Triangle

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

Pangender

Description
A gender identity where you might feel feminine, masculine, and non-binary simultaneously.

Pansexual (pan)

Description
A sexual identity where you're attracted to people based on them as individuals, regardless of their gender (also called being 'gender blind').

Polyamorous

Description
People who have more than one partner, where everybody involved is aware of and consents to the relationships.

Pride

Description
An event that happens in towns and cities around the world to draw the public's attention to LGBTQ+ rights, and to celebrate being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Progress flag

Description
An updated version of the rainbow flag which includes black and brown to represent LGBTQ+ people of colour, and the trans flag colours of blue, pink, and white. The flag symbolises an inclusive and diverse LGBTQ+ community.

Pronouns

Description
Parts of grammar like 'she', 'his', and 'theirs'. Everyone uses pronouns, even if they're not LGBTQ+. It's really important to use the pronouns you've been asked to; this is a key way of respecting people's gender identity. If you're not sure what pronouns someone uses, it's best to refer to them as "they" rather than assume you know their gender identity based on their appearance or name. Also, don't assume someone's gender identity from their pronouns; some non-binary people might still use 'she' or 'he', for example.

Puberty blockers

Description
Medication to temporarily stop the hormones associated with puberty. These can be life-saving for young people experiencing distress as their bodies change during adolescence, but are also reversible (if you stop taking them, puberty resumes).
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