Being GLBTT*

Defining 'GLBTT*'

The acronym GLBTT* represents gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, Two Spirit, and other people who are oppressed or marginalized in society because of any aspect of their gender or the ways that they express love and desire.

This may include a person’s mannerisms, career choice, anatomy, physical appearance, personality, and culture. It may include how they identify, how other people perceive them, what is expected of them, who they are attracted to, the type of sex they like to have or not have, and whom—if anyone—they like to have sex with.

The ordering of the letters does not represent a hierarchy of value. And if you’ve been looking for the *note* at the bottom of the page, we’re using the asterisk (*) to indicate other identities and sexualities, since letters and words cannot fully represent the diversity of who we are.

How do you identify?

While GLBTT* people share some common experiences, it is impossible for one word, phrase, or acronym to accurately represent everyone. You will come across other words that refer to this community: rainbow, queer, gay, and a whole range of acronyms (e.g. LGBT, LGBTTIQQ2S are common).

Some words may offend you. Some may offend others. Either way, it’s good to use whatever language makes you feel comfortable, and to respect the words that other GLBTT* people use to describe themselves.

Other specific words that GLBTT* people might use to identify themselves include ally, bottom, cisgender, curious, drag king, drag queen, fluid, FTM, genderqueer, intersex, MTF, omnisexual, poz, pansexual, polyamourous, questioning, top, tranny, transman, transwoman...and we’re just getting started!

Want more? Check out Yay Genderform! —a list of almost 1,000 options and infinite variations. Feeling stumped or confused about your identity? Visit our Crisis Services.