Welcome to TTU Libraries! This guide will help you navigate library resources for LGBTQIA+. It will provide you with links to important anti-oppression spaces and direct access to academic resources. If you need any research assistance, please feel free to contact me or schedule an appointment using the librarian information to the left. I look forward to helping you with locating resources for your studies!
For brief introductions to history and timelines, please visit LGBTQ Rights Timeline and LGBT History Month.
Check out Pronouns Matter for why and how to use inclusive pronouns!
LGBTQ: An abbreviation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning..
Lesbian: A woman who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to members of the same gender.
Gay: A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to members of the same gender.
Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being Transgender does not imply any specific Sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian. bisexual, etc.
Bisexual: A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender, or gender identity though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way, or the same degree.
Questioning: A term used to describe people who are in the process of exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Queer: A term people often use to express fluid identities and orientations. Used interchangeably with "LGBTQ."
Cisgender: A term used to describe a person whose gender identity aligns with those typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth.
Asexual: Experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others and/or a lack of interest in sexual relationships/behaviors. Not the same as Celibacy.
Homophobia: The fear and hatred of or discomfort with people who are romantically or sexual attracted to members of the same sex.
Heteronormative: A worldview which frames heterosexuality as the standard sexuality. This is created through repetitive representations of heterosexuality and heterosexual relationships in our society. An example of heteronormativity is the assumption that people are heterosexual unless they “come out”. Another example is how non-heterosexual relationships are expected to be similar to traditional “heterosexual” relationships (i.e., labeling one partner as the “man” of the relationship, expecting couples to want marriage/children, etc).
Gender Identity: One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or either. How individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender's identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.
Genderfluid: Gender Identity that is not fixed/static.
Gender non-conforming: Gender does not adhere to gender expectation within the binary model.
Preferred gender pronouns: Used during introductions, becoming more common in educational institutions. May suggest removing the "preferred," because it indicates flexibility and/or the power for the speaker to decide which pronouns to use for some else.
Pansexual: A person who experiences sexual desire or attraction that is not limited to people of a particular gender identity or sexual orientation.
Outing: Exposing someone’s lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender identity to others without their permission. Outing someone can have serious repercussions on employment, economic stability, personal safety or religious or family situations.
For more information on inclusive language, see the Comprehensive List of LGBTQ+ Vocabulary Definitions.