An umbrella term representing a spectrum of identities outside of the gender normative majority (i.e., heterosexual and/or monogamous). After several decades of being used as a derogatory slur, the term is now being used by many people in the LGBTQPIA community as a self-affirming descriptor. However, the term is still considered offensive when used as an adjective or descriptive phrase for characteristics of another individual.

Note: Definitions related to identity terms vary across communities, cultures, regions, may change across time, and are dependent on an individual’s interpretation and experiences. Not all patients/victims may agree with or identify with the current definitions in this glossary.