sex is not solely determined by anatomy, nor is it strictly binary. As many as 1.7% of people are born with intersex traits (GLAAD, 2023).
Gender Identity: A person’s internal, deeply held knowledge of their own gender. Everyone has a gender identity. For most people, their gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth, while for transgender people, it does not. Gender identity is not visible to others and cannot be determined by appearance.
Gender Expression: External manifestations of gender, expressed through a person’s name, pronouns, clothing, haircut, voice, and/or behavior. Societies categorize these external cues as masculine and feminine, although what is considered masculine or feminine shifts over time and varies across cultures.
Cisgender: A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. “Cis-” is a Latin prefix meaning “on the same side as,” making it the opposite of “trans-” (GLAAD, 2023). Cisgender can be shortened to “cis” and does not require a hyphen or “-ed” suffix.
Transgender (Trans): A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender is not dependent upon physical appearance or medical procedures. A person may identify as transgender the moment they realize their gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth. People who are transgender may use additional terms to describe their gender more specifically.
Transition: The process someone undertakes to bring their gender expression and/or their body into alignment with their gender identity. This complex process occurs over time and varies from person to person. Transition may include social steps (using different names/pronouns, changing presentation), legal steps (updating documents), and/or medical steps (hormones, surgeries). Not all transgender people transition in the same way or at all.
Trans Man: A man who was assigned female at birth. Some may prefer to simply be called men, without any modifier. Always use the terms someone uses to describe themselves.
Trans Woman: A woman who was assigned male at birth. Some may prefer to simply be called women, without any modifier. Always use the terms someone uses to describe themselves.
Transfeminine: A term used to describe a person, usually assigned male at birth, who identifies with femininity in some way. This includes trans women and other trans people who connect with femininity.
Transmasculine: A term used to describe a person, usually assigned female at birth, who identifies with masculinity in some way. This includes trans men and other trans people who connect with masculinity.
Nonbinary: A person who experiences their gender identity and/or gender expression as falling outside the binary gender categories of man and woman. Many nonbinary people also identify as transgender and consider themselves part of the transgender community, while others do not. Nonbinary is an umbrella term encompassing many different ways to understand one’s gender. Some non-binary people may use additional terms, such as agender, bigender, or pangender, to describe their specific experiences. Nonbinary is sometimes shortened to “enby” and may be written as “non-binary.”
Gender Non-Conforming: A person whose gender expression differs from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity. It’s important to note that many cisgender people are gender non-conforming, and not all transgender people are gender non-conforming. Gender expression and gender identity are distinct concepts.
Genderfluid: A person whose gender identity shifts or changes over time. This can involve identifying as different genders at different times or feeling like a combination of genders.
Terms Related to Biological Sex
Note: These terms describe medical and biological characteristics. Remember that biological sex, gender identity, and gender expression are distinct concepts that don’t always align.
Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB): Acronym meaning Assigned Female at Birth. AFAB people may or may not identify as female some or all of the time. This is a useful term for discussing certain health issues without assuming current gender identity.
Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB): Similar to AFAB, this refers to people who were assigned male at birth based on biological characteristics observed at birth.
Intersex: A person born with one or more innate sex characteristics, including genitals, internal reproductive organs, and chromosomes, that fall outside of traditional conceptions of male or female bodies. Do not confuse having an intersex trait with being transgender. Intersex people are assigned a sex at birth — either male or female — and that decision by medical providers and parents may not match the gender identity of the child.
Terms Related to Biological Sex
Note: Many of these terms have specific cultural significance within particular communities (especially Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities). Use these terms respectfully and be aware that some should only be used by community members themselves. LGBTQ+ people of color face unique challenges due to the intersection of racism, homophobia, and transphobia, and their experiences may differ significantly from white LGBTQ+ individuals.
Ally: A straight and/or cisgender person who supports and advocates for LGBTQ people. True allyship involves ongoing education, advocacy, and action.
Civil Union: Historically used in the U.S. to describe state-based relationship recognition for same-sex couples that offered some or all of the state rights, protections, and responsibilities of marriage, but none of the federal rights.
Closeted: Describes a person who is not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity. People may be out to some people in their life, but not out to others due to fear of rejection, harassment, violence, losing one’s job, or other concerns.
Coming Out: A lifelong process of self-acceptance. People come to understand their own sexual orientation or gender identity first, and then they may reveal it to others. It is not necessary to have sexual experiences to come out as LGBTQ, nor is it necessary to tell others.
