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Navigating chosen names and pronouns? Check out our page for help changing your information in the OSU system as well as our handout OSU's Names & Pronouns 101

LGBTQ+ Terminology

Bisexual
An individual who is attracted to two or more genders
Chosen Name

The first name an individual chooses to go by that is different from their legal name. While most often used in reference to transgender/non-binary individuals, this term also applies for nicknames!
Cisgender

The term for someone who identifies with the sex that they assigned at birth. If you are not cisgender, you are transgender.
Deadnaming

Deadnaming is referring to a transgender/non-binary individual by their legal or birth name, rather than by their chosen name. Deadnaming a transgender/non-binary person can cause extreme mental duress by invalidating the person's identity and trauma.
Gay
The term for men who are only attracted to other men, represented by the "G" in LGBTQ+. This term is also sometimes used as an umbrella term for same-gender attracted individuals at large, regardless of gender.
Lesbian
The term for women who are only attracted to other women, represented by the "L" in LGBTQ+.
Misgendering

Misgendering is referring to someone by the incorrect gender pronouns. Similar to deadnaming, this can cause extreme duress in a transgender/non-binary person.
Non-Binary

Someone who identifies as neither a man or woman, but rather as a third, or fluid, gender identity. This term can be used to describe a wide range of gender expressions.
Personal Pronouns

This term refers to the pronouns that an individual is referred to by, such as he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/them/theirs.
Queer
An umbrella term to describe individuals who identify as a non-normative gender identity and/or sexuality, represented by the "Q" in LGBTQ+. The term also has many meanings and usages in academic and theoretical spaces.
Transgender
The term for someone who identifies with a gender other than the gender that they were assigned at birth, represented by the "T" in LGBTQ+. This means that the gender that was written on legal paperwork at birth does not match the person's identity.

LGBTQ+ Allyship

Tips and tricks to better support the LGBTQ+ community on our campus

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community is comprised of individuals who have gender identities and/or sexualities that are marginalized and historically underserved. By clicking on this page, you have already made a big step towards better support and understanding for LGBTQ+ people! So what's next?

What's allyship?

Allyship is the intentional action of supporting and advocating for a community that is historically marginalized. You can be an ally for many communities, though often this term is used specifically talking about LGBTQ+ people. So what does allyship look like?

Listening to LGBTQ+ people - listening to the LGBTQ+ people in your community about what they experience and what support they need
Acting in situations of injustice - react when someone say or does something anti-LGBTQ
Using language with respect - reference accurate names, pronouns, and terminology
Acknowledging your identity - understand that your own background and position may impact how you think and see
Educating yourself - do the work to learn about the history and experiences of LGBTQ+ people and what you can do to support them

LGBTQ Safe Zone Program

Want to learn more in an engaging environment? Oklahoma State University has the LGBTQ Safe Zone Program which offers monthly opportunities to join your peers and our LGBTQ+ Coordinator in conversation!

Division of

Access and Community Impact

LGBTQ+ Allyship

What's allyship?

LGBTQ Safe Zone Program

Research and Best Practices