Fanfiction that focuses on, incorporates, or details the relationships of real-life actors, often of the same sex or gender.
Fanfiction about real people, such as actors or musicians; often but not always used to describe fanfiction focusing on (real or imagined) same-sex or same-gender relationships between celebrities.
LGBTQ+ people who were adopted, whether or not by LGBTQ+ parents.
Asexual people of African descent born in the United States or asexual people born in African countries who live in or have a strong connection to the United States. Use for individuals who self-identity as African American. Follow the individual’s preference for African American or Black whenever possible.
Lesbians of African descent born in the Caribbean or lesbians born in African countries who live in or have a strong connection to the Caribbean. Only use for individuals who self-identify as Afro-Caribbean.
Filipino word that translates to both hermaphrodite and a gay slur.
Non-Euro-American gender and sexual identities
Broad term describing gender and sexual identities specific to regions outside of North America and Europe.
Experiences related to people with AIDS approaching or having reached the end of their lives.
Alternate universe settings (Fanfiction)
Settings alternative to the canonical universe of a text in which fanfiction might take place.
Tropes and genres commonly used in fanfiction. Examples include "there was only one bed" and "enemies to lovers" romance plots.
The alternate universe fanworks trope in which society is divided into three categories of people: alphas, betas, and omegas. Fanworks in the omegaverse often depict characters with genitalia and breeding behaviors (such as heat cycles) similar to wolves. Use to describe fanworks in the omegaverse that focus on LGBTQ+ people and issues.
Term used to describe fanfiction about trans characters, typically characters who are not stated to be transgender, transsexual, or gender diverse in the canon text
The fan community that focuses on, incorporates, or details the relationships of characters derived from anime or manga.
Communities of people who are fans of a particular work or media property. Participation in fandom can include writing and reading fanfiction, creating and viewing fanart, attending conventions, cosplaying, and/or roleplaying.
The fan community that focuses on, incorporates, or details the relationships of characters from bara manga and anime.
The fan community that focuses on, incorporates, or details the relationships of characters in hentai, or sexually explicit anime and manga.
Japanese word that means "beautiful boy" and is used to describe a particular aesthetic of androgynous male beauty. While in Japanese "bishounen" refers specifically to youths under the age of twenty and "biseinen" is used to describe beautiful adult men, English-speaking anime and manga fan communities often use "bishounen" in reference to any good-looking male character, regardless of age.
The fan community that focuses on, incorporates, or details the romantic or sexual relationships between female characters from anime and manga.
The manga and anime genre of fictional male-male romance created for a primarily female audience; sometimes used interchangeably with "Yaoi" in English (but not in Japanese).
Term used to acknowledge the particularities of racism as directed toward Black people. Anti-Blackness includes the belief that Black people possess different inherent behavioral traits that correspond to inherited attributes and are inferior to those of other races--particularly white people. Anti-Blackness also encompasses prejudice, discrimination, and antagonism (whether personal or systematic) directed toward Black people because of their race and its perceived inferiority.
Umbrella term used to describe a range of ideas, policies, and political actions that are intended to actively challenge, reject, or oppose racism and racial oppression (whether personal or systemic), as well as advocate for racial equity.
The participation and inclusion of aromantic people in fan communities.
The participation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in fan communities.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning asexual people, or people who might be perceived as asexual if they were alive today.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning LGBTQ+ people, or people who might be perceived as LGBTQ+ if they were alive today.
The participation and inclusion of asexual people in fan communities.
Asexual people who are between the ages of childhood and adulthood.
Asexual people who are a part of the socio-ethnic Assamese peoples, speak the Assamese language, or reside in the Indian state of Assam.
Bisexual people who are a part of the socio-ethnic Assamese peoples, speak the Assamese language, or reside in the Indian state of Assam.
Gay men who are a part of the socio-ethnic Assamese peoples, speak the Assamese language, or reside in the Indian state of Assam.
Intersex people who are a part of the socio-ethnic Assamese peoples, speak the Assamese language, or reside in the Indian state of Assam.
Lesbians who are a part of the socio-ethnic Assamese peoples, speak the Assamese language, or reside in the Indian state of Assam.
Queer people who are a part of the socio-ethnic Assamese peoples, speak the Assamese language, or reside in the Indian state of Assam.
Transgender people who are a part of the socio-ethnic Assamese peoples, speak the Assamese language, or reside in the Indian state of Assam.
Asexual people who speak the Awadhi dialect and reside in or are descended from those who resided in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.
LGBTQ+ people who speak the Awadhi dialect and reside in or are descended from those who resided in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.
Bisexual people who speak the Awadhi dialect and reside in or are descended from those who resided in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.
Gay men who speak the Awadhi dialect and reside in or are descended from those who resided in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.
Intersex people who speak the Awadhi dialect and reside in or are descended from those who resided in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.
Lesbians who speak the Awadhi dialect and reside in or are descended from those who resided in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.
