Baiting refers to the act of provoking or harassing individuals because of their perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This can include outing someone without their consent, which is particularly harmful and invasive. Baiting can take various forms, from verbal abuse and mockery to more aggressive tactics aimed at shaming or endangering the individual. It is a form of discrimination and can significantly impact the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, contributing to a hostile and unsafe environment.

Ballroom culture refers to a subculture within the LGBTQIA+ community that originated in New York City among Black and Latino communities. It involves organized events known as "balls" where individuals compete in a variety of categories, from dance and performance (such as voguing) to fashion and runway modeling, judged on criteria like realness, elegance, and execution. Ballroom is not just a competition; it's a supportive community for those often marginalized by both the mainstream and broader LGBTQIA+ communities. Houses, or chosen families, form the backbone of this culture, providing a sense of belonging, mentorship, and support. Ballroom culture has significantly influenced mainstream music, fashion, and dance, while also providing critical visibility and advocacy for transgender and queer people of color.

The Ban on Transgender Military Service refers to a series of policy changes in the United States that affected the eligibility of transgender individuals to serve in the military. Initially, a ban on transgender service members was lifted in 2016, allowing them to serve openly. However, in 2017, a new policy was introduced that prohibited transgender individuals from serving in the military in any capacity, citing potential medical costs and disruption. This ban was challenged in courts and faced significant opposition from LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, and medical professionals who argued it was discriminatory and lacked a basis in factual evidence regarding military readiness or cohesion. In 2021, the policy was reversed, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the military once again, aligning with principles of equality and nondiscrimination.

The Bandana Code, also known as the Hanky Code, is a form of covert communication within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among gay and bisexual men, to indicate sexual preferences and interests. Originating in the 1970s, the code involves wearing bandanas of different colors and patterns in the back pockets of one's pants. Each color and placement (left or right pocket) signifies a specific sexual act or preference, allowing individuals to communicate their interests in environments where direct conversation might be inhibited or unsafe. While its usage has declined with the advent of digital communication, the Bandana Code remains an iconic part of LGBTQIA+ history and culture, reflecting the community's resilience and ingenuity in navigating societal constraints.

Banned Books refer to works of literature that have been prohibited from being accessed, sold, or distributed due to their content, themes, or representations that challenge societal norms, including those relating to LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. These books often explore or celebrate LGBTQIA+ lives, relationships, and issues and face censorship because they are seen as controversial or inappropriate by certain groups, institutions, or governments. The banning of these books is a significant issue within the LGBTQIA+ community as it represents a form of discrimination and suppresses the visibility and recognition of diverse identities and experiences. Efforts to challenge and overturn bans on these books are important for ensuring freedom of expression and the right to access a wide range of perspectives and narratives.

Bareback refers to engaging in sexual intercourse without the use of condoms or other barrier methods. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among gay and bisexual men, the term highlights discussions around sexual health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and personal choice. The practice carries significant health risks, including the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Conversations about barebacking in the community often involve complex topics such as trust, intimacy, risk management, and the importance of informed consent and sexual health education. It also touches on the advancements in HIV prevention, like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which have influenced attitudes towards condomless sex.

"Basic" refers to someone or something that is perceived as unoriginal, mainstream, or adhering to trends that are considered overdone or clichéd. While not exclusive to LGBTQIA+ culture, its use within the community can sometimes be a playful critique of those who strictly conform to popular or mainstream styles, behaviors, or tastes without much individual variation. The term underscores a tension between valuing individuality and uniqueness versus following widespread, often commercialized, trends. In LGBTQIA+ contexts, it might be used to describe anything from fashion choices to social behaviors that are seen as lacking in originality or depth. However, it's important to note that the term's usage can vary greatly in intention, from light-hearted teasing to more critical assessments of authenticity.

