What Does "Gay" Mean in Spanish?

As is commonly understood, there are certain facets of knowledge that formal education often omits. To achieve the highest level of understanding, we must frequently undertake independent study and engage in social discourse.

One especially significant area needing more widespread comprehension is the capacity for respectful dialogue and interaction with the LGBTQ+ community. If you are learning Spanish, what a productive way to augment your vocabulary is by mastering the accurate terms for sexuality and gender to bolster your comprehension of conversations and people!

Spain stands as a paragon of cultural liberalism globally, legalizing same-sex unions in 2005, a decade before the UK and the US made similar advancements in 2015. Argentina followed in Spain's footsteps in 2010, while Uruguay and much of New Mexico joined this progressive movement in 2013.

See also: 20 Amusing Spanish Metaphors and Idioms, Some of Which Might Sound Offensive in English

Whether you're captivated by a Spanish-language television show featuring diverse characters, are an English speaker with an interest in dating Latin American women, or simply aspire to grasp the full spectrum of the Spanish language, the following information will provide you with a solid foundation in queer Spanish vocabulary.

General Terms [Spanish = English]

(adj.) LGBTQ+ = Queer/Gay (a term recently reclaimed/appropriated)

In Spanish, 'queer' functions as an inclusive umbrella term for all things LGBTQ+. It's typically used to reference anyone or anything exploring the spectrum of identities. Although 'queer' and 'gay' were previously considered insults in English, and hold nuanced meanings in various contexts, Spanish speakers have embraced these terms in a deeply practical manner, eliminating any negative connotations (much like the re-appropriation of these words in English). Expressions like 'Me encanta la gente gay' or 'Me encanta la gente queer' convey a genuine fondness for the LGBTQ+ community!

(adj.) de ambiente = part of the LGBTQ+ community

Literally translating to 'of the environment,' 'de ambiente' is a term that you and your LGBTQ+ friends can employ to communicate your relationship to this community; ‘part of the community/environment.'

(n.) ally = aliado/aliada

And if you don't identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, but support the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, you can say 'Yo soy una aliada/un aliado.'

What pronouns do you use? = ¿Qué pronombres utilizas?

Want to inquire about a person's preferred pronouns? Ask, 'El, ella, or elle?' This is a vital conversational opener that conveys respect and an open-minded approach. Notably, the Spanish language differs from English in that each noun inherently possesses a gender, and plural nouns typically take on the masculine form. This is undergoing gradual change with new generations who are frequently neutralising plural nouns, employing ‘es' instead of ‘os'. For example, ‘Abuelo' = grandfather. ‘Abuela' = grandmother. ‘Abuele' = grandparent [non-binary]. ‘Abuelos' = grandparents [traditional masc]. ‘Abueles' = grandparents [modern neutral]. To understand how gender-neutral pronouns would apply to nouns, a helpful resource is this website: https://strommeninc.com/how-to-use-gender-neutral-pronouns-in-english-and-when-speaking-a-foreign-language/

Sexuality [Spanish = English]

(n.) straight/heterosexual = hetero/heterosexual

This term remains consistent in both languages! It signifies a romantic attraction to the opposite sex.

(n.) gay/homosexual man = homosexual

This translation is straightforward: it describes a man who is romantically and emotionally drawn to other men.

(n.) slang term for gay/‘faggot' = marica/maricón

While 'marica' can sometimes function as a general term for queer individuals, 'maricón' more often carries a derogatory connotation, particularly when applied to gay men. It may be used as a 'neutral' term, like similar reclaimed slurs in English. Though, Google Translate still lists it as a derogatory term such as 'sissy'. However, in colloquial speech, 'marica' can often be employed amongst friends without any negative undertones. For instance, in Venezuela, 'marica' is commonly used as a respectful term for 'dude' or 'friend' - ‘parce/hermano/amigo' - removing all negative implications.

Please note that these terms may be offensive in certain contexts.

(n.) lesbian/gay woman = lesbiana

A woman who experiences romantic or sexual attraction to other women. A direct and easily recalled translation!

(n.) slang term for lesbian/‘rug muncher' = bollera

Similar to 'marica,' 'bollera' serves as a colloquial term, particularly among lesbians, in a lighthearted and supportive way. Though Google Translate might label it as a derogatory term such as 'dyke', it is important to consider the shifting cultural understanding of these words. "Bollo/s" means "bun/s" like bread rolls, and 'bollera' literally means 'bun-eater'. It is reminiscent of the term 'rug muncher' in English, alluding to the act of oral sex… In past settings, this was considered insulting. However, today, with the right contextual nuance, it may be used in a friendly manner.

Bear in mind that these terms may be offensive in some contexts.

(n./adj) bisexual = bisexual

Both languages use the same term for those romantically or sexually attracted to individuals of both sexes. Yet the term 'bisexual' is becoming less common, as more understanding is gained about diverse genders.

(n./adj) pansexual = pansexual

Similarly, 'pansexual,' or 'pansexualidad' in Spanish, denotes a sexual attraction independent of gender or sex, focusing instead on other traits. A comparison could be made to 'demisexuality' (or 'demisexualidad') whereby romantic or sexual attraction is contingent upon a pre-existing emotional bond.

(n./adj) omnisexual = omnisexual

Distinct from 'pansexualidad,' 'omnisexualidad' signifies a romantic/sexual attraction to a range of specific genders but not necessarily all. This attraction can vary. For example, someone might be attracted to cismen, transmen, and masculine women but not to femme boys, transwomen, or cisgirls. Conversely, another person could have an attraction to gender-fluid people, trans individuals, but not cis people. These terms are the same in both languages because they come from English.

(n./adj) asexual = asexual

The lack of sexual attraction.

Gender [Spanish = English]

(adj.) cisgender = cisgénero

‘Cisgénero', or ‘cisgendered' in English, describes individuals who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, aligning with their biological sex. For example, if you were born male and identify as male, you are cisgendered.

(adj.) transgender = transgénero

'Transgénero' refers to those whose gender identity differs from the gender they were assigned at birth. A more colloquial usage is ‘trans.' 'Transexual' (the same in both languages) refers to individuals who have undergone medical procedures to change their sex organs.

(adj.) transwoman = mujer trans

A person who transitions from male to female.

(adj.) transman = hombre trans

A person who transitions from female to male.

(adj.) non-binary = no binario

Someone who does not identify with the conventional gender binary.

(adj.) gender fluid = género fluido

Someone whose gender identity shifts over time.

(adj.) agender = asexuado

Lacking a gender identity.

Conclusion

There you have it, your essential list of Spanish vocabulary terms for interacting with the LGBTQ+ community. To improve your listening and pronunciation skills, look for Spanish-language programming on the Lingopie website that features LGBTQ+ characters.

See also: 10 Recommended Reggaeton Songs for Learning Spanish