There’s no denying that the Irish language is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. More and more, people are putting their cúpla focail to good use, with countless queer folk at the heart of the movement. With this in mind and to ensure everyone can express themselves fully as Gaeilge, here is some LGBTQ+/LADTA+ terminology you need to know! 

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that the below is taken from An Foclóir Aiteach, the first English-Irish queer dictionary. Originally published in 2018, an updated second edition was launched in 2022 by the Union of Students in Ireland, Belong To, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) and téarma.ie, and can be found online for free here. 

Without further ado, it’s time to put the gay in Gaeilge. First, let’s look at the acronym; LGBTQ+ in Irish is LADTA+, taken from the translations of some of the most common identities. They are:
Lesbian – Leispiach
Gay – Aerach
Bisexual – Déghnéasach
Trans – Tras
Queer – Aiteach

Translations of other common identities include:
Aromantic – Éarómánsúil
Asexual – Éighnéasach
Cis – Cis, Cios
Intersex – Idirghnéasach
Non-binary – Neamh-dhénártha
Pansexual – Panghnéasach
Questioning – Ceisteach, Fiafraitheach
Straight – Díreach
Two Spirit – Dé-anamúil

Some other terms that might come in handy are:
Coming out – Teacht amach
Drag king – Draig-rí, Rí draig
Drag queen – Draig-ríon, Banríon draig
Gender – Inscnigh
HIV – VEID
Polyamory – Il-leannánacht
Pronouns – Forainmneacha
Sexual orientation – Claonadh gnéis, gnéaschlaonadh
Trans man – Fear tras
Trans woman – Bean thras

Finally, let’s look at some pronouns:
He/him – Sé/é
She/her – Sí/í
They/them – Siad/iad

For the full Foclóir and to learn even more LGBTQ+ terms as Gaeilge, click here.

There are countless other ways to improve your Irish. TG4, of course, has an array of fabulous TV programmes to tune into, including Scéalta Grá na hÉireann (which has an episode on the lesbian love story of the Ladies of Llangollen) and Éire Eile (which spotlights Ireland’s drag and queer punk scenes). Virgin Media’s Grá ar an Trá is another good option, with Season 2 featuring a gay cast member.

Elsewhere, Raidió Rí-Rá is a great station to tune into, and influencers like Gaylgeoirí post Irish-language content on social media. There are also events you can attend, like Sí-bín’s queer céilí as Gaeilge and activities organised by Aerach Aiteach Gaelach.

Beir bua!