June is Pride Month, and here at Shona, we celebrate the power of love, identity, and being unapologetically you. We love diversity all year round, but this month, we turn the volume up and make sure every voice is heard a little louder. You might spot some terms or labels online this month that you’re not totally sure about, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning journey. So we’ve put together this guide to help you understand some of the most commonly used LGBTQ+ terms and identities.

Why Do Labels Matter (and Why They Also Don’t)?

We’re not about putting people into boxes, but we do believe in the power of language when it comes to expressing identity.

Labels can help people feel seen, connected, and understood. They can be empowering, but they’re also personal. No one should feel pressure to use a label, and no one should judge someone else’s. It’s all about respect, choice, and allowing people the space to tell their own stories, in their own time.

LGBTQ+ Terms You Might See This Month (and Beyond)

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally looking to learn, here’s a quick glossary of some terms you might come across:

• Ally – A person (often straight and/or cisgender) who supports and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.

• Asexual (Ace) – Someone who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.

• Bisexual – A person attracted to more than one gender.

• Cisgender – Someone whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Demisexual – A person who only experiences sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional connection.

• Gay – Often used to describe men attracted to men, though it can also be used broadly within the LGBTQ+ community.

• Gender Identity – Your personal sense of your gender, which may or may not align with the sex you were assigned at birth.

• Heterosexual (Straight) – A person attracted to the opposite gender.

• Intersex – A person born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female.

• Lesbian – A woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women.

• Non-binary – A term for gender identities that don’t fit within the traditional categories of male or female.

• Pansexual – A person attracted to others regardless of their gender.

• Pronouns – Words like she/her, he/him, or they/them that reflect a person’s gender identity. When in doubt, just ask—or use their name or they/them as a neutral option.

• Queer – An umbrella term that can refer to any non-straight or non-cisgender identity. Once used as a slur, many now reclaim it with pride.

• Questioning – Someone who is still exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation. No rush. Take your time.

• Sexuality – Who you are romantically or sexually attracted to.

• Transgender (Trans) – A broad term for people whose gender identity is different from what was assigned at birth. Some trans people transition medically, some don’t. Both are equally valid.

Pride in Ireland 🌍

Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community is vibrant, brave, and beautiful, and Pride celebrations across the country reflect that energy. Whether you’re heading to a local parade, joining an online event, or simply learning more at home, every bit of support counts.

Check out Discover Ireland’s Pride event listings to see what’s happening near you!

Want to Hear Real Stories?

We’ve shared some brilliant Pride reflections from Shona Project Ambassadors and members of our community. They’re raw, honest, powerful—and worth your time. Dive into them here.

Need Support?

Here are a few organisations offering guidance, safe spaces, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth in Ireland:

BeLonG To – Youth services for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland.
ShoutOut – Empowering young people with education and support.
TENI – Supporting the rights and wellbeing of trans people and their families.

Love is love.

Identity is personal.

And no matter where you are in your journey, you deserve respect, safety, and space to be fully yourself.