A bathhouse refers to a facility that provides a space for gay and bisexual men to meet, socialize, and engage in sexual activities. These establishments often include amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and private rooms. Historically, bathhouses have played a significant role in LGBTQIA+ culture and social life, offering a sanctuary for men to connect with others in an era when homosexuality was criminalized or socially unacceptable. While they have been controversial, especially during the height of the AIDS epidemic, modern bathhouses often promote safer sex practices and provide health education and resources to their patrons. Bathhouses contribute to the conversation around sexual health, community, and identity within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

Bathwater refers to a fetish or kink centered around the water used in a bath, particularly when it has been bathed in by someone else. This can involve the enjoyment or eroticization of using, drinking, or playing with the bathwater of a desired partner, often tied to acts of submission or worship. This kink can manifest in various ways, ranging from a symbolic gesture of intimacy to a literal engagement with the bathwater as part of sexual or sensual activities.

Bator refers specifically to a man who enjoys and prioritizes masturbation, often engaging in it as a primary form of sexual satisfaction, sometimes in groups or through shared experiences online or in person. The term is derived from "masturbator" and is embraced within certain subcultures of the gay and bisexual male communities. It can highlight a preference for solo sexual pleasure or non-penetrative sexual activities with others, emphasizing the joy and legitimacy of masturbation as a sexual activity. Bator culture can also intersect with various forms of male bonding and community-building activities that celebrate and elevate the act of masturbation.

Bayard Rustin was an American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights. As an openly gay Black man, Rustin's contributions were often overshadowed by the societal prejudices of his time. He is best known for his work as the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the United States. Rustin worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and played a key role in promoting the philosophy of nonviolence and the tactics of civil disobedience within the civil rights movement. Despite facing discrimination due to his sexual orientation, Rustin remained a steadfast advocate for justice throughout his life. His legacy includes not only his civil rights activism but also his advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights, making him a pivotal figure in the intersections of racial justice and LGBTQIA+ equality.

"BB" is a shorthand term primarily used, especially among gay and bisexual men, to refer to "barebacking," which means engaging in sexual intercourse without the use of condoms or other barrier methods. This practice has important implications for discussions on sexual health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and consent within the community. The term underscores the significance of informed choices regarding sexual health, the advances in HIV prevention such as PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis), and the ongoing need for comprehensive sexual education that addresses the diverse practices and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ population.

Bean Queen refers to a gay man who is predominantly attracted to Hispanic or Latino men. This term can sometimes be used in a playful manner but might also be seen as derogatory depending on the context and intention behind its usage.

A Bear refers to a gay man who is often older, with a more robust and hirsute physique. This identity celebrates a rugged masculinity and is often associated with warmth and maturity. Bears may form their own social groups and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among those who identify with this subgroup. The term also extends to a broader culture that embraces body positivity and rejects stereotypical notions of male attractiveness.

A Bear Chaser is an individual, often but not exclusively gay men, who is specifically attracted to bears—a term in the LGBTQIA+ community referring to larger, hairier men who exhibit a form of rugged masculinity. Bear Chasers value the physical and aesthetic traits associated with the bear subculture and may or may not identify as bears themselves. This term underscores the diversity of attractions and preferences within the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the specific dynamics of desire and identity.

The Bear Community refers to a subculture within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum that celebrates larger, hairier men and their admirers. Originating in the 1980s, the bear community has grown into a global phenomenon with its own events, codes, and culture. Bears are often characterized by a natural, masculine look, with an emphasis on body hair and a sturdy build. This community prides itself on inclusivity and acceptance, offering a space for individuals who might not fit into other subgroups within the gay community. Members often form tight-knit, supportive networks that extend beyond mere social connections to include emotional and practical support. The bear culture also challenges conventional standards of male beauty and promotes body positivity. While predominantly consisting of gay and bisexual men, the bear community is inclusive of anyone who identifies with its ethos, regardless of gender or sexuality.

A Beard refers to someone who pretends to be in a heterosexual relationship with a LGBTQIA+ individual to help conceal the person's true sexual orientation or gender identity from others. This term is often used in contexts where being openly LGBTQIA+ can lead to social, professional, or personal challenges. The beard could be anyone of the opposite sex of the person they are trying to cover for, who agrees to participate in the deception, sometimes without being aware of the full reasons behind the need for this facade.

