LGBTQ+ glossary: Terms every professional and employer should know

A comprehensive, accessible reference for LGBTQ+ terminology in the workplace. Understanding LGBTQ+ terminology is one of the most practical steps any professional or employer can take.

Identity and sexual orientation

LGBTQ+ — An acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning, with the plus sign representing the full spectrum of identities not captured by the preceding letters. Lesbian — A woman who is sexually and/or romantically attracted primarily or exclusively to other women. Gay — A person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to people of the same gender. Bisexual — A person who experiences sexual and/or romantic attraction to people of more than one gender. Pansexual — A person who experiences sexual and/or romantic attraction regardless of gender. Asexual (Ace) — A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction. Asexuality is a spectrum. Queer — Originally a slur, reclaimed by many LGBTQ+ people as an umbrella term. Not all LGBTQ+ people are comfortable with the term. Questioning — Describes a person who is exploring or uncertain about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Gender identity and expression

Transgender (Trans) — An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Cisgender (Cis) — A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. A neutral descriptive term. Non-binary — A gender identity that does not fit exclusively into the categories of man or woman. Gender fluid — A person whose gender identity shifts or changes over time. Agender — A person who does not identify with any gender. Pronouns — The words used to refer to someone in the third person (he/him, she/her, they/them). Asking for and using correct pronouns is a basic act of respect. Deadnaming — Using a trans person’s name before their transition. Generally considered disrespectful and harmful. Misgendering — Referring to a person using pronouns that do not match their gender identity. Intersex — A person born with physical characteristics that do not fit typical binary definitions. A biological variation, not a gender identity.

Workplace and community terms

Coming out — The process of disclosing one’s LGBTQ+ identity. Deeply personal; nobody should be outed or pressured to disclose. Outing — Revealing someone’s LGBTQ+ identity without their consent. Should never be done. Covering — Concealing or downplaying an aspect of one’s identity to conform to norms. 61% of LGBTQ+ employees cover at work. Psychological safety — The shared belief that it is safe to speak up and be oneself at work without fear of negative consequences. Employee Resource Group (ERG) — A voluntary, employee-led group providing community, support, and advocacy. Allyship — Active, consistent efforts by people outside a marginalised group to support its members. A practice, not an identity. Intersectionality — A framework recognising how overlapping identities create overlapping systems of discrimination or advantage. Developed by Kimberle Crenshaw. Microaggression — A brief, often unintentional behaviour that communicates negative messages to members of a marginalised group.

Legal and policy terms

Equality Act 2010 — The primary UK anti-discrimination legislation. Protects nine characteristics including sexual orientation and gender reassignment. Title VII — A section of the US Civil Rights Act 1964. The Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v Clayton County (2020) that it covers sexual orientation and gender identity. HRC Corporate Equality Index (CEI) — An annual benchmarking tool rating employers on LGBTQ+ policies. A score of 100 designates a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. Conversion therapy — Discredited practices attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Cause significant harm and are being banned in increasing jurisdictions.

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