Sexual Orientations and Gender

A

Asexual-spectrum

The asexual-spectrum, also known as the ace-spectrum, refers to a range of sexual orientations characterized by experiencing little to no sexual attraction or desire for sexual contact. This spectrum encompasses various identities, including asexuality, demisexuality, and gray-asexuality, among others. People on the asexual-spectrum may experience different levels of sexual attraction, romantic attraction, or both.

Asexual

Asexuality refers to individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction towards others, regardless of gender, though they may still form romantic, emotional, or intimate relationships. While asexual people may engage in sexual activity for various reasons, they generally don't feel an intrinsic desire for sexual interactions with others.

B

Bigender

Bigender is a gender identity where an individual experiences two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or varying between the two. These gender identities can be any combination of male, female, or non-binary genders. Bigender individuals may feel a strong connection to both genders equally, or their sense of gender may fluctuate between the two identities over time.

C

Cisgender

Cisgender, often abbreviated as "cis," refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person born with male genitalia who identifies as a man is considered cisgender. This term is used to describe gender identity and is not related to sexual orientation.

G

Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is the psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one's sex assigned at birth and one's gender identity. People who experience gender dysphoria often feel that their body does not match their true gender. This can lead to significant discomfort, anxiety, and a desire to change one's physical characteristics to better align with their gender identity.

Gender Identity

Gender identity refers to an individual's internal, deeply-felt sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or neither. It's a personal conception of oneself as gendered and may or may not correspond to the sex assigned at birth. Gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation and can be fluid or fixed throughout a person's life.

Gender Non-Conforming

Gender non-conforming refers to individuals whose gender expression or identity does not align with traditional societal expectations or norms associated with their assigned sex at birth. This term encompasses a wide range of gender identities and expressions that fall outside the binary male-female gender system.

Genderqueer

Genderqueer is a term used to describe individuals whose gender identity falls outside the traditional binary of male and female. People who identify as genderqueer may experience their gender as a mix of male and female, as neither male nor female, or as a gender that is entirely different from these categories. This identity challenges conventional notions of gender and allows for a more fluid and expansive understanding of gender expression and identity.

H

Heteronormativity

Heteronormativity refers to the assumption that heterosexuality is the default, normal, or preferred sexual orientation in society. It's a worldview that promotes heterosexual relationships as the norm and often ignores or marginalizes other sexual orientations and gender identities. This concept extends beyond just sexual orientation to include assumptions about gender roles, family structures, and societal expectations.

N

Non-Binary

Non-binary is a term used to describe gender identities that fall outside the traditional binary of male and female. Individuals who identify as non-binary may experience their gender as a mix of male and female, as neither male nor female, or as a gender entirely separate from these categories. Non-binary is often considered an umbrella term that can include various gender identities such as genderqueer, genderfluid, and agender.

Q

Queer

Queer is an umbrella term used to describe sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions that fall outside of traditional heterosexual and cisgender norms. Originally used as a slur, it has been reclaimed by many in the LGBTQ+ community as a positive and inclusive term. Queer can refer to a wide spectrum of identities and experiences related to sexuality and gender.

Queerplatonic Relationship

A queerplatonic relationship (QPR) is a close, committed partnership that exists outside the boundaries of traditional romantic or sexual relationships. It involves a deep emotional connection and intimacy that goes beyond typical friendship but doesn't include romantic or sexual attraction. This type of relationship is particularly significant in asexual and aromantic communities, though it's not exclusive to these groups.

R

Romantic Orientation

Romantic orientation refers to the pattern of romantic attraction an individual experiences towards others, regardless of sexual attraction. It describes the gender(s) or gender identities a person is romantically attracted to, which may or may not align with their sexual orientation. Romantic attraction often involves the desire for emotional intimacy, partnership, and romantic gestures, but doesn't necessarily include sexual desire.

S

Sexual Fetishism

Sexual fetishism refers to a type of sexual interest in which an individual derives sexual arousal and gratification from a specific object, body part, or situation that is not typically considered sexual. Fetishes can range from common interests like lingerie or leather to more unique preferences. In most cases, having a fetish does not indicate a disorder, and many people with fetishes are able to incorporate their interests into a healthy sex life.

T

Transgender

Transgender, often abbreviated as trans, is an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. A transgender person may identify as a man, a woman, non-binary, genderfluid, or other gender identities. Being transgender relates to a person's internal sense of their own gender and is separate from sexual orientation.

Transitioning

Transitioning refers to the process through which a transgender person aligns their gender expression and/or physical characteristics with their gender identity. This journey is highly personal and can involve social, medical, and/or legal changes. Transitioning is not a single event but a series of steps that can take months or years, and the specific steps can vary greatly from person to person.

Two-Spirit

Two-Spirit is a modern umbrella term used by some Indigenous North American cultures to describe a traditional third gender role. It refers to individuals who embody both masculine and feminine spirits within one body. Two-Spirit people often have distinct gender and social roles in their communities, which can include spiritual or ceremonial responsibilities.