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
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Family

Description

LGBTQ+ families come in all shapes and sizes, and LGBTQ+ people can still have children if they want to (whether biologically or through adoption/fostering). Just because somebody's LGBTQ+, you shouldn't assume they necessarily do or don't want a family.

Flags

Description

There are many different flags to represent different LGBTQ+ identities. Many LGBTQ+ people choose to display or wear them as a way of showing pride in their identity or to signal their identity to others.

Fluidity

Description

It's common for people to move through different identities throughout their lives. Sexual and gender identities aren't necessarily fixed forever once someone comes out. Equally, bi and pan people can still identify as such even if they settle down with one person; they don't become straight or gay depending on the gender of their long-term partner.

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