The Bigender Pride Flag represents individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community who identify as bigender. Bigender people experience two gender identities, either simultaneously or varying between them at different times. The flag is a visual symbol designed to embody the bigender identity, reflecting the distinct genders that a bigender person identifies with. The specific design of the Bigender Pride Flag can vary, but it often incorporates colors or elements that represent masculinity and femininity, as well as other gender identities, to encompass the full range of the bigender experience. The flag serves as a symbol of pride, recognition, and visibility for bigender individuals, advocating for acknowledgment and acceptance within both the LGBTQIA+ community and society at large.

Billy Porter is a prominent African American actor, singer, and style icon known for his vibrant personality and trailblazing fashion choices that often challenge traditional gender norms. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Pray Tell in the television series "Pose," which explores the lives of LGBTQIA+ characters in the ballroom culture of New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Porter is celebrated not only for his professional achievements in entertainment but also for his outspoken advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility, making significant contributions to cultural and media representation and discussions around gender expression and presentation.

Binding refers to the practice of flattening one's breast tissue to create a male-appearing chest. This is a common practice among transgender men, non-binary, and genderqueer individuals who seek to present themselves in a way that is more aligned with their gender identity. Binding can be done using specially designed binders, compression garments, sports bras, or other materials. While binding can play a significant role in alleviating gender dysphoria and helping individuals present in a way that feels authentic to them, it's important to follow safe binding practices to avoid physical health risks, such as damage to the ribcage or lungs.

Biological sex refers to the physical characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormone levels, and reproductive/sexual anatomy, that are used to classify an individual as male, female, or intersex at birth. It is a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors and does not always fit neatly into the binary categories of male or female. This concept is distinct from gender identity, which is the internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum. The recognition of biological sex as a spectrum rather than a binary is important in acknowledging the diversity of human bodies and experiences, including those of intersex individuals, and challenges traditional understandings of sex that exclude variations in sex characteristics.

Biphobia refers to the fear, hatred, mistrust, or discrimination against bisexual individuals or bisexuality as a sexual orientation. This can manifest in various forms, including but not limited to, denying the validity of bisexuality (insisting that individuals must choose to be either straight or gay), perpetuating stereotypes about bisexuality (such as promiscuity or indecisiveness), and excluding or marginalizing bisexual individuals from both heterosexual and homosexual communities. Biphobia can have significant negative impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of bisexual individuals, contributing to feelings of isolation, invisibility, and invalidation within broader societal and LGBTQIA+ contexts.

"The Birdcage" is a 1996 American film that showcases the life of a gay cabaret owner and his drag queen partner who agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing moralistic parents. The film is noted for its humorous and poignant exploration of the complexities of gay identity, family dynamics, and societal perceptions of LGBTQIA+ individuals. It brings to light the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in conforming to traditional norms to gain societal acceptance while also celebrating the authenticity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Biromantic refers to an individual who experiences romantic attraction to two or more genders. This romantic orientation is distinct from sexual orientation; a biromantic person may or may not be sexually attracted to those genders to which they are romantically attracted. The term emphasizes the emotional and relational aspect of attractions, highlighting that one's romantic preferences can be broader or different from their sexual preferences.

Bisexual is a sexual orientation that describes an individual who experiences emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to more than one gender. Bisexuality acknowledges the capacity for individuals to be attracted to people of the same gender as themselves, as well as to people of different genders. This attraction does not have to be equally split or fit any specific pattern and can vary over time. Bisexuality challenges binary perceptions of sexuality and highlights the fluid nature of sexual attraction. It's an integral part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, advocating for recognition and acceptance in broader societal and queer contexts. Bisexual individuals may face specific challenges such as bisexual erasure (the questioning of the validity of bisexuality as an orientation) and biphobia (prejudice against bisexual people), both within and outside the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Bisexual Flag represents the bisexual community within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. It consists of three horizontal stripes: pink at the top, representing attraction to the same gender; blue at the bottom, signifying attraction to different genders; and a thinner purple stripe in the middle, blending pink and blue to symbolize attraction to both same and different genders. The flag was designed to increase visibility for bisexual individuals, affirming their experiences and identity. It serves as a symbol of pride, unity, and solidarity, challenging misconceptions and promoting a broader understanding of bisexual identity beyond binary perspectives of sexuality.