Queer people who speak the Awadhi dialect and reside in or are descended from those who resided in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.
Transgender people who speak the Awadhi dialect and reside in or are descended from those who resided in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.
Fanfiction that focuses on, incorporates, or details the romantic or sexual relationships between same-gender or same-sex musicians who exist in the real world, usually men.
A genre of Japanese art created primarily by gay men for other gay men that emphasizes masculinity, muscles, body fat, and hair (similar to Bears and Gym subculture in the United States).
The participation and inclusion of gay men in fan communities.
Asexual people who speak the Bengali language or are of Bengali descent.
LGBTQ+ people who speak the Bengali language or are of Bengali descent.
Bisexual people who speak the Bengali language or are of Bengali descent.
Gay men who speak the Bengali language or are of Bengali descent.
Intersex people who speak the Bengali language or are of Bengali descent.
Lesbians who speak the Bengali language or are of Bengali descent.
Queer people who speak the Bengali language or are of Bengali descent.
Transgender people who speak the Bengali language or are of Bengali descent.
Asexual people who speak the Bhil language and belong to or are descended from the Bhil tribal group.
LGBTQ+ people who speak the Bhil language and belong to or are descended from the Bhil tribal group.
Bisexual people who speak the Bhil language and belong to or are descended from the Bhil tribal group.
LGBTQ+ people who speak the Bhojpuri language and live in or are descended from those who inhabited the Bhojpuri-Purvanchal region of India and Nepal.
Gay men who speak the Bhil language and belong to or are descended from the Bhil tribal group.
Intersex people who speak the Bhil language and belong to or are descended from the Bhil tribal group.
Lesbians who speak the Bhil language and belong to or are descended from the Bhil tribal group.
Queer people who speak the Bhil language and belong to or are descended from the Bhil tribal group.
Transgender people who speak the Bhil language and belong to or are descended from the Bhil tribal group.
Asexual people who speak the Bhojpuri language and live in or are descended from those who inhabited the Bhojpuri-Purvanchal region of India and Nepal.
Bisexual people who speak the Bhojpuri language and live in or are descended from those who inhabited the Bhojpuri-Purvanchal region of India and Nepal.
Gay men who speak the Bhojpuri language and live in or are descended from those who inhabited the Bhojpuri-Purvanchal region of India and Nepal.
Intersex people who speak the Bhojpuri language and live in or are descended from those who inhabited the Bhojpuri-Purvanchal region of India and Nepal.
Lesbians who speak the Bhojpuri language and live in or are descended from those who inhabited the Bhojpuri-Purvanchal region of India and Nepal.
Queer people who speak the Bhojpuri language and live in or are descended from those who inhabited the Bhojpuri-Purvanchal region of India and Nepal.
Transgender people who speak the Bhojpuri language and live in or are descended from those who inhabited the Bhojpuri-Purvanchal region of India and Nepal.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning bisexual people, or people who might be perceived as bisexual if they were alive today.
Bisexual people who are the romantic, sexual, or play partners of another person or people.
Gender-neutral term for sexual, romantic, or play partners who are also LGBTQ+.
The participation and inclusion of bisexual people in fan communities.
Term used in yaoi and yaoi fan communities to describe the receiving or submissive partner in a fictional male-male relationship.
Term used in yaoi or yaoi fan communities to describe the giving or dominant parter in a fictional male-male relationship.
Black people who are asexual. Use only for individuals who self-identity as Black. Follow the individual’s preference for African American or Black whenever possible.
A form of feminism that developed in response to the failures of mainstream feminist and civil rights efforts to acknowledge the ways white supremacy and the patriarchy interact to inform the particular experiences of Black women.
A social theory based on the history and everyday experiences of Black women. Womanism grew out of the perceived indifference of the feminist movement towards the needs of Black women, who are often excluded from the categories of "female" and "femininity" as understood by white feminists. At the core of womanism is the idea that mainstream feminism is a movement led by white women to serve white women's goals, which can be indifferent or even oppositional to the needs of Black women.
The fan community that focuses on, incorporates, or details the sexual or romantic relationships between male characters from anime and manga.
The trope in fiction that requires that LGBTQ+ characters die or meet some other type of unhappy ending. The trope is also known as "dead lesbian syndrome" due to the tendency for lesbian characters and bisexual female characters to be the targets. Transgender characters have also often been subjected to this trope.
Asexual people who belong to or are descended from the Chakma tribal group.
LGBTQ+ people who belong to or are descended from the Chakma tribal group.
Bisexual people who belong to or are descended from the Chakma tribal group.
Gay men who belong to or are descended from the Chakma tribal group.
Intersex people who belong to or are descended from the Chakma tribal group.
Lesbians who belong to or are descended from the Chakma tribal group.
Queer people who belong to or are descended from the Chakma tribal group.
Transgender people who belong to or are descended from the Chakma tribal group.
Sexual activities that include the use of drugs, typically to trigger sexual arousal, increase sexual pleasure, and/or facilitate sexual encounters that last several hours or days.
