TALKING ABOUT LGBTQ+ SPORT
With LGBTQ+ teammates comes a unique set of terminology and slang. Below are just a few terms you may hear from an LGBTQ+ teammate or when discussing LGBTQ+ teammates (Killermann, 2020; Krane, 2019). It is important to know these terms so you can better and more respectfully address those in the LGBTQ+ community.
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A more comprehensive list can be found here.
TERMS
ALLY
Someone who is heterosexual (straight) and supports the rights of LGBTQ+ people
Bisexual
Someone who is attracted to people of their own gender or other genders
cisgender
Someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth
gay
A male who is sexually attracted to other males
GENDER
Label given to someone based on ideas of roles and behaviors of a certain sex
gender fluid
Individuals whose identity shifts or fluctuates
intersex
Individuals with bodies that differ from what is typically associated with female and male bodies; may have characteristics of both female and male bodies
lesbian
A female who is sexually attracted to other females
pansexual
Someone who is attracted to individuals of any sex, gender, or sexual orientation
queer
A broad category of people who identify as something other than heterosexual
SEX
Assigned at birth, based on physical traits, chromosomes, and hormones
transgender
People whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the biological sex they were assigned at birth
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
The sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction one person can have for another