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LGBTQ Resources: Terminology & Searching Tips

Resources and information for LGBTQ+ individuals, family members, and allies.

Glossaries of LGBTQ+ Terminology

The glossaries linked below are intended to serve as an introduction to common terminology used in LGBTQ spaces, and are not meant to be exhaustive or definitive.  

The American Library Association Rainbow Round Table recommends browsing these websites for common LGBTQ+ terminology:

  • The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) provides a glossary of LGBTQ terms and transgender terms, both of which are available on the GLAAD website.  

  • The Human Rights Campaign has a website that features a glossary of terms.

  • The Trans Student Education Resources website features the Gender Unicorn, which illustrates the concepts of gender identity, gender expression, sex, physical attraction, and emotional attraction using a visual representation.  Access the Gender Unicorn from the Trans Student Education Resources website for more information.  

LGBTQ Keyword Searching

About Keyword Searches 

Keyword searches look in multiple fields (title, author, subject, abstract) and can give you a wider range of results. They are not constrained by a standardized vocabulary. Reminder: to search by keyword phrase, place quotes around the entire phrase. 

Keyword Search Terms

  • Bisexual

  • Gay

  • "Gay marriage" 

  • "Gender fluid"

  • Genderqueer

  • Lesbian

  • LGBTQ

  • LGBTQIA

  • LGBTQ rights

  • "Marriage equality"

  • Non-binary

  • Pangender

  • Pansexual

  • Polyamorous

  • Pronouns

  • Queer

  • Transition

  • Transgender

LGBTQ Dewey Decimal Numbers

  • 306.76 - Sexual orientation

  • 306.762 - Asexuality

  • 306.764: Heterosexuality

  • 306.765: Bisexuality

  • 306.766: Homosexuality

  • 306.7662: Gay Men

  • 306.7663: Lesbians

  • 306.768: Transgender 

  • 306.7685: Intersex

LGBTQ Subject Searching

About Subject Searches

Many of our records use Library of Congress Subject Headings. These headings are standardized throughout the United States and we are not able to change them. Therefore, the language and terminology they represent may not accurately reflect current best practices in LGBTQ+ studies and language. For a complete list of subject headings relating to LGBTQ+ studies, check out this guide from Brandeis University. Below is a selection of subject headings you may want to use when searching.

Subject Search Terms

  • "Asexuality, sexual orientation"

  • Bisexual(s)

  • Bisexuality

  • "Coming out, sexual orientation"

  • "Drag shows"

  • Gay(s)

  • "Gay and lesbian studies"

  • "Gay rights"

  • "Gender expression"

  • "Gender nonconformity"

  • "Gender reassignment surgery"

  • Homosexuality

  • Intersex

  • "Intersex people"

  • Lesbian(s)

  • "Non-monogamous relationships"

  • "Queer cinema"

  • "Queer theory"

  • "Same sex marriage"

  • Sexology

  • "Sex role"

  • "Sexual behavior"

  • "Sexual minorities"

  • "Sexual minority community"

  • "Sexual orientation"

  • Transgender

  • "Transgender people"

  • "Two-spirit people"

How to Request Resources

If you can't find the resources you are looking for in our catalog, please check out some of the options below for requesting additional materials. 

  • If Marmot libraries don't currently carry what you are looking for, materials may be available from partner libraries throughout Colorado. Try searching the Prospector catalog for the material you would like to borrow

  • Interlibrary loan is a great service that allows you to receive items outside of our consortium. However, because of fees associated with partner libraries or mail, this service may not be free. Please review our interlibrary loan policies before submitting a request. 

  • Would other Mesa County residents enjoy the resource you are trying to find? If so, we might be able to buy it! Put in a purchase request.