LGBTQ+ people who use substances recreationally
The use of substances (that are typically deemed harmful or are subject to legal restriction, such as drugs or alcohol) by LGBTQ+ people for recreational or social purposes.
Boys (typically children or youth younger than 18) who are cisgender.
Children younger than 18 years who identify as cisgender.
Cisgender people who are between the ages of childhood and adulthood.
Girls (typically children or youth younger than 18) who are cisgender.
Slang term for mustaches or facial hair on the upper lip, particularly that of lesbians.
Facial hair on the upper lip. Includes false or drag mustaches as well as naturally grown hair.
Daughters who have one or more LGBTQ+ parent. For daughters who are themselves LGBTQ+, use the term "LGBTQ+ daughters."
Asexual people who are of the Dogra people of India and Pakistan and speak the Dogri language.
LGBTQ+ people who are of the Dogra people of India and Pakistan and speak the Dogri language.
Bisexual people who are of the Dogra people of India and Pakistan and speak the Dogri language.
Gay men who are of the Dogra people of India and Pakistan and speak the Dogri language.
Intersex people who are of the Dogra people of India and Pakistan and speak the Dogri language.
Lesbians who are of the Dogra people of India and Pakistan and speak the Dogri language.
Queer people who are of the Dogra people of India and Pakistan and speak the Dogri language.
Transgender people who are of the Dogra people of India and Pakistan and speak the Dogri language.
Any of various surgeries undertaken to feminize the face or facial features.
Any of various surgeries undertaken to masculinize the face or facial features.
Pejorative term used chiefly in North America to describe gay men (or men assumed to be gay) and insult their perceived femininity. Some gay men have reclaimed this term and use it to describe themselves. Not to be confused with Faeries, the queer spiritual group.
Tongan people assigned male at birth who behave in an effeminate manner.
People who have one or more LGBTQ+ family member. For family members who are themselves LGBTQ+, use the term "LGBTQ+ family members."
Art created by fans that relates to media properties or other subjects of fandom.
Works, such as fanfiction or fanart, created by fans using characters, settings, and/or plots of other media properties.
Artwork depicting same-sex or same-gender couples that is usually erotic or pornographic in nature. Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash art.
Written works of fiction created by fans that use the characters, settings, and/or plots of other media properties in a transformative way.
Works created by fans that focus on romantic or sexual relationships between characters of the same sex or gender. Typically erotic or pornographic in nature. Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash fanworks.
Conventions dedicated to a particular fandom or fandom as a broad category.
Jargon or slang commonly used in fan communities, such as "slash" and "shipping."
The fan community that focuses on, incorporates, or details anthropomorphized animals.
Issues and discussions about gender in fan spaces and works.
The participation and inclusion of people of color in fan communities.
Term used to describe fans' desire to see certain characters in sexual or romantic relationships, as well as the practice of pairing those characters in fanworks. The terms "shipping" and "ship" come from "relationship."
The fan community that focuses on, incorporates, or details relationships between two characters of the same sex or gender (usually fictional, with "Real person fiction" as an exception). Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash fandom.
Issues and discussions about the presence of racism in fan spaces and works.
Conventions for furries that focus on furry fanworks.
Conventions focused on slash, or fanworks depicting same-sex or same-gender couples that are typically erotic or pornographic in nature. Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash conventions.
Organized public or social occasions for LGBTQ+ people and communities.
Slang relating to fanworks about sexual or romantic relationships between characters of the same sex or gender. Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash terminology.
Fanfiction focusing on sexual or romantic relationships between characters of the same sex or gender that is typically erotic or pornographic in nature. Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash fiction.
Fanfiction that primarily focuses on LGBTQ+ people, communities, and relationships, often using characters who are not stated to be LGBTQ+ in canon.
Representations of non-conventional or marginalized sexual practices in fanfiction.
Slang term referring to a fan's primary "ship" or preferred relationship within a fandom.
People who act as a father to one or more LGBTQ+ person. For fathers who are themselves LGBTQ+, use the term "LGBTQ+ fathers."
Any of various surgical procedures undertaken to feminize the voice.
Any of various surgical procedures undertaken to masculinize the voice.
A genre of fanworks in which two or more women are placed in a sexual or romantic situation with one another. Works of femslash are commonly erotic or pornographic. In recognition of the fact that the term "slash" has recently been broadened to include LGBTQ+ relationships other than those between two men, slash terms (e.g., Slash art, Slash roleplay, Slash vidding) should be used to describe specific types of femslash.
A genre of fanworks in which two or more characters of the same sex or gender are placed in sexual or romantic situations with one another. Slash fanworks are commonly erotic or pornographic. While the term "slash" has historically been used for male/male couples only, it has been recently been broadened to include LGBTQ+ relationships other than those between two men.
A genre focusing on the romantic or sexual relationships between female characters from anime and manga.