Bitchy Gay refers to a stereotype often portraying a gay man who exhibits sass, sharp wit, and a cutting sense of humor. While some embrace this as a form of empowerment and self-expression, it can also perpetuate clichés that do not represent the diversity and complexity of gay identities. This term is sometimes reclaimed by members of the community as a badge of assertive confidence, yet it is important to be mindful of its usage to avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes.

The black hanky is a symbol used particularly among those involved in the leather and S&M (sadomasochism) subcultures, to indicate an interest in heavy S&M activities. This form of signaling, known as the hanky code, involves carrying a colored handkerchief in the back pocket of one’s jeans, with the color and side (left or right) indicating specific sexual interests and roles. The black hanky, when worn, communicates an interest in BDSM practices that may involve varying degrees of intensity and equipment, catering to a specific niche within the community.

Blaq or Blaqueer is a term used within the LGBTQIA+ community to specifically refer to Black queer individuals. It is a portmanteau of "Black" and "queer," emphasizing the intersectionality of race and LGBTQIA+ identity. This term is used to highlight the unique experiences, struggles, and cultures of Black queer people, acknowledging both the racial and LGBTQIA+ aspects of their identities. Blaqueer individuals often navigate distinct societal challenges, including racism within the broader LGBTQIA+ community and homophobia or transphobia within their racial communities. The term serves as a powerful assertion of identity and solidarity, promoting visibility and fostering a sense of community among Black queer individuals.

The term "blood ban" refers to policies or regulations that prohibit or restrict certain individuals, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), from donating blood. This ban originated during the early years of the AIDS epidemic as a measure to prevent the transmission of HIV through the blood supply. Despite advances in testing technology and improved understanding of HIV/AIDS, many countries have maintained restrictions, although some have modified them to allow donations after a period of sexual abstinence or have implemented individual risk assessments. Critics argue that these policies are discriminatory and not based on current scientific evidence, contributing to stigma and reinforcing stereotypes about LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly gay and bisexual men.

A Blouse refers to a feminine-presenting gay man who, despite his feminine attributes, prefers to top during sexual activities. The term is a playful inversion of traditional gender roles and expectations within both the gay community and broader society. It challenges stereotypes about femininity and sexual position preferences, highlighting the diversity and fluidity of gender expression and sexual roles among gay men. This term subverts expectations by combining a traditionally feminine presentation with a preference for the sexually dominant role of a top, thereby broadening the conversation around masculinity, femininity, and sexual dynamics in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Blue DVD is a term that refers to a genre of films, specifically adult or pornographic movies that cater to a gay male audience. These DVDs often feature explicit sexual content and are intended for the entertainment and sexual expression of adult viewers. The term "blue" historically has been used to describe material considered risqué or pornographic, and when combined with "DVD," it specifically denotes the medium through which such content is distributed. While the digital age has seen a shift towards online streaming platforms, the term still persists in some circles to reference gay adult content. Blue DVDs, like other forms of adult entertainment, play a role in exploring and expressing sexual fantasies within the privacy of one's home.

A Blue Jeans Lesbian is a term used to describe a lesbian who prefers a more casual, tomboyish style, typically wearing blue jeans and other traditionally masculine attire but does not necessarily identify as butch. This term highlights the diversity within the lesbian community in terms of gender expression and fashion preferences, acknowledging that not all lesbians subscribe to the traditional dichotomy of butch and femme roles. Blue Jeans Lesbians may or may not engage with broader lesbian or LGBTQIA+ culture and activism, but their identity and style reflect the nuanced ways individuals navigate gender and sexual orientation in their daily lives.

