HOMOSEXUAL:
A person that is primarily attracted (emotionally, spiritually, and physically)
to persons of the same sex.
GAY:
Usually refers to a homosexual male, but can also refer to a homosexual female,
as well as the gay community in general.
LESBIAN:
A gay female.
BISEXUAL:
A person who is more or less attracted (emotionally, spiritually, and
physically) to persons of either sex. Some believe that we are all bisexual to a
certain degree.
HETEROSEXUAL:
A person that is primarily attracted (emotionally, spiritually, and physically)
to persons of the opposite sex.
STRAIGHT:
Another term for heterosexual.
TRANSGENDER:
Relating to transsexuals, transvestites, cross-dressers, or anyone who tends to
blur traditional gender boundries.
TRANSSEXUAL:
A person who strongly identifies with the opposite gender, usually includes a
desire to actually be the opposite sex. Most often refers to a person who has
had a sex change operation.
TRANSVESTITE:
Someone who derives sexual pleasure from dressing in clothing generally
identified with the opposite sex. While the terms homosexual and transvestite
have been used synonymously, they are in fact two different terms. The majority
of transvestites are heterosexuals. Crossdressing that does not include any
sexual charge is usually referred to as DRAG.
HETEROSEXISM:
The societal assumption that everyone is heterosexual, and that heterosexuality
is somehow superior to homosexuality.
HOMOPHOBIA:
An unrealistic or irrational fear of homosexuality. Homophobia is perpetuated by
the negative stereotypes and misconceptions that surround the subject of
homosexuality. Homophobia can lead to hatred, discrimination, and violence
against homosexuals.
* Both heterosexuals and homosexuals can be homophobic.
LOVER:
Many gay and lesbian people use the term lover (for lack of a better
word) to refer to their spouse or partner, much like a heterosexual would use
the term husband or wife. The term lover can be misleading however, since
the many heterosexuals reserve the term lover to describe an exclusively
sexual relationship, affair, or fling.
SIGNIFICANT OTHER & PARTNER are also commonly used.