People around the world face violence and inequality and sometimes torture, even execution because of who they love, how they look, or who they are. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of our selves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse. Human Rights Watch works for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peoples' rights, and with activists representing a multiplicity of identities and issues. We document and expose abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity worldwide, including torture, killing and executions, arrests under unjust laws, unequal treatment, censorship, medical abuses, discrimination in health and jobs and housing, domestic violence, abuses against children, and denial of family rights and recognition. We advocate for laws and policies that will protect everyone's dignity. We work for a world where all people can enjoy their rights fully

Have you ever wondered what LGBT and being an "ally" mean? Knowing some key terms and concepts, like the difference between "sex," "gender," and "sexual orientation," are ways to be an ally.

The term "LGBT" technically stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. It includes both sexual orientation (LGB) and gender identity (T). But, it's sometimes used as an umbrella term for anyone who does not identify as straight (heterosexual) or cisgender, so it's important to know other sexual and gender identities the term covers. Below, we break down a few basic terms and concepts. These are just some of the many terms that are used to define sexual orientation, as well as gender identity and expression. A word of caution: Be careful not to impose any of these terms onto others. Let others identify themselves in ways that make them feel safe and authentic to their true selves.

Know Key Terms and Concepts

• Let's start with the basics:
  • Sex : Genetic and physical body characteristics people are born with, labeled male or female.
  • Gender :  A social and cultural expression of sex; not the biological sex people are born with.
  • Intersex :  People who are born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit typical definitions of "male" or "female."
  • Sexual Orientation :  Romantic, emotional, and/or sexual attraction to others.
  • Gender Identity :  An internal feeling of being male, female, or something else.
  • Gender Expression :  Ways of showing gender to others, such as through mannerisms, clothes, and personal interests.
  • Questioning :  Individuals who are unsure about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
  • Ally :  An individual or organization that openly supports and affirms the rights and dignity of LGBT people.

• Sexual orientation:
  • Lesbian/Gay :  Individuals who are romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually attracted to the same sex/gender.
  • Bisexual :  Individuals who are romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually attracted to multiple sexes/genders.

• Gender identity and expression:
  • Cisgender :  Individuals whose gender identity/expressions is similar to that typically associated with their assigned sex at birth.
  • Transgender :  Individuals whose gender identity/expression is different from that typically associated with their assigned sex at birth.
  • Transitioning :  When individuals begin to express their authentic gender, which differs from that typically associated with their assigned sex at birth. Individuals who are transitioning may express their gender identity through changes in clothes, hairstyle, and makeup/accessories and may undergo medical or surgical treatments.
  • Two-Spirit :  Created specifically by and for some Native American communities. Native American people who (a) express their gender and/or sexual orientation in indigenous, non-Western ways, and/or (b) define themselves as LGBTQI in a native context

Learn More

For more information about key concepts and terms on LGBT, check out the LGBT youth topic on youth.gov; YE4C Change Makers Josh, Amanda, and endever*.