Derogatory names for gay people
LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary
GLOSSARY
The terms and definitions below are always evolving, changing and often represent different things to different people. They are provided below as a starting point for discussion and understanding. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the early s.
These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help give others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they mean when they use a term, especially when they use it to portray their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a word for themselves.
“If I didn't describe myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” -Audre Lorde
This glossary contains terms, such as ableism and disability, that may not be considered directly related to identities of sexuality or gender. T
Ativo: The partner who penetrates in a male homosexual encounter.
Bicha: Fairy, faggot. Coined in the s and widespread by the s, 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 term of endearment.
Bofe: A masculine-acting man 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. Designation popular from the ss.
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 ss.
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 have sex, the bicha’s friends stealthily steal the contents of the man’s wallet.
Enten bog queen Synonyms: Bathsheba (composition between bathroom and Sheba to create a call reminiscent of the Queen of Sheba), Ghost (50s, ghost, because they wander the corridors of the bathroom). Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ people organizations and leaders. Notice acknowledgements section. Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender statement, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary. Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@ *NOTE: Ask people what terms they operate to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence. LGBTQ
LGBTQIA+ Slurs and Slang
Term Contextual note Time/Region References ace queen s term sense “great queen”. Prison slang for a man who wears a more “feminine” look i.e. shaved legs, plucked eyebrows. May be described as part of incarcerated homosexual culture. Should not be confused with the more widely-used word "ace," a shortening of "asexual." See "asexual." UK, USA, s Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary alphabet people Offensive contemporary word for LGBTQ+ people, often used by right-wing people reacting to perceived advancements in LGBTQ+ people's rights. s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - bathroom queen Gay slang expression for people who frequent common toilets looking for sexual encounters. USA, UK Mosca de Colores – Homosexual Dictionary batting for the other team A euphemistic group of words indicating that someone (of any gender) is homosexual. T Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Acronym for female homosexual, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering back 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 thi