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A brief glossary of sexual minority terms. The
following glossary is meant to help health care practitioners
understand their patients' sexual language. It is not
a complete list and not everyone will agree with these
definitions, but it is a start. An accepting attitude and
honest curiosity will take you a long way. Nevertheless,
heed the following warnings:
1. Do not use these terms yourself; it is very easy to
make a faux pas. Many of these terms can have
different meanings and pejorative implications
when used by someone outside the patient's sexual
community; you will be misunderstood!
2. Do not assume that someone's stated sexual
orientation limits their sexual activities to within
those constraints.
A Brief Overview of
Sexual Minorities and
Health Issues
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