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
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• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
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• N
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• P
• Q
• R
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• U
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Inclusive language

Description

Using language which doesn't specify or assume that an experience is only shared by one gender, such as saying "people" rather than "women" in the context of pregnancy and menstruation.

Intersex

Description

When your biological sex characteristics don't fit neatly into the boxes of 'female' or 'male'. Some intersex people identify with a binary gender, others identify as non-binary. Importantly, not all intersex people feel part of the LGBTQ+ community, but some do.

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