LGBTQIA+ Terminology

Extensive list in the LGBTQIA+ terminology

It's important to consider that even if individuals meet the criteria for a particular concept, they may not feel comfortable using the term to describe themselves.

Aromantic

Aromantic individuals experience minimal or no romantic attraction and generally have little interest in romantic relationships. Aromanticism exists on a spectrum, and the level of romantic attraction can vary among aromantic individuals. Some may experience no romantic attraction at all, while others may feel it occasionally or under specific circumstances. Aromantic individuals may also identify as asexual (explained below), but it is not a requirement.

Asexual

Asexuality refers to the absence of attraction to others, a lack of sexual desire, or a disinterest in engaging in sexual activities. Some individuals use the term "asexual" to describe their sexual orientation. It can also serve as an umbrella term, encompassing "demisexuality" (experiencing sexual attraction only after developing a deep emotional connection) and "autosexuality" (exclusively desiring sexual activities with oneself).

BDSM

This abbreviation encompasses various practices: bondage and discipline (B&D), dominance and submission (D&S), and sadism and masochism (S&M). BDSM involves consensual power exchange within sexual contexts. The voluntary infliction of pain may be part of the experience. While BDSM doesn't have to be sexual, many practitioners associate it with sexual desire and pleasure.

Bigender

Individuals who identify as bigender have two gender identities, either simultaneously or alternately. For example, they may identify as both male and female, female and non-binary, or male and non-binary.

Bisexual

Bisexual individuals are attracted to and/or fall in love with people regardless of their gender, or they may be attracted to more than one gender.

Gay

Gay individuals typically identify as male and experience romantic or sexual attraction to other boys/men.

Cisgender

Cisgender individuals identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. The term "cisgender" was coined to describe the societal norm. "Cis" is a Latin term that roughly means "on this side of." Cisgender is unrelated to sexuality.

Cisnormativity

Cisnormativity refers to the societal norm that assumes everyone is cisgender, reinforces the belief in only two genders, and imposes expectations on men and women to conform to specific gender expressions. This norm grants privileges or advantages to cisgender individuals that transgender individuals may lack.

Crossdresser

Increasingly used instead of the term "transvestite," crossdressing refers to occasionally or frequently expressing a gender different from the one typically associated with one's assigned sex at birth. This expression can involve clothing, makeup, hairstyle, body language, vocal pitch, and other attributes.

Drag King/Drag Queen

Drag encompasses the exploration of gender expressions by intentionally amplifying typically masculine expressions (drag king) or typically feminine expressions (drag queen). It also allows for the fusion of different gender expressions during the performance. Drag should not be confused with being transgender; instead, it often involves art, activism, or entertainment.

Dyadic

The term "dyadic" refers to a person who is not intersex, aligning with the societal norm.

Lesbian

A lesbian is someone who primarily identifies as a girl or woman and experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction towards other girls/women. This term is frequently used interchangeably with "flata."

Non-monogamy

Non-monogamy deviates from the societal expectation of monogamy, which involves having only one partner with whom one shares romantic and sexual relationships. Non-monogamous relationships can take various forms, such as engaging in multiple sexual relationships or having both romantic and sexual connections with multiple individuals.

See also the terms "poly" and "relationship anarchy."

Ableism

Ableism is a social structure that confers social, economic, and political advantages to individuals with certain abilities, influencing the distribution of power. The more functional or able a person is perceived to be, the greater their access to power and opportunities, while individuals with different disabilities may face invisibility, exclusion, or discrimination.

Disability

