Common Symbols & Definitions
 |
Pride
Flag: A flag, designed after the colors of the
rainbow, which has been used to represent LGBT communities and
movements since the 1970s. It is often used as a symbol of
gay pride. [More Information] |
 |
Pink
Triangle: An inverted pink triangle was first
used by Nazis during World War II to identify gay men, a black triangle
identifying lesbians. These symbols serve as reminders of the
statement, "Never Again!" [More Information] |
 |
Green Circle: The green circle signifies a safe zone or environment for the GLBTQ community. It often contains other symbols, such as the pink inverted triangle. |
 |
Universal Transgender Symbol: A modified biological symbol, combining a male and female symbol, as well as cross topped by an arrowhead, which combines the male and female arms. |
 |
Double Men Symbol: "Greek God of War" - represents planet Mars. The two interlocking male symbols represent man loving man. |
 |
Double Women Symbol: "Mirror of Venus" - represents planet Venus, metal, copper, and femininity. The two interlocking female symbols represent woman loving woman. |
 |
Overlapping Triangles: Blue and pink overlapping triangles represent bisexuality, similarly to how pink and black triangles represent gay men and lesbians. |
 |
Transgender Pride Flag: Used in a similar fashion to the traditional pride flag, this is used to show pride and support for transgendered people. |
| Gender: Social categories (consisting of roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes, among other things) that a society classes people into, usually based on sex. ("Between the Ears") | |
| Sex: Physical/genetic categories into which most organisms are grouped, based partially on their reproductive roles and genetic makeup. ("Between the Legs") | |
| FTM / F2M:
Abbreviation for female-to-male transgender or transsexual
person. |
|
| MTF / M2F:
Abbreviation for male-to-female transgender or transsexual
person. |
|
| Passing:
Describes a person's ability to be accepted as their
preferred gender/sex or race/ethnic identity, or to be seen as ("pass
as") heterosexual. |
|
| Queer:
An umbrella term to include everyone in the GLBTQ community.
Formerly used as an insult, people now use it to identify
themselves, without having to associate with any one label. |
|
| Coming
Out: The process of accepting your own
sexuality, gender identity, or status as an intersex person; and/or the
process of sharing your own personal identity with other people. |
|
| Homophobia:
The irrational fear or hatred of homosexuals, homosexuality,
or any behavior or belief that does not conform to rigid sex role
stereotypes. |
|
| Heterosexism:
Prejudice against individuals and groups who display
nonheterosexual behaviors or identities, combined with the majority
power to impose such prejudice. Usually tied to the advantage
of the group in power. |
|
| Closeted:
A lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person who cannot or
will not disclose their sex, sexuality, gender identity, or status as
an intersex person with other people. |
|
| Outing:
Involuntary disclosure of one's sexual orientation, gender
identity, or intersex status. |
More Information
LAMBADA GLBT
Symbols
A page going into detail about the origins and uses for various
GLBTQ-related symbols.
Advocates For Youth
Definitions
A comprehensive list of GLBTQ-related terms, definitions, and word
uses.