sexual minority
Non-heterosexual or non-cisgender
Sexual minority refers to people whose sexual orientation or identity differs from the heterosexual majority.
The term encompasses gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other non-heterosexual identities.
It frames these identities in demographic rather than pathological terms: sexual minority youth face higher rates of bullying, research on sexual minority health.
The phrasing is clinical and appears most often in academic or policy contexts.
Attracted to same sex
- lesbianWoman desiring women
- transgenderGender differs from assignment
- queerUnusual or non-normative
- pansexualAttracted regardless of gender
nonbinary · intersex · genderqueer · genderfluid · two-spirit · demisexual · polyamorous · androsexual
Active support for marginalized
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- safe spaceSupportive, threat-free environment
- affirmationPositive statement of truth
- visibilityRange of clear sight
representation · solidarity · pride · intersectionality · cultural competence · inclusive language · chosen family · community
Same status for all
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- human rightsInalienable personal freedoms
- activismDirect effort for reform
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
advocacy · marriage equality · anti-discrimination · decriminalization · hate crime laws · civil union · legal recognition · protection
Mark of dishonor
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- marginalizationRelegation to powerless periphery
- exclusionBeing barred from participation
harassment · invisibility · stereotyping · persecution · isolation · vulnerability · underrepresentation · othering
gay
Attracted to same sex
- lesbianWoman desiring women
- transgenderGender differs from assignment
- queerUnusual or non-normative
pansexual · nonbinary · intersex · genderqueer · genderfluid · two-spirit · demisexual · polyamorous · androsexual · agender
allyship
Active support for marginalized
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- safe spaceSupportive, threat-free environment
- affirmationPositive statement of truth
visibility · representation · solidarity · pride · intersectionality · cultural competence · inclusive language · chosen family · community · support network
equality
Same status for all
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- human rightsInalienable personal freedoms
- activismDirect effort for reform
legislation · advocacy · marriage equality · anti-discrimination · decriminalization · hate crime laws · civil union · legal recognition · protection · reform
stigma
Mark of dishonor
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- marginalizationRelegation to powerless periphery
exclusion · harassment · invisibility · stereotyping · persecution · isolation · vulnerability · underrepresentation · othering · microaggression