
Orientation Dictionary
These are words that are useful for facilitators to know and be able to use fluently in activities about sexual orientation. Some of this language may be unfamiliar to you, particularly because it evolves quickly. Some will be familiar to you, but you may not have had a specific definition to use if a participant were to ask what exactly it meant. Some of these terms are not appropriate to use; the details of why are explained. Some have meanings that are very close to each other and it is not always immediately clear what the differences are. Nevertheless, it is critical to honor the language that people choose for themselves rather than assuming a term with a similar definition will work just as well.
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Advocate
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Ally
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Androsexual
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Aromantic
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Asexual
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Bicurious
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Biphobia
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Biromantic
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Bisexual
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Bottom
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Coming out
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Conversion therapy
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Down low
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Dyke
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Emotional attraction
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Fag
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Fluid
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Gay
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Grey-romantic
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Grey-sexual
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Gynesexual
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Heteronormative
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Heterosexism
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Homophobia
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Homosexual
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Lesbian
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Lipstick lesbian
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Love
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Men who have sex with men (MSM)
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Outing
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Pansexual
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Polyamorous
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Polysexual
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Queer
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Questioning
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Romantic attraction
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Same-gender loving
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Sexual attraction
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Sexual behavior
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Sexual identity
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Sexual orientation
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Sexual preference
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Skoliosexual
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Spiritual attraction
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Straight
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