LGBTQ+ Basic Definitions & Terms for Parents
This webpage is intended for parents of children who have recently come out to them as LGBTQ+. It provides basic definitions for terms that the LGBTQ+ uses to "label" people. Not all individuals have labels for them, and that's okay! Labels are just a way to help identify and understand others better, when it is a feasible option to do so.
- Gay or lesbian - Your child is romantically, physically, and/or sexually attracted to the same gender
- Bisexual or pansexual - Your child is romantically, physically, and/or sexually attracted to all genders. (Note: There is a difference between these two, but in order to simplify it, we have classified them as the same to avoid confusion. You can search up the differences yourself if you'd like!)
- Straight - Your child is romantically, physically, and/or sexually attracted to the gender that is opposite of what they are.
- Asexual - Your child does not feel sexual attraction at all. Once puberty begins, this can be decided.
- Aromantic - Your child does not feel romantic attraction at all. Once puberty begins, this can be decided.
- Transgender - Your child wants to transition to become a gender they were not born with. (A boy wants to become a girl, a girl wants to become a boy, etc)
- Cisgender - Your child's gender is the one that they've been given at birth.
- Nonbinary - Your child feels like they have no gender, or a gender that is not boy/girl.
- Polyamorous - Your child can be romantically, physically, and/or sexually attracted to several people at the same time. This is NOT the same as cheating!
- Monogamous - Your child can only be romantically, physically, and or sexually attracted to only ONE person at a time.