Ally: An individual or group that is supportive of the LGBTQ community.
Gender: A person’s self-identity as man, woman, or other designation along the gender, non-binary spectrum. 
LGBTQ: An abbreviation that has replaced what was formally known as “the gay community”. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or questioning). Its use recognizes a more diverse and inclusive community. 
Lesbian: An individual who identifies as a woman who is emotionally, physically, or sexually attracted to other women.
Gay: An individual who identifies as a man who is emotionally, physically, or sexually attracted to other men. (The term gay has also been used to describe any same-gender physical relationship.)
Bisexual: An individual who is sexually and romantically attracted to men and women or others.
Transgender: An individual who identifies as a sex other than that assigned at birth.
Queer: An individual whose identity is more fluid and inclusive of diverse sexual orientations and/or gender identities. Once considered an offensive term, it has been reclaimed by individuals as a description of self-empowerment.
Questioning: An individual who is unsure about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and prefers to identify as “questioning” rather than adhering to an inappropriate label.
Sex: Designation of male/female usually assigned at birth based on biological characteristics.
Sexual Orientation: An individual’s desire for intimate, emotional and/or sexual relationships with others.
Gender Identity: How one self-identifies based upon an innate feeling of masculinity, femininity, or combination (or lack) of either. 
Gender Expression: The way an individual presents to others through appearance, mannerisms, behaviors, and speech which is indicative of sex or gender. The way a person expresses their gender offers clues on how they wish to be perceived and treated.
Pronouns: Words used other than names to identify individuals or groups traditionally based upon sex or gender. He/him, she/her have been used as binary designations (only male/female) while they/theirs (singular) is used by some in our non-binary society. Pronouns are self-selected, varied, and may include ze/hir, ey/em, and numerous others. It is important to use the pronoun an individual prefers.

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