Unlocking the Language of LGBTQ+ Identities: Common Terms You Should Know
Language has the incredible power to shape our understanding of the world around us, and when it comes to the diverse spectrum of gender and sexual identities, this is no exception. In an effort to foster inclusivity and respect, it’s crucial to become familiar with the common terminology used within the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s explore some of these terms and their meanings:
1. Ace Spectrum: The ace spectrum encompasses a range of identities under the asexuality umbrella, including demisexuality (attraction only after a strong emotional connection) and graysexuality (infrequent or low-intensity attraction).
2. Agender: Imagine a world without gender labels - that’s what agender individuals experience. They identify as having no gender, transcending the traditional binary.
3. Ally: An ally is someone who supports and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, even if they do not personally identify as LGBTQ+.
4. Androgynous: Androgynous individuals present themselves in a way that blends both traditionally masculine and feminine characteristics.
5. Asexual: Not everyone experiences sexual attraction, and that’s perfectly valid. Asexual individuals feel little or no sexual attraction to others.
6. Assigned Sex at Birth: Often referred to as birth sex, natal sex, or biological sex, this term describes the sex assigned to a child at birth based on their external anatomy.
7. Bisexual: This sexual orientation describes those who are emotionally and sexually attracted to people of their own gender and other genders. It’s all about embracing love in its various forms.
8. Cisgender: A person whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth is referred to as cisgender. In simpler terms, they’re not transgender.
9. Cissexism: Cissexism refers to the societal prejudice and discrimination against transgender or gender-nonconforming individuals, often rooted in the assumption that cisgender identities are superior or more valid.
10. Demiboy/Demigirl: Demiboy is a term used by some individuals who partially identify as male, while demigirl is used by those who partially identify as female. These identities are often seen as falling under the nonbinary umbrella.
11. Gender Confirmation Surgery: Also known as gender-affirming surgery, this is a medical procedure that some transgender individuals may choose to undergo to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity.
12. Gender Dysphoria: Some individuals experience distress when their gender identity doesn’t match their assigned sex at birth. This distress can affect various aspects of their life.
13. Gender Expression: This term encompasses how a person presents themselves to the world - through actions, clothing, speech, and behavior. It doesn’t always align with their assigned sex at birth or gender identity.
14. Gender Identity: At its core, this is a person’s internal sense of who they are in terms of gender - whether they identify as a man, woman, both, neither, or another gender entirely.
15. Gender Nonconforming: When someone’s gender expression doesn’t conform to society’s expectations for males or females, they are considered gender nonconforming.
16. Genderqueer: Genderqueer individuals may identify outside of or as a rejection of the traditional gender binary. They may embrace a fluid or nonconforming gender identity.
17. Heteronormativity: Heteronormativity refers to the assumption that heterosexuality is the norm and that all individuals are, or should be, heterosexual.
18. Homonormativity: Homonormativity is the idea that LGBTQ+ individuals should conform to societal norms, often by adopting traditional relationship structures or identities.
19. Intersex (Disorders of Sexual Development): Intersex individuals are born with reproductive organs and genitals that develop differently from what’s typically expected.
20. Lesbian: Lesbianism is a sexual orientation describing women who are emotionally and sexually attracted to other women.
21. LGBT+: The “+” symbol represents the inclusion of additional identities and orientations beyond lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. It underscores the ever-evolving nature of LGBTQ+ terminology.
22. Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) / Women Who Have Sex with Women (WSW): These terms are mainly used in research and public health to describe individuals who engage in same-sex sexual behavior, regardless of their sexual orientation.
23. Outing: Outing is the act of revealing someone’s LGBTQ+ status, often against their will. It can have serious consequences for individuals, particularly if they are not ready to disclose their identity.
24. Pangender: Imagine a gender identity that encompasses many genders - that’s pangender. These individuals don’t limit themselves to one gender label.
25. Pansexual: For pansexual individuals, love knows no gender boundaries. They are emotionally and sexually attracted to people, regardless of their gender.
26. Queer: While once a derogatory term, “queer” has been reclaimed by some to describe sexual orientations or gender identities that don’t conform to societal norms. It’s seen as a more fluid and inclusive label.
27. Questioning: This term describes individuals who are in the process of exploring or unsure about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
28. Same-Sex Attraction: It refers to the emotional and/or sexual attraction a person feels toward individuals of the same gender. Remember, this doesn’t necessarily dictate a person’s behavior.
29. Sexual Orientation: This term characterizes how a person experiences physical and emotional attraction to others. It’s distinct from sex, gender identity, and gender expression.
30. Trans Man / Transgender Man / Female-to-Male (FTM): Transgender men are individuals whose gender identity is male. They may use these terms to describe themselves, although some simply prefer “man.”
31. Trans Woman / Transgender Woman / Male-to-Female (MTF): On the other side of the spectrum, transgender women identify as female. They may use these terms but often prefer “woman.”
32. Transgender: This umbrella term encompasses individuals whose gender identity doesn’t align with their assigned sex at birth. It also includes various gender identities beyond just male and female.
33. Transition / Affirmation: For transgender individuals, this journey involves recognizing, accepting, and expressing their true gender identity. This process can include social, legal, and medical changes, such as name and clothing changes or medical interventions.
34. Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous cultures in North America to describe individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities or have unique spiritual roles within their communities.
By familiarizing ourselves with these terms, we can create a more inclusive and understanding world for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Education is a powerful tool for building empathy and respect, and it all starts with the words we use.