Domestic Partnership: Civil/legal recognition of a committed relationship between two people that sometimes extends limited legal protections to them.
Marriage Equality: The legal recognition that every person has the constitutional right to marry the person they love, regardless of gender. When discussing marriage for same-sex couples, preferred terminology includes marriage equality, marriage for same-sex couples, or simply marriage.
Out: A person who self-identifies as LGBTQ in their personal, public, and/or professional lives. Preferred to “openly gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender.”
Outing: The act of publicly revealing another person’s sexual orientation or gender identity without that person’s consent. Considered inappropriate and potentially dangerous by the LGBTQ community.
Latinx: A gender-neutral alternative to Latino and Latina, used by some people from or whose ancestors are from Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Note: This term is not universally accepted within Spanish-speaking communities, and usage often varies by generation, education, and geographic location. Always respect how individuals choose to identify themselves.
Latine: A gender-neutral alternative to Latino and Latina, used by some people from or whose ancestors are from Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Some prefer this term over Latinx as it follows Spanish pronunciation patterns more naturally. Note: Like Latinx, acceptance and usage of this term varies within communities.
House: In ballroom culture, houses are chosen family structures that provide support, mentorship, and community, particularly for LGBTQ+ people of color. These kinship networks originated in the ballroom scene and represent important community bonds, though not all LGBTQ+ people of color are part of house culture. Note: This term is specific to ballroom culture and should not be assumed to apply to all LGBTQ+ people of color or used inappropriately outside this context.
Jotx/Joteria: Terms that have been reclaimed by some queer and trans Latinx people, particularly in Mexico and the Southwest United States. Originally based on a derogatory slur, these terms have been reclaimed as a way of empowering LGBTQ+ Latinx experiences and histories. Note: These terms should only be used by those who claim them for themselves.
Stud: A term with specific cultural significance in Black lesbian communities, referring to a masculine-presenting person. This term should only be used by those within the community. Note: Language and identity expressions can vary significantly between different racial and ethnic LGBTQ+ communities.
Two-Spirit: An umbrella term used by some Indigenous and First Nations people to describe people who are not straight and/or cisgender. Many Indigenous communities have specific words in their languages to describe these experiences. This term should only be used by Indigenous people to describe themselves and should not be used by non-Indigenous people.
Cultural and Historical Context
Throughout history and across cultures worldwide, there have been words to describe people who live as a gender different from the sex they were assigned at birth. These include terms like hijra (South Asian), fa’afafine (Samoan), māhū (Native Hawaiian), muxe (Zapotec), and many others (GLAAD, 2023). These terms have deep cultural significance and should be used respectfully, understanding their specific cultural contexts. It’s important to recognize that many indigenous traditions of gender diversity were criminalized or suppressed by colonizers, and communities continue working to reclaim and revive these traditions.
Note: When learning about or using culturally specific terms, it’s essential to understand that LGBTQ+ experiences are not universal. Race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, and geographic location all shape how individuals experience and express their identities. No single community is monolithic, and individuals within any group will have diverse experiences and perspectives.
Important Distinctions
Drag Performance vs. Transgender Identity: Drag is a performance art form that can be practiced by people of any gender identity. While some transgender people may perform in drag, most transgender people are not drag performers. Transgender women are women—they are not “drag queens” unless they are specifically performing in drag shows. It’s important not to conflate drag performance with transgender identity.
Mental Health-Related Terms
Note: These terms describe experiences, not disorders. Not everyone who is LGBTQ+ experiences these challenges, and experiencing them doesn’t define someone’s identity. It’s important to recognize that LGBTQ+ people of color may face additional stressors due to the intersection of racism, homophobia, and transphobia, which can compound mental health impacts and create unique barriers to accessing affirming care.
Coming Out: A lifelong process of self-acceptance. People come to understand their own sexual orientation or gender identity first, and then they may reveal it to others. It is not necessary to have sexual experiences to come out as LGBTQ, nor is it necessary to tell others.
Gender Dysphoria: The distress that may occur when a person’s gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria. It’s important to note that being transgender is not considered a mental disorder by major medical and psychological organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization (APA, 2015; WHO, 2019).
Gender Euphoria: A positive feeling often experienced when one’s gender is recognized and respected by others, when one’s body aligns with one’s gender, or when one expresses themselves in accordance with their gender identity.
