non-heterosexual
Outside heterosexual orientation
Non-heterosexual describes sexual orientations other than heterosexuality—gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and others.
The term serves as an umbrella when specificity isn't needed or when grouping these orientations together: non-heterosexual youth, services for non-heterosexual individuals.
Some find the term awkward for defining identities by what they aren't.
Attracted to same sex
- lesbianWoman desiring women
- pansexualAttracted regardless of gender
- queerUnusual or non-normative
- demisexualAttraction only after bonding
polysexual · omnisexual · androsexual · sapphic · aromantic · questioning · fluid · spectrum
Unusual or non-normative
- LGBTQ+Sexual and gender minorities
- coming-outPublic declaration of identity
- closetedKeeping part of oneself secret
- outNot present here
self-discovery · authenticity · questioning · label · terminology · community · belonging · visibility
Active support for marginalized
- inclusionBeing made part
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- affirmationPositive statement of truth
validation · open-mindedness · respect · solidarity · compassion · welcoming · nonjudgmental · understanding
Refracted light arc
- paradeCeremonial public procession
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
- visibilityRange of clear sight
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
liberation · march · festival · flag · Stonewall · activism · resistance · solidarity
Prejudice against same-sex attraction
- biphobiaPrejudice against bisexual people
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- heteronormativityAssumed universal straightness
marginalization · hate-crime · bullying · exclusion · erasure · microaggression · stereotyping · othering
gay
Attracted to same sex
demisexual · polysexual · omnisexual · androsexual · sapphic · aromantic · questioning · fluid · spectrum · multisexual
queer
Unusual or non-normative
- LGBTQ+Sexual and gender minorities
- coming-outPublic declaration of identity
- closetedKeeping part of oneself secret
out · self-discovery · authenticity · questioning · label · terminology · community · belonging · visibility · representation
allyship
Active support for marginalized
affirmation · validation · open-mindedness · respect · solidarity · compassion · welcoming · nonjudgmental · understanding · empathy
rainbow
Refracted light arc
- paradeCeremonial public procession
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
- visibilityRange of clear sight
empowerment · liberation · march · festival · flag · Stonewall · activism · resistance · solidarity · equality
homophobia
Prejudice against same-sex attraction
- biphobiaPrejudice against bisexual people
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
- stigmaMark of dishonor
heteronormativity · marginalization · hate-crime · bullying · exclusion · erasure · microaggression · stereotyping · othering · criminalization
heterosexual, heterosexuality, heterosexually, sexual, sexually, sexuality, asexual, bisexual, homosexual