Japanese word that literally translates to "rotten girl" and is used to describe young women who enjoy media or fanworks focused on romantic or sexual relationships between men. Some fans self-identify as fujoshis, typically as a form of playful self-deprecation, but it can also be considered derogatory.
Individuals who are interested in anthropomorphized animals, as well as fiction and artwork featuring anthropomorphized animals. Many furries identify with anthropomorphized animal versions of themselves, which are called fursonas.
Slang term used by members of the furry fandom to describe the act of sex.
Anthropomorphized animal versions of people. Fursonas, which are created by members of the furry fandom, are not necessarily animals with fur; they can also be reptiles, birds, or fictional animals, for example.
Costumes worn by furries that represent their fursonas (i.e., anthropomorphized animal versions of themselves).
Asexual people who belong to or are descended from those native to Garhwal in Uttarakhand and who speak Garhwali.
LGBTQ+ people who belong to or are descended from those native to Garhwal in Uttarakhand and who speak Garhwali.
Bisexual people who belong to or are descended from the people native to Garhwal in Uttarakhand and who speak Garhwali.
Gay men who belong to or are descended from the people native to Garhwal in Uttarakhand and who speak Garhwali.
Intersex people who belong to or are descended from those native to Garhwal in Uttarakhand and who speak Garhwali.
Lesbians who belong to or are descended from the people native to Garhwal in Uttarakhand and who speak Garhwali.
Queer people who belong to or are descended from the people native to Garhwal in Uttarakhand and who speak Garhwali.
Transgender people who belong to or are descended from the people native to Garhwal in Uttarakhand and who speak Garhwali.
Gay people who have not yet reached the age of adolescence.
LGBTQ+ people who have not yet reached the age of adolescence.
Term that encompasses gay filmmaking, the gay film industry, and film as an art form within gay culture. For specific movies created by or representing gay men, use the term "Gay films."
Term that encompasses LGBTQ+ filmmaking, the LGBTQ+ film industry, and film as an art form within LGBTQ+ culture. For specific movies created by or representing LGBTQ+ people, use the term "LGBTQ+ films."
Motion pictures, or movies, created by gay directors, depicting gay men, or that are regarded as important within gay culture.
Partnerships in which both people are gay men.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning gay men, or men who might be perceived as gay if they were alive today.
The participation and inclusion of men in fan communities.
Gay men who are mothers. This includes trans men who had children before transitioning and still identify as mothers to those children. Do not use to describe gay parents unless they self-identify as mothers.
Gay men who are the romantic, sexual, or play partners of another person or people.
Gay people between the ages of childhood and adulthood.
The state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making, as well as the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations, and needs equally, regardless of gender.
The powerful feeling of joy and comfort an individual experiences when their assigned gender, gender expression, and/or the way their gender is perceived by themselves and others aligns with their gender identity. Though gender euphoria is often associated with trans people, people of any identity may experience gender euphoria when they feel that their gender has been seen and affirmed, or when they feel "right" in their body and the way their gender is being expressed.
Issues and discussions about the presence of misogyny in fan spaces and works.
The participation and inclusion of transgender people in fan communities.
The participation and inclusion of women in fan communities.
The participation and inclusion of non-binary people in fan communities.
Issues and discussions about the presence of transphobia in fan spaces and works.
The participation and inclusion of intersex people in fan communities.
Issues and discussions about the presence of homophobia in fan spaces and works.
The participation and inclusion of Two-Spirit people in fan communities.
Language that avoids the use of gender-specific words, either to be inclusive of nonbinary, agender, and other gender diverse peoples, or to avoid gender bias.
People who have one or more LGBTQ+ grandparent. For grandchildren who are themselves LGBTQ+, use the term "LGBTQ+ grandchildren."
People who have one or more LGBTQ+ grandchild. For grandparents who are themselves LGBTQ+, use the term "LGBTQ+ grandparents."
Asexual people who reside in or are descended from those indigenous to the Indian state of Gujarat.
LGBTQ+ people who reside in or are descended from those indigenous to the Indian state of Gujarat.
Bisexual people who reside in or are descended from those indigenous to the Indian state of Gujarat.
Gay men who reside in or are descended from those indigenous to the Indian state of Gujarat.
Intersex people who reside in or are descended from those indigenous to the Indian state of Gujarat.
Lesbians who reside in or are descended from those indigenous to the Indian state of Gujarat.
Queer people who reside in or are descended from those indigenous to the Indian state of Gujarat.
Transgender people who reside in or are descended from those indigenous to the Indian state of Gujarat.
In the Dominican Republic, this term refers to people who have undifferentiated genitalia and who are generally raised as female until puberty; may be considered a third gender.
The celebration of Halloween, often called Gay Christmas, by LGBTQ+ people. Typically involves dressing in drag or elaborate costumes as a form of gender play and attending large parties in LGBTQ+ neighborhoods or establishments.
Asexual people who are indigenous to or descended from those indigenous to what is now the Indian state of Haryana. This term can also apply to those who currently reside in Haryana.