A Blue Store refers to retail outlets or shops that specialize in selling adult content, sex toys, and other related products catering predominantly to the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly gay men. These stores often provide a range of materials including magazines, DVDs (often referred to as Blue DVDs for their adult content), lubricants, and various sexual health and pleasure products. Beyond their commercial function, Blue Stores serve as discreet spaces where individuals can explore their sexuality and gain access to sex education materials, especially in areas where such resources may be scarce or stigmatized. They play a role in supporting sexual wellness and identity exploration within the community, offering both a sense of inclusivity and a nod to the coded language historically used by LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Body image refers to individuals' perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about their own bodies. This concept is particularly nuanced in LGBTQIA+ contexts, as body image can be influenced by societal norms, gender identity, sexual orientation, and the community’s internal standards of beauty and attractiveness. For many LGBTQIA+ people, navigating body image is complex due to external pressures to conform to certain physical ideals, which can vary significantly across different subcultures within the community. Additionally, transgender and non-binary individuals may face specific challenges related to body dysphoria, where there's a conflict between one’s physical appearance and gender identity. Efforts to promote positive body image among LGBTQIA+ people emphasize acceptance, diversity, and the rejection of restrictive beauty standards, aiming to foster a healthy relationship with one’s body that aligns with their identity and sense of self.

Body policing refers to the practice of critically judging or attempting to regulate the bodies of LGBTQIA+ individuals based on societal, cultural, or community-specific norms and standards. This can involve scrutinizing aspects such as body shape, size, gender expression, and adherence to conventional beauty standards, often leading to exclusion, shame, or pressure to conform. Body policing can significantly impact the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ individuals, reinforcing stereotypes and exacerbating feelings of inadequacy or dysphoria, especially among those whose bodies do not align with traditional or expected gender norms. Efforts to combat body policing within the community focus on promoting body positivity, acceptance, and challenging narrow definitions of attractiveness and gender conformity.

A Boi Lesbian refers to an often younger or presenting in a more masculine or androgynous way, who identifies as a lesbian. The term "boi" can signify a range of gender expressions that lean towards the masculine side of the spectrum but do not conform to traditional male gender norms. It's associated with a youthful and sometimes rebellious identity, challenging conventional ideas of femininity and lesbian identity. Boi Lesbians may or may not identify with other labels such as butch, androgynous, or non-binary, emphasizing the fluidity and diversity within the community regarding gender expression and sexual orientation. This term is part of a broader dialogue within the LGBTQIA+ community about the intersections of gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation, promoting a more inclusive understanding of lesbian identities.

Bondage refers to the practice of consensually tying, binding, or restraining a partner for erotic, aesthetic, and/or sensory pleasure. It is a common aspect of BDSM (Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, Sadism/Masochism) activities and relationships, serving as a form of sexual expression or exploration of power dynamics within a consensual setting. Bondage can involve various materials like ropes, handcuffs, or restraint systems, and practices can range from light, playful restraining to more complex and elaborate bondage scenarios. It's important within these practices to prioritize consent, communication, safety, and respect for boundaries. Bondage, as a part of queer sexual culture, highlights the diversity of sexual practices within the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of sexual health and practices; relationship structures and dynamics; personal and social identity.

"Boots" often conveys a sense of strong approval or emphasis. It's a term popularized in ballroom culture and among drag performers, essentially meaning "very" or "a lot." For example, saying "She is fierce boots" indicates that someone is exceptionally fierce. The term exemplifies how language in the LGBTQIA+ community can evolve, taking on distinct meanings and serving as an expressive tool within cultural practices.

"Boots the house down" is a phrase that originated in the ballroom culture and is widely used within drag communities to express overwhelming approval or to emphasize the exceptional quality or intensity of something. It signifies that something is done with utmost effort or achieves the highest degree of fabulousness. The phrase often follows a descriptive statement to intensify its effect, such as "Her performance was incredible, boots the house down!"

Bottom primarily refers to a sexual position or role during anal sex, indicating the person who receives penetration. However, the term can also extend to describe roles in other forms of sexual activity and BDSM practices, encompassing a broader range of receptive or submissive behaviors. The concept of being a bottom is significant in discussions about sexual health, consent, and pleasure within the community. It's important to note that being a bottom is a preference and part of one's sexual identity that can influence personal and social identity, relationship dynamics, and communication about desires and boundaries. While often discussed within the context of gay and bisexual men's sexual practices, the term is applicable and embraced across a wide spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities, including transgender and non-binary individuals, reflecting the diversity of sexual expressions within the community.

The term "bottom bunk" refers to the role of the receptive partner during sexual activities, particularly in the context of anal sex. It's a playful metaphor derived from the idea of a bottom bunk bed, suggesting the position underneath another person. This term is frequently used within the gay community to describe one's sexual position preference, but it can be relevant in other contexts where similar dynamics are discussed.