Definition

One who feels no sexual attraction or desire towards any gender identity; free from or unaffected by sexuality. 

Usage 

Asexual is an adjective describing one’s sexuality.

Jordan: I’m asexual! There are a decent amount of ace (short for asexual) blogs on Tumblr.

See also

Ace, grey-a, demisexual, sexual orientation,

Definition

One whose gender identity is different from the gender assigned at birth. Not all folks of transgender experience identify as transgender. Some folks of transgender experience see themselves as disabled in some ways. Especially in stealth places, you’ll see some folks describing their transitions as correcting a “birth defect” (scare quotes not for the feeling but for the potentially ableist notions of the term). 

Transgender is an umbrella term that includes non-binary transgender folks. In some spaces, you’ll see transgender and genderqueer placed separately, and genderqueer is assumed to be its own umbrella term. Genderqueer is not always a non-binary identity (some folks perform their gender queerly), but when it is, it’s part of the trans* community as are other non-binary gender identities.

Usage

Transgender is an adjective describing a state of being. Some folks say transgendered, but that implies that it’s a verb and, say, you could transgender someone or be transgendered yourself if you don’t watch out. Some folks use it as a noun and say “my friend is a transgender.” Some folks take offense to that wording.

Jack: “HI, my name is Jack, and I am transgender.”

Sally: “What pronouns do you prefer? Are you out to everyone or would you prefer that I not use your preferred pronouns in certain spaces?”

See also

Cisgender, trans*, LGBT, GSM, QUILTBAG

edited by queerdictionary

Definition

GSM is an acronym for “Gender and/or Sexuality Minority.” This is the basic catch-all for people who are not cisgender and/or heterosexual. It is more encompassing than the traditional LGBT and other such acronyms while still including those who don’t identify as queer or who are offended by the term.

Considering that GSM is more inclusive, not all LGBT spaces are truly GSM spaces as many of them function on excluding those who are not cisgender, gay, white, rich men. Using the term GSM is not meant to excuse exclusivity but to inspire inclusivity.

Usage

GSM is used in a sentence in the same way you’d use LGBT, QUILTBAG, and other acronyms.

Examples:

• The space is GSM friendly which is why I go.
• Did you go to the most recent GSM community support meeting?
• I am a part of the GSM community!

See also

LGBT, LGBTQ, QUILTBAG, queer

submitted by veggieburgerwithbacon and edited by queerdictionary.

Definition

Pansexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a potential aesthetic attraction, romantic love and/or sexual desire for anybody, including people who do not fit into the gender binary of male/female implied by bisexual attraction. The term pansexual is typically used to describe sexual attraction but, as stated earlier, is also used to denote romantic attraction. Pansexuality is sometimes described as the capacity to love a person romantically irrespective of gender. Some pansexuals also assert that gender and sex are meaningless to them. Others say that gender plays an important role in their attraction to someone while not being a deciding factor.

“Pansexual” is an identity and, therefore, is not a definitive statement as it can and does mean different things to different people.

Usage

Used by people who feel they are attracted to people outside the gender binary, or those who are attracted to the person, not the gender.

“Pansexual” is technically an adjective but is also colloquially used as a noun, similar to “gays” and “lesbians.”

Example: 

Gay folks are defined as people who have the potential to be attracted to those of the same gender. Bisexual folks are typically defined as those who are potentially attracted to people falling within two gender identities (one, the other, or both). Pansexual folks are potentially attracted to any individual.

See also

Panromantic

Submitted by kiwianainked