Derogatory terms for gay
Glossary
This is a list of carefully researched and thoughtfully discussed definitions for key gender and sexuality terms. It is by no means a comprehensive list, but it is a good place for us to start. Identity terms mean very particular things to diverse individuals. The definitions provided in this document reflect the current general empathetic of these terms. We understand that language around sexuality and gender is always changing and we will review these terms regularly.
If there is a term that you feel should be included here, please let us know. You can email and/or call the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at gscc@msu.edu or (517) 353-9520.
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To understand LGBTQIA2S+ identities and communities we must first distinguish three important concepts (gender, sex, and sexuality) and debate the version of the acronym we are using on this website and in our educational programs and resources.
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ group organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary.
Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org
*NOTE: Seek people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender culture and gender verbalization before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, male lover, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel
Ativo: The partner who penetrates in a male homosexual encounter.
Bicha: Fairy, faggot. Coined in the 1930s and widespread by the 1960s, the term remains the most common way to speak pejoratively about gay men. Not quite as offensive as viado, the word is sometimes used among gay men as a word of endearment.
Bofe: A masculine-acting guy who assumed the active role in homoerotic relations. Was considered a “real” man who only turned bonecas due to the sexual unavailability of Brazilian women, who were expected to maintain their virginity until marriage. Word popular from the 1950s-1970s.
Boneca: Literally “doll.” The boneca desired to be penetrated by bofes and strongly ascribed to the notion of a rigid active/passive construct of homosexuality. Term popular from the 1950s-1970s.
Cantada: Words or gestures indicating sexual interest.
Conto de suor: Literally “the story of one who sweats,” refers to a situation in which a bicha lures a “real man” to a boardinghouse. While the two acquire sex, the bicha’s friends stealthily steal the contents of the man’s wallet.
Entendido: Literally “the one in the know.” Initially used as a coded express
LGBTQIA+ Slurs and Slang
bog queen
Synonyms: Bathsheba (composition between bathroom and Sheba to create a name reminiscent of the Queen of Sheba), Ghost (50s, ghost, because they wander the corridors of the bathroom).