This glossary has been produced by members of LGBTQ+ youth groups in England with Dr Lucy Jones from the University of Nottingham. We hope it helps you to understand the language used by many young LGBTQ+ people to describe their lives and their identities, and to support them through their journey into adulthood.

Glossary of words

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Cis

Description

Short for 'cisgender', this is when your gender identity lines up with the sex you were assigned at birth.

Coming out

Description

Sharing your gender or sexual identity with other people. Some young people come out as queer or questioning rather than as anything more specific; it's important not to rush them to "pick a label".

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