Minority Stress: The chronic stress experienced by stigmatized minority groups, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, due to discrimination, prejudice, and rejection. This stress can significantly impact mental health and well-being. Note: For LGBTQ+ people of color, minority stress may be compounded by experiencing both racism and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, creating unique and intensified challenges.
Chosen Family: The group of people, not necessarily biologically related, who provide love, support, and acceptance. For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, chosen family becomes a crucial source of support.
Healthcare and Support Terms
Gender-Affirming Care: Healthcare services that support a person’s process of living in alignment with their gender identity. This may include therapy, social support, hormone therapy, and/or surgical procedures. These services are considered medically necessary treatment by major medical organizations.
Gender Confirmation Surgery: Medical procedures that help align a person’s body with their gender identity. These surgeries are one possible component of medical transition, but not all transgender people choose, need, or can access surgical procedures. Being transgender is not dependent on having surgery.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Medical treatment involving hormones (such as estrogen or testosterone) to help align a person’s physical characteristics with their gender identity. This treatment is prescribed by healthcare providers as part of gender-affirming care.
Additional Terms You May Encounter
Note: These terms represent the diversity of language within LGBTQ+ communities. Some terms may be less commonly used, emerging, or have specific cultural contexts. Not everyone will use or identify with these terms, and definitions may vary between individuals and communities. Always prioritize how someone describes themselves.
The LGBTQ+ community uses a wide variety of terms for self-identification. Some individuals may use terms that are less commonly known or that have specific cultural or historical contexts. Understanding these terms can help in providing better care and support:
Gender Identity Terms
Note: These terms describe diverse ways people understand and experience their own gender identity. Gender identity is deeply personal and may not align with assigned sex at birth. Always use the names and pronouns people specify for themselves.
Androgynous: Having both masculine and feminine characteristics, or having an appearance that doesn’t clearly indicate gender.
Bigender: A person who experiences two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or varying between them.
Monogender: A person who experiences one consistent gender identity.
Multigender: A person who experiences multiple gender identities, which may be simultaneous or fluid.
Omnigender: A person who experiences all genders or feels connected to the entire spectrum of gender.
Pangender: A person who experiences multiple gender identities across the spectrum or feels connected to many genders.
Neutrois: A person with a neutral gender identity, often described as neither male nor female.
Agender: A person who does not identify with any gender or experiences a lack of gender identity.
Demigirl: A person who experiences a partial, but not complete, connection to being a girl or woman. They may feel partly girl/woman and partly another gender, or partly agender.
Demiboy: A person who experiences a partial, but not complete, connection to being a boy or man. They may feel partly boy/man and partly another gender, or partly agender.
Gender Bender: Someone who challenges or plays with traditional gender norms and expectations.
Epicene: Having characteristics of both sexes or no specific gender characteristics; gender-neutral.
Metamorph: Someone who experiences significant changes in their gender identity or expression over time.
Shapeshifter: A person whose gender identity or expression changes or shifts regularly.
Community Identity Terms
Note: These terms originated within specific LGBTQ+ communities and have particular cultural significance. While they can be used respectfully by others when appropriate, understanding their origins and contexts is important.
Butch: Historically used in lesbian communities to describe masculine gender expression. This term has deep cultural significance and should be used respectfully.
Stone Butch: A term describing someone with a very masculine presentation who typically does not want to be touched in intimate settings.
Soft Butch: A term describing someone who has a more subtle masculine presentation, between butch and femme.
Femme: Historically used in lesbian communities to describe feminine gender expression that reclaims and celebrates traditional femininity.
Stone Femme: A term describing someone with a very feminine presentation who is typically attracted to butch partners.
Queen: A term that can refer to a feminine gay man or someone who embraces dramatic feminine expression.
Womyn: An alternative spelling of “women” used by some to remove the “men” from the word, often used in feminist contexts.
Informal and Slang Terms
Note: These terms may have been reclaimed from historically negative usage, or may not be appropriate in all settings. Always follow the individual’s lead – if someone uses a term to describe themselves, that’s their choice to make.
Some individuals may use informal language or slang terms to describe themselves. While these terms may not be appropriate for all settings, understanding them can help in respectful communication:
Boi: An alternative spelling often used by younger people or those who identify with a more fluid masculinity.
Boydyke: A term sometimes used by masculine-presenting people who were assigned female at birth.
Grrl: An empowering alternative spelling of “girl” that originated in riot grrl culture.
Tomboy: A term often used for people assigned female at birth who exhibit masculine traits or interests.
