Calling someone a fascist today is often seen as an insult, a powerful word that has a long, difficult association and a troubling history and is based on an ideology that typically appears and has roots within far-right politics and movements. With many more far-right or right-leaning politicians gaining influence and winning political power, we are seeing more rhetoric, characteristics, and behaviours long linked to fascism reappearing. The most common or go-to strategy used by fascists is that of divide and conquer, by creating division amongst societies, highlighting differences and playing on people’s fears, and one that targets and focuses on the most vulnerable and those perceived as different within society, an approach and ideology which historically has targeted specific groups within the LGBTQIA+ community. Explore Fascism and its troubling fascination with LGBTQIA+ individuals, and what the future might hold for the community.

Today, there are many words, terms, and phrases used to describe groups or individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, both positive and negative, that provide an immediate understanding and serve as a point of reference across communities and societies worldwide. Words that are commonly used today may, like words of the past, be forgotten or come to mean something entirely different to future generations. Discover 12 terms that once held a significant meaning in history, explore what each term meant and the historical context each word held for the community.