LGBTQ+ people who are indigenous to or descended from those indigenous to what is now the Indian state of Haryana. This term can also apply to those who currently reside in Haryana.
Bisexual people who are indigenous to or descended from those indigenous to what is now the Indian state of Haryana. This term can also apply to those who currently reside in Haryana.
Gay men who are indigenous to or descended from those indigenous to what is now the Indian state of Haryana. This term can also apply to those who currently reside in Haryana.
Intersex people who are indigenous to or descended from those indigenous to what is now the Indian state of Haryana. This term can also apply to those who currently reside in Haryana.
Lesbians who are indigenous to or descended from those indigenous to what is now the Indian state of Haryana. This term can also apply to those who currently reside in Haryana.
Transgender people who are indigenous to or descended from those indigenous to what is now the Indian state of Haryana. This term can also apply to those who currently reside in Haryana.
Queer people who are indigenous to or descended from those indigenous to what is now the Indian state of Haryana. This term can also apply to those who currently reside in Haryana.
A genre of anime and manga characterized by explicit sexual content; can also include hentai video games.
Japanese word used by English-speaking anime and manga fans to describe explicit or pornographic works featuring male-male couples that are typically created by heterosexual female authors for heterosexual female readers. Note that the Japanese meaning and usage of "yaoi" and related terms differ considerably.
Children younger than 18 years who identify as heterosexual.
Hindi word used in South Asia to refer to people assigned male at birth who identify as women or “not-men.”
In South Asia, this term is used to describe people who are assigned male at birth who exhibit feminine characteristics. Please note that not all kothis identify as hijra or transgender.
The practice or policy of providing equal access and support to groups of people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as LGBTQ+ people, people of color, disabled people, etc.
The practice or policy of providing equal access and support to trans people.
The practice or policy of denying equal access and support to trans people.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning intersex people, or people who might be perceived as intersex if they were alive today.
LGBTQ+ people who belong to a religion or hold religious beliefs. For LGBTQ+ people who hold spiritual beliefs or engage in spiritual practices but do not belong to an organized religion, use the term "LGBTQ+ spiritual people."
Asexual people who belong to the indigenous Kalasha people and reside in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
LGBTQ+ people who belong to the indigenous Kalasha people and reside in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
Bisexual people who belong to the indigenous Kalasha people and reside in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
Gay men who belong to the indigenous Kalasha people and reside in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
Intersex people who belong to the indigenous Kalasha people and reside in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
Lesbians who belong to the indigenous Kalasha people and reside in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
Transgender people who belong to the indigenous Kalasha people and reside in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
Queer people who belong to the indigenous Kalasha people and reside in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
Asexual people who live in or are descended from those native to the Kashmir Valley in the Indian subcontinent.
LGBTQ+ people who live in or are descended from those native to the Kashmir Valley in the Indian subcontinent.
Bisexual people who live in or are descended from those native to the Kashmir Valley in the Indian subcontinent.
Gay men who live in or are descended from those native to the Kashmir Valley in the Indian subcontinent.
Intersex people who live in or are descended from those native to the Kashmir Valley in the Indian subcontinent.
Lesbians who live in or are descended from those native to the Kashmir Valley in the Indian subcontinent.
Transgender people who live in or are descended from those native to the Kashmir Valley in the Indian subcontinent.
Queer people who live in or are descended from those native to the Kashmir Valley in the Indian subcontinent.
Arabic word used in Oman for people who assigned male at birth who adopt feminine mannerisms and/or roles.
Asexual individuals who belong to or are descended from the people indigenous to the Chitral and Ghizer districts of modern-day Pakistan.
LGBTQ+ people who belong to or are descended from the people indigenous to the Chitral and Ghizer districts of modern-day Pakistan.
Bisexual individuals who belong to or are descended from the people indigenous to the Chitral and Ghizer districts of modern-day Pakistan.
Gay men who belong to or are descended from the people indigenous to the Chitral and Ghizer districts of modern-day Pakistan.
Intersex individuals who belong to or are descended from the people indigenous to the Chitral and Ghizer districts of modern-day Pakistan.
Lesbians who belong to or are descended from the people indigenous to the Chitral and Ghizer districts of modern-day Pakistan.
Transgender individuals who belong to or are descended from the people indigenous to the Chitral and Ghizer districts of modern-day Pakistan.
Queer individuals who belong to or are descended from the people indigenous to the Chitral and Ghizer districts of modern-day Pakistan.
Khmer term for third sex people. Can be considered outdated and offensive.
Sexual or erotic acts, objects, and situations that are considered to be unusual within a given society.
The homoerotic fan pairing of Kirk and Spock from Star Trek: The Original Series. The Kirk/Spock fandom originated much of the terminology and practices associated with fandom today--for example, the word "slash" comes from the forward slash in Kirk/Spock.
Names used to describe common pairings in fandom. Ship names are often portmanteaus of the names of two (or more) characters in the ship (e.g., Spirk for Spock and Kirk).