Prettyboy: A term sometimes used for masculine-presenting people who also embrace some feminine aesthetics.
Stem/Stemme: A term that blends “stud” and “femme,” describing someone who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities or presentation styles. While now popular on social media platforms like TikTok, this term originated in Black and Latinx lesbian communities and should be used respectfully with awareness of its cultural significance. Note: Cultural terminology often evolves as it moves between communities, but recognizing origins remains important.
Bull Dyke: A term that may be considered offensive, though occasionally reclaimed, historically referring to very masculine lesbians. Note: This term has a problematic history and should only be used by those who claim it for themselves.
Sissy: A term that has historically been used as a slur but may be reclaimed by some individuals to describe feminine expression in masculine-presenting people. Note: This term has been used as a slur and should only be used by those who claim it for themselves.
Terms to Avoid
Understanding what language to avoid is just as important as knowing appropriate terminology. These terms can be harmful, outdated, or inaccurate:
“Homosexual”: This clinical term is considered outdated and offensive by many in the LGBTQ community. It was historically used to pathologize LGBTQ people and is often used by anti-LGBTQ activists to suggest that attraction to the same sex is somehow diseased or disordered. Use instead: gay, lesbian, or the specific identity someone uses for themselves.
“Sexual preference”: This term inaccurately suggests that being attracted to the same sex is a choice and therefore can be “cured” or “changed.” Use instead: sexual orientation, which accurately describes someone’s enduring attraction.
“Gay lifestyle” or “LGBTQ lifestyle”: There is no single “LGBTQ lifestyle.” LGBTQ people are diverse in how they lead their lives. These phrases are used to denigrate LGBTQ people by suggesting their identity is a choice. Use instead: LGBTQ people and their lives.
“Born a man/woman” or “biologically male/female”: These phrases oversimplify complex biology and are often used to discredit transgender people’s identities. Use instead: assigned male/female at birth, or simply use the person’s actual gender identity.
“Identifies as”: Avoid saying transgender people “identify as” their gender, as this implies gender identity is a choice. Use instead: “is” – for example, “Maria is a transgender woman” rather than “Maria identifies as a woman.”
“Transgenders,” “a transgender,” or “transgendered”: Transgender should be used as an adjective, not a noun, and never needs an “-ed” suffix. Use instead: transgender people, a transgender person.
“Preferred pronouns”: Everyone has pronouns – they’re not preferences. Use instead: Simply say “pronouns” or “the pronouns someone uses.”
“Sex change” or “pre-op/post-op”: These terms inaccurately suggest that surgery is required to be transgender. Use instead: transition, or avoid focusing on medical procedures unless directly relevant.
Anti-transgender slurs: Terms like “tranny,” “she-male,” or “trap” are dehumanizing and should never be used except in direct quotes that clearly reveal the bias of the speaker.
Creating Inclusive Environments
Understanding terminology is just the first step in creating truly inclusive spaces. Some additional considerations include:
- Ask for pronouns: Don’t assume someone’s pronouns based on appearance
- Use inclusive language: “Partner” instead of assuming relationship structures
- Respect chosen names: Use the name someone provides, even if it differs from legal documents
- Educate yourself: Stay informed about evolving language and community needs
- Listen to community voices: Center LGBTQIA+ voices in discussions about LGBTQIA+ issues
The Importance of Affirming Mental Health Care
20% of LGBTQ youth cited not thinking a mental health practitioner would understand their identity as a barrier to receiving mental health care (Narkewicz, 2022; The Trevor Project, 2020). This statistic underscores the critical importance of cultural competency in mental health settings.
At Element Q Healing Center, we understand that language is just one component of affirming care. Our approach includes:
- Identity-affirming therapy: Celebrating rather than pathologizing diverse identities
- Trauma-informed care: Recognizing how discrimination and minority stress impact mental health
- Community-centered healing: Connecting clients with peers who share similar experiences
- Intersectional awareness: Understanding how multiple identities (race, ethnicity, class, religion, disability) intersect to create unique experiences and needs
- Culturally responsive approaches: Adapting our care to honor diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences
Learn more about our identity-affirming mental health services.
Looking Forward
Language continues to evolve as our understanding of identity and community grows. New terms emerge while others may become outdated. What remains constant is the importance of respect, dignity, and the fundamental right to self-determination.
For LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking mental health support, finding providers who understand and affirm your identity can make a significant difference in your healing journey. Quality mental health care should never require you to explain or justify your identity – it should celebrate and support your authentic self.
