Other terms:
Civil Unions or Domestic Partnership – Two phrases used to describe a same-sex couple’s long term union, which may or may not be recognized, and protected by, the government, depending on the location.
Community – (gay community, queer community, <your choice of word> community) The concept of queer people coming together over a shared identity.
Cross dresser – Someone who dresses up as the “opposite gender” for a variety of reasons. Cross dressers may be trans or gender-conforming, gay, straight, or any other identity.
Drag – Exaggerated gender presentation, usually for the purpose of performance/entertainment or fun. Any person can do any type of drag.
Heterosexism – Prejudice against and/or discrimination of others based on actual or perceived identity.
Homophobia – The fear or hatred of people based upon their actual or perceived sexuality.
LGBT+ – The acronym I lovingly call Alphabet Soup, used to describe the queer community. It can include letters such as LGBTAIQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, asexual/androgynous, intersex, queer/questioning) and more.
Partner – Used to describe the person one has entered a long-term, committed relationship with. Alternative to boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/etcetera.
Pride – A controversial concept, even among members of the queer community, which includes pride in one’s sexuality or gender identity OR pride in the movement, and achievements, of queer people.
Queer – An all-inclusive umbrella term which can be used to describe both non-heterosexual sexualities and gender non-conforming identities. Queer has been reclaimed by sexual and gender minorities as an affirmative term and is only considered offensive when used as an epithet.
Same-sex marriage – A controversial topic in many countries, same-sex marriages would allow queer people to marry and be recognized by their government.
Transphobia – The fear or hatred of people based upon their actual OR perceived gender identity.