Asexual people who are from or descended from those native to the Konkan region of the Indian subcontinent, and who speak any of the dialects of the Konkani language.
LGBTQ+ people who are from or descended from those native to the Konkan region of the Indian subcontinent, and who speak any of the dialects of the Konkani language.
Bisexual people who are from or descended from those native to the Konkan region of the Indian subcontinent, and who speak any of the dialects of the Konkani language.
Gay men who are from or descended from those native to the Konkan region of the Indian subcontinent, and who speak any of the dialects of the Konkani language.
Intersex people who are from or descended from those native to the Konkan region of the Indian subcontinent, and who speak any of the dialects of the Konkani language.
Lesbians who are from or descended from those native to the Konkan region of the Indian subcontinent, and who speak any of the dialects of the Konkani language.
Transgender people who are from or descended from those native to the Konkan region of the Indian subcontinent, and who speak any of the dialects of the Konkani language.
Queer people who are from or descended from those native to the Konkan region of the Indian subcontinent, and who speak any of the dialects of the Konkani language.
Asexual people who live mostly in Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. They might also speak the Kumaoni language as their first language.
LGBTQ+ people who live mostly in Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. They might also speak the Kumaoni language as their first language.
Bisexual people who live mostly in Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. They might also speak the Kumaoni language as their first language.
Gay men who live mostly in Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. They might also speak the Kumaoni language as their first language.
Intersex people who live mostly in Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. They might also speak the Kumaoni language as their first language.
Lesbians who live mostly in Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. They might also speak the Kumaoni language as their first language.
Transgender people who live mostly in Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. They might also speak the Kumaoni language as their first language.
Queer people who live mostly in Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. They might also speak the Kumaoni language as their first language.
Asexual people who are from or are descended from those native to the the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
LGBTQ+ people who are from or are descended from those native to the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
Bisexual people who are from or are descended from those native to the the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
Gay men who are from or are descended from those native to the the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
Intersex people who are from or are descended from those native to the the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
Lesbians who are from or are descended from those native to the the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
Transgender people who are from or are descended from those native to the the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
Queer people who are from or are descended from those native to the the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
Lesbians who have not yet reached the age of adolescence.
Term that encompasses lesbian filmmaking, the lesbian film industry, and film as an art form within lesbian culture. For specific movies created by or representing lesbians, use the term "Lesbian films."
Motion pictures, or movies, created by lesbian directors, depicting lesbians, or that are regarded as important within lesbian culture.
Lesbians who are fathers. This includes non-binary people who have children and identify as fathers, as well as trans women who had children before transitioning and still identify as fathers to those children. Do not use to describe lesbian parents unless they self-identify as fathers.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning lesbians, or people who might be perceived as lesbian if they were alive today.
Lesbians who are the romantic, sexual, or play partners of another person or people.
The participation and inclusion of lesbians in fan communities.
Non-binary people who have not yet reached the age of adolescence.
Organized games or sports activities for LGBTQ+ people or communities; includes both competitive and recreational events.
Fans' personal interpretations of media properties and texts, particularly relating to the personalities and behaviors of characters. Use to describe headcanons that certain characters or relationships are LGBTQ+, as well as headcanons about other LGBTQ+ people and issues in the universe of the text.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning transgender people, or people who might be perceived as transgender if they were alive today.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning queer people, or people who might be perceived as queer if they were alive today.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning Two-Spirit people, or people who might be perceived as Two-Spirit if they were alive today.
Past events or accounts of the past concerning non-binary people, or people who might be perceived as non-binary if they were alive today.
LGBTQ+ people who have experienced and survived incest; follow the individual's preference for "victims" or "survivors" whenever possible.
Feelings of close familiarity or connection between two or more LGBTQ+ people that can be romantic, sexual, or platonic in nature. Can be used to describe the particularities of intimacy as experienced by LGBTQ+ people, as well as the ways intimacy is discussed and expressed within LGBTQ+ communities.
Strong feelings of affection arising out of kinship, personal ties, or intimate relationships between two or more LGBTQ+ people. Can be used to describe the particularities of love as experienced by LGBTQ+ people in a given culture, as well as the ways love is discussed and expressed within LGBTQ+ communities.
Ongoing connections (romantic, sexual, or platonic) between two or more LGBTQ+ people.
Public monuments designed to commemorate LGBTQ+ people who have been persecuted because of their gender and/or sexual identities.
People who share a romantic, sexual, or play partnership with another person or people.
Transgender people who are the romantic, sexual, or play partners of another person or people.
Queer people who are the romantic, sexual, or play partners of another person or people.
The participation and inclusion of queer people in fan communities.
LGBTQ+ people who are members of recovery groups, or voluntary associations of people in recovery from use disorders, conditions, or addictions.
Recovery groups, or voluntary associations of people in recovery from use disorders, conditions, or addictions, that are accepting and supportive of LGBTQ+ people and their identities.
