As we continue to build a culture of inclusion, diversity, and belonging at RNDC and Young’s, we are proud to celebrate Pride Month which recognizes the impact of the LGBTQ community and focuses on equal rights. Pride Month also commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots, the event largely regarded as the catalyst for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. With our nation’s current unrest, we encourage everyone this month and beyond to deepen your understanding of social injustice and the fight for equal rights for ALL.
While most people are familiar with the letters L-G-B-T-Q, some may not be quite sure. We know that many people refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. Let’s use Pride Month to increase our understanding!
This abbreviated glossary provides terms and meanings to help make conversations easier and more comfortable. It was developed by the Human Rights Campaign and Foundation, America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality.
Lesbian | A woman who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
Gay | A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to members of the same gender.
Bisexual | A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender or gender identity though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree.
Transgender | An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.
Queer | A term people often use to express fluid identities and orientations. Often used interchangeably with “LGBTQ.”
Ally | A person who is not LGBTQ but shows support for LGBTQ people and promotes inclusion and equality in a variety of ways.