Important Considerations
- Individual Preference: Always ask how someone prefers to be described rather than making assumptions based on appearance or previous conversations.
- Cultural Humility: Recognize that language preferences can vary not only across age groups but also across racial, ethnic, and cultural communities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
- Intersectionality: Understand that people hold multiple identities simultaneously, and the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, religion, disability, and other factors creates unique experiences that cannot be understood through any single identity lens.
Note About Clinical Practice
While understanding diverse terminology is important, everyone should:
- Use the language that individuals use to describe themselves
- Ask respectfully about preferred terms when unsure
- Focus on the person’s specific needs rather than their identity labels
- Respect individual preferences and self-identification
Resources for Continued Learning
- GLAAD Media Reference Guide: Comprehensive media guide for inclusive language and terminology
- LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: Resources for healthcare providers and community members
- The Trevor Project: Crisis support and educational resources for LGBTQIA+ youth
- PFLAG: Support, education, and advocacy for families and allies of LGBTQIA+ individuals
- It Gets Better Project: Stories and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth
Find Your Community, Begin Healing
At Element Q Healing Center, we provide specialized mental health care that honors the full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ experiences. Our diverse team of practitioners with lived experience offers trauma-informed, identity-affirming care through comprehensive outpatient programs in San Diego.
Ready to heal in a community that celebrates your authentic self?
Contact Element Q today to learn about our programs designed specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Inclusive and identity-based healthcare is a right, not a privilege.”
*This glossary also incorporates guidance from leading LGBTQIA+ organizations, mental health professionals, and community voices to provide comprehensive, respectful, and clinically relevant terminology. Language continues to evolve, and we are committed to updating this resource to reflect current community standards and preferences.
*This glossary represents current understanding of terminology within the LGBTQIA+ community. Language evolves, and we encourage readers to stay informed about emerging terms and changes in community preferences. Most importantly, we encourage following the lead of individuals in describing their own identities and experiences.
References
This glossary draws from authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Key references include:
- American Psychological Association. (2015). Guidelines for psychological practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people. American Psychologist, 70(9), 832-864.
- GLAAD. (2023). GLAAD Media Reference Guide (11th ed.). https://glaad.org/reference/
- Narkewicz, E. L. (2022). Providing culturally competent mental health care to LGBTQIA+ youth & young adults. University of Massachusetts Medical School, Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research. https://www.umassmed.edu/TransitionsACR/resources/culturally-competent-mhc-to-LGBTQIA/
- PFLAG. (2024). PFLAG National Glossary: LGBTQ+ terminology. https://pflag.org/glossary/
- The Trevor Project. (2020). Breaking barriers to quality mental health care for LGBTQ youth. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/breaking-barriers-to-quality-mental-health-care-for-lgbtq-youth/
- World Health Organization. (2019). International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11). https://icd.who.int/en
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are poppers legal?
Poppers exist in a legal gray area in the United States. While they’re not illegal to purchase, they are illegal for human consumption and are not regulated by the FDA. They’re typically sold as household products like “room deodorizers” or “leather cleaners” to circumvent regulations, but everyone understands their actual intended use.
2. Can you overdose on poppers?
Yes, it’s possible to overdose on poppers, though fatal overdoses are rare. Overdose symptoms can include severe drops in blood pressure leading to fainting, difficulty breathing, irregular heart rhythms, and loss of consciousness. The risk increases significantly when poppers are combined with other substances, especially erectile dysfunction medications.
3. Are poppers addictive?
Poppers are not considered physically addictive in the traditional sense, as they don’t cause the brain to release high levels of dopamine associated with dependency. However, psychological dependency can develop, particularly when poppers become a regular part of social or sexual routines. Some people may find it difficult to enjoy these experiences without them.
4. Why are poppers so popular in the LGBTQIA+ community?
Poppers became popular in LGBTQIA+ culture during the 1970s for several reasons: their muscle-relaxing properties can facilitate anal intercourse, they create euphoric effects that enhance social and sexual experiences, and they became embedded in gay club and party culture. Research shows LGBTQIA+ individuals are more than twice as likely to use poppers compared to the general population.
4. What should I do if I experience side effects from poppers?
If you experience mild side effects like headaches or dizziness, stop using immediately and get fresh air. For severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or if you’ve combined poppers with erectile dysfunction medications, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 911. Chemical burns from skin contact should also receive prompt medical care.