LGBTQ+ people of native African ancestry living outside of the continent of Africa. While this term is commonly used to describe descendants of Africans who were enslaved and forcibly transported to the Americas via the transatlantic slave trade between the 16th and 19th centuries, it can also be used to refer to descendants of Africans who voluntarily immigrated to other parts of the world. Do not conflate with Black LGBTQ+ people or African American LGBTQ+ people. Follow the individual's preference whenever possible.
LGBTQ+ people intentionally refraining from substance use (typically drugs or alcohol). Follow the individual's preference for "sobriety" or "recovery" whenever possible.
Umbrella term for LGBTQ+ people who use substances (that are typically deemed harmful or are subject to legal restriction, such as drugs or alcohol) for any reason. Apply more specific terms if possible.
LGBTQ+ people with alcohol use disorders
LGBTQ+ people who have been diagnosed with or regard themselves as having an alcohol use disorder, a medical condition that involves a pattern of alcohol use that is difficult to control, negatively impacts the individual's life, and results in withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Only use to refer to individuals who describe themselves as having an alcohol use disorder. Follow the individual's preference for "use disorder" or "addiction" whenever possible.
LGBTQ+ people who use substances for medical purposes
People who use substances for medical purposes (LGBTQ)
LGBTQ+ people who use substances (that are typically deemed harmful or are subject to legal restriction, such as drugs or alcohol) in order to manage pain and other symptoms related to a medical condition or disability.
The use of substances (that are typically deemed harmful or are subject to legal restriction, such as drugs or alcohol) and discussions surrounding the particular impact of substance use within LGBTQ+ communities.
LGBTQ+ people with internet sex addictions
LGBTQ+ people with internet sexual addictions
LGBTQ+ people with pornography addictions
LGBTQ+ people experiencing addiction to or dependency upon sexual activities involving the internet, including watching pornography, engaging in sexual conversations online, etc. Only use to refer to individuals who describe themselves as having internet sex addictions, not individuals who sexual practices are perceived as promiscuous or excessive by others.
LGBTQ+ people experiencing addiction to or dependency upon sexual activities. Only use to refer to individuals who describe themselves as having sexual addictions, not individuals whose sexual practices are perceived as promiscuous or unsafe by others.
LGBTQ+ people with substance use disorders
People with substance abuse disorders (LGBTQ)
LGBTQ+ people who have been diagnosed with or regard themselves as having a substance use disorder, a medical condition that involves a pattern of substance use that is difficult to control, negatively impacts the individual's life, and results in withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Only use to refer to individuals who describe themselves as having a substance use disorder. Follow the individual's preference for "use disorder" or "addiction" whenever possible.
The relationships (primarily romantic or sexual) between characters in fanworks, including relationships that are not present within the canon text.
Groups of people united by a religion or religious practices that are accepting and supportive of LGBTQ+ people and their identities. Includes large-scale organized groups, such as denominations or sects, as well as small-scale groups, such as specific churches, mosques, temples, or congregations.
Term used in Malaysia for transgender women.
Asexual individuals who belong to or are descended from the people native to the Maldives (including the island of Minicoy) and speak the Maldivian language.
LGBTQ+ people who belong to or are descended from the people native to the Maldives (including the island of Minicoy) and speak the Maldivian language.
Bisexual individuals who belong to or are descended from the people native to the Maldives (including the island of Minicoy) and speak the Maldivian language.
Gay men who belong to or are descended from the people native to the Maldives (including the island of Minicoy) and speak the Maldivian language.
Intersex individuals who belong to or are descended from the people native to the Maldives (including the island of Minicoy) and speak the Maldivian language.
Lesbians who belong to or are descended from the people native to the Maldives (including the island of Minicoy) and speak the Maldivian language.
Queer individuals who belong to or are descended from the people native to the Maldives (including the island of Minicoy) and speak the Maldivian language.
Transgender individuals who belong to or are descended from the people native to the Maldives (including the island of Minicoy) and speak the Maldivian language.
Term used to describe individuals whose gender expression is more masculine than androgynous. Generally used as a self-descriptor within LGBTQ+ communities.
Adults who self-identify as men and understand their gender in terms of Western conceptions of manliness, maleness, and/or masculinity. The term has typically been defined as adult male humans, though not all men identify with the term "male" depending on the context in which it is used.
Slang term used to describe men who have romantic and/or sexual relationships with other men; often used as an alternative to the term "Men who have sex with men." Can be used to describe men who are exclusively or primarily interested in men, as well as men who are also interested in people of other or all genders. Only use to describe people who self-identify as MLM.
Adults who self-identify as women and understand their gender in terms of Western conceptions of womanness, femaleness, and/or femininity. The term has typically been defined as adult female humans, though not all women identify with the term "female" depending on the context in which it is used.
People who act as a mother to one or more LGBTQ+ person. For mothers who are themselves LGBTQ+, use the term "LGBTQ+ mothers."
Individuals who assume the role of mother to a queer person or queer people; use only for individuals who self-identify as mothers.
