LGBTQ Terminology

For a more in depth, comprehensive guide, please refer to The A - Z of Gender and Sexuality: From Ace to Ze by Morgan Lev Edward Holleb. The definitions on this page are from, or informed by, this work.

Please keep in mind as well that as we explore and "define" these identities and terminologies, that many of them have come into existence due to the existence of a sex/gender/sexuality system that we have in place in our society. Many of these identities and terms are troubled/challenged by the existence of trans and nonbinary gender identities, intersex and transgender sexual expression/phenotypes and biological diversity.

Sex/Gender/Sexuality System (Rubin, 1984; Seiddman, 1995)

"Understandings of sexuality are predicated on beliefs about sex and gender. If there were no sex categories, current understandings of sexual orientation would not exist...Cultural beliefs about the sanctity of gender binarism naturalize a sex/gender/sexuality system in which heterosexuality is positioned as the only natural and desirable sexual form.” (Westbrook)

Furthermore, note that no identity has one singular, concrete defintion. Identities and language are fluid, and they continue to develop, shift, and evolve with the time. The knowledge presented here is simply our most educated and informed knowledge at the present time of writing (Fall 2022).

*Note this page is a work in progress and is being worked on gradually so as to respect the multitudes of queer voices and experiences that have contributed to the ever-changing and diverse language we use to describe ourselves. This page will be regularly updated as we are able.

Sexual Identity

Asexual – A sexual orientation defined by a lack of sexual attraction. Asexuality is also a spectrum that varies between: allosexual (people who experience sexual attraction), asexual (no sexual attraction), gray asexual/grey-ace/[more microlabels exist] (rarely experience sexual attraction/have conditional sexual attraction), and demisexual (only experience sexual attraction after an emotional bond is formed).

Multisexual Attraction Spectrum/M-Spec/Non-monosexual - An umbrella term for identities that include sexual attraction to two or more sexes, genders, gender expressions, or combinations thereof. Non-monosexual. Some common identities under the M-spec umbrella are:

Bisexual

Pansexual

Omnisexual

Polysexual

Monosexual

Gay/Homosexual/MLM/Achillean

Lesbian/Homosexual/WLW/Sapphic

Straight/Heterosexual

Gender Expression

Androgynous

Femme/Feminine

Masc

Butch

Boi

Gender Identity

Transgender/Trans

Nonbinary/Enby

Some common alternative trans labels:

Genderfluid

Genderqueer

Agender

Bigender/Pangender/Omnigender/Multigender/etc.

Genderflux

Gender Non-Conforming