Understanding acronyms and definitions

The preferred acronym in the majority of cases in this guide and across NSW Health to denote the experience of lesbian, gay, bi+, trans, people with intersex variations and queer people. These groups are the focus of funding under the NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022-2027¹. LGBTIQA+ or LGBT+ are other acronyms that describe people and groups.

The L is used first in the acronym following an intentional reordering of terms in the 1990s to honour the work of lesbians during the 1980s and 1990s AIDS crisis, and elevate lesbians’ visibility and rights.²

As above, but used in a context that does not include people with intersex variations. In this resource, you will see the experiences of young people with intersex variations explained separately to other groups, as they are often not included in LGBTQ+ research and do not always identify as part of LGBTQ+ communities.

Queer, trans and/or intersex person of colour.

The addition of sistagirl and brothaboy (SB) represents Aboriginal experiences and identities and is more inclusive.

A group of people who are not biologically related but consider themselves family due to deep emotional bonds, mutual support and affection. These relationships often provide the same sense of belonging and support as traditional family structures. Chosen families are particularly important for LGBTIQ+ people, where biological family may not be affirming or safe.

A name chosen by a trans or gender diverse person that fits with their gender identity.

A name given at birth that a trans or gender diverse person no longer uses, as it does not affirm their sense of self or gender identity.

The act of letting others know about one’s sexuality, gender identity or intersex variation. Disclosure can be revisited at various times in a person's life, with associated changes in identity over time.³

For a person with an intersex variation, this variation is an innate aspect of a person's body rather than their identity. They may choose to disclose their variation, for example if it's relevant to seeking support.

For some trans and gender diverse people, disclosure is the appropriate term rather than 'coming out' because they are affirming their gender as being different from the one they were presumed at birth.

Intersex variations or innate variations of sex characteristics refer to a range of natural bodily conditions in which a person’s physical sex characteristics do not fit the medical and social (endosex) norms of male or female.

Words that we use to refer to people when not using their name, including he/him, she/her or they/them. Third-person pronouns are often used to indicate a person’s gender, and all people have pronouns they prefer to be addressed by. Trans and gender diverse people may identify with and prefer to be called by different pronouns, which is an important and validating part of their gender affirmation.

Used as a general term in this resource for LGBTIQ+ individuals and communities. Preferred over 'queer' or 'gay' as these don't include people with intersex variations who don't identify as LGBTQ+.