The fandom trope in which cisgender men can become pregnant. This term should not be used to describe pregnant trans men.
Gender-neutral term used to refer to the children of one's sibling; an alternative to "nephews" or "nieces."
Non-binary people who are between the ages of childhood and adulthood.
Practice of engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with more than one person simultaneously without each partner's consent.
Spanish term for people assigned male at birth who have a feminine gender identity; commonly used in South America.
In Māori culture in New Zealand, this term is used to describe people assigned female at birth who pursue traditionally male roles.
In Māori culture in New Zealand, this term is used to describe people assigned male at birth who pursue traditionally female roles.
North American Lakota word referring to people assigned male at birth who adopt feminine roles; translates to "to be like a woman."
Chinese word for individuals who are both female (yin) and male (yang).
In northern India and Pakistan, this term is used to refer to effeminate people.
Nigerian term that directly translates to "feminine men" but cannot be easily understood through Euro-American understandings of gender. The term has been used to describe people who may identify variously as feminine men, gay men, both male and female (or third gender), and/or trans. While some people self-identify as yan daudu, others consider the term a slur. Only use to describe individuals who self-identify as yan daudu.
Original works of creative fiction that focus on same-sex or same-gender relationships and incorporate tropes from fanfiction; includes femslash fiction.
People who act as parents to one or more people.
Individuals who have one or more LGBTQ+ child.
Individuals who have one or more non-binary child.
Individuals who have one ore more romantic, sexual, or play partner who is LGBTQ+.
Gender-neutral term used to refer to the siblings or siblings-in-law of one's parents; an alternative to "aunts" or "uncles."
Individuals who engage in relationships in which the dominant partner has multiple spouses, though the marriages are not typically recognized by society or law.
Individuals who take on the pup or puppy role in puppy play, a form of animal roleplay that is often but not always associated with BDSM and kink communities.
Acronym used to refer to queer and trans people of color as a group. Typically used to acknowledge the particularities of queer and trans people of color's experiences and the intersections of queerphobia, transphobia, and racism as directed towards queer and trans people of color.
Purposeful subtextual coding of a character or relationship in a piece of media as queer. Queer coding is distinct from the practice of queerbaiting in that the queer codes are intentionally present rather than falsely implied and are not typically used as a marketing tactic.
Marketing tactic in which creators of a piece of media purposefully hint at but do not explicitly depict or follow through with queer relationships or queer representation. Queerbaiting is distinct from queer coding in that queer coding is not typically used as a marketing tactic.
A content warning applied to fanworks to signal the presence of rape, non-consensual sexual encounters, or dubiously consensual sexual encounters.
Sexual identity or sexuality term used to describe women and, in some definitions, non-binary people who are sapphic, or attracted to women. Only use to describe individuals who describe their identity as sapphic.
Women and, in some definitions, non-binary people of any sexual identity or sexuality who are attracted to women. Some but not all sapphics use the term "sapphic" to describe their sexual identity or sexuality. Only use to describe individuals who self-identify as sapphic.
Legislation determining the kinds of sexual behaviors and activities that are legally permissible. Laws vary by jurisdiction but typically address crimes like sexual coercion, sexual assault, incest, and sex trafficking. Historically and in the present day, sexual offenses laws have also served to criminalize consensual but non-normative sexual practices, such as anal sex and homosexuality.
People who share a sibling relationship with one or more LGBTQ+ person. For siblings who are themselves LGBTQ+, use the term "LGBTQ+ siblings."
Fan-created photo manipulations or deepfakes depicting sexual or romantic relationships between characters from various media properties. Typically erotic or pornographic in nature. Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash manips.
The act of pretending to be and behaving as a character in a sexual or romantic relationship with another character of the same sex or gender, sometimes to generate ideas for fanworks. Typically erotic or pornographic in nature. Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash roleplay.
Creating videos about sexual or romantic relationships between same-sex or -gender couples using scenes from television, movies, or video games. Historically used for male-male couples only, but is now used more broadly; includes femslash vidding.
Sons who have one or more LGBTQ+ parent. For sons who are themselves LGBTQ+, use the term "LGBTQ+ sons."
Period of feminist political activity beginning in the early 1990s that embraced diversity and individualism in women and sought to redefine what it meant to be a feminist. The third wave is characterized by the emergence of new feminist movements and theories such as intersectionality, sex positivity, ecofeminism, transfeminism, and postmodern feminism.
As defined by Emi Koyama, transfeminism is a movement by and for trans woman who view the liberation of trans women as essential to the liberation of all women.
A content warning applied to fanworks to signal the depiction of people under the age of consent in sexual situations, either with other underage people or adults.
Term used to describe (and criticize) forms of feminism that focus on the needs of white women at the expense of women of color.
Slang term used to describe women who have romantic and/or sexual relationships with other women. Can be used to describe women who are exclusively or primarily interested in women, as well as women who are also interested in people of other or all genders. Only use to describe people who self-identify as WLW.