Beat refers to a geographical area or public space known to be a cruising spot for gay men to find casual sexual partners. These locations can vary widely, including parks, restrooms, beaches, or specific streets known within the community through word of mouth or digital platforms. While beats serve as places for connection and sexual encounters, they also embody the complexities of seeking intimacy in semi-public spaces, especially in regions where LGBTQIA+ expressions are stigmatized or illegal.

Bender refers to someone who engages in a temporary period of engaging in same-sex relationships or sexual activities, but does not necessarily identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. This term can sometimes be used humorously or pejoratively to describe instances where individuals explore same-sex attractions or relationships, often in contexts where they might traditionally engage in heterosexual relationships. It's worth noting that the usage and acceptance of this term can vary widely within different communities and regions.

Bi Erasure refers to the tendency to ignore, remove, falsify, or reexplain evidence of bisexuality in history, academia, the news media, and other primary sources. In a social and cultural context, it can manifest in the assumption that a person must be either heterosexual or homosexual, thereby denying the existence or validity of bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation. This erasure can occur both outside of and within the LGBTQIA+ community and contributes to the invisibility and marginalization of bisexual individuals. It often leads to challenges in bisexual representation and acknowledgment, impacting the mental health and wellbeing of those who identify as bisexual by minimizing their experiences and identity.

Bi+ is an inclusive term used to describe individuals who experience attraction to more than one gender. This umbrella term encompasses a wide range of non-monosexual orientations, including but not limited to bisexual, pansexual, queer, fluid, and other identities that fall outside the exclusive categories of heterosexual or homosexual. The "+" symbol in Bi+ signifies the diversity and spectrum of attraction beyond binary gender definitions, acknowledging the complexity of individuals' experiences with attraction. It promotes inclusivity and visibility for all people who feel attraction to multiple genders, advocating for their recognition and acceptance within the broader LGBTQIA+ community and society.

BiCurious refers to individuals who, while typically identifying as heterosexual, are interested in or open to exploring attractions towards people of their own gender or sex. This curiosity does not necessarily lead to a permanent shift in their sexual orientation label but indicates a willingness to explore and understand one's attractions beyond traditional heterosexual boundaries. BiCuriosity allows individuals to question and explore their sexual orientation without the pressure of adopting a specific identity, contributing to a broader understanding of the fluidity of sexual attraction. It is a stage or experience that acknowledges the spectrum of human sexuality and the possibility of attractions that might extend beyond previously recognized or acknowledged preferences.

Bianca Del Rio is the stage name of Roy Haylock, an American drag performer, comedian, and costume designer who gained international fame as the winner of Season 6 of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Known for her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and boundary-pushing humor, Bianca Del Rio has become a significant figure in the drag community, contributing to the broader visibility and acceptance of drag culture in mainstream media. She has since toured the world with her stand-up comedy shows and has been involved in various television, film, and theatrical projects.

Bicon is a portmanteau of "bisexual" and "icon," used to describe individuals who are publicly recognized and celebrated within the LGBTQIA+ community (and beyond) for their bisexual orientation or for their support and representation of bisexual identity. These figures, whether through activism, media representation, or their personal lives, play a significant role in increasing visibility for the bisexual community, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for equality. Bicons are influential in fostering a greater understanding and acceptance of bisexuality, thereby helping to combat bi erasure and affirming the legitimacy and richness of bisexual identities.

Bigender is an identity within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum where an individual experiences two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or varying between them over time. These genders can be male and female, but may also include non-binary, agender, or other gender identities beyond the traditional male-female binary. Bigender individuals may experience shifts in their gender identity that can vary in duration and intensity, and they may choose to express their gender in a variety of ways depending on their current identity or situation. This identity highlights the fluidity and spectrum of gender, challenging the binary view of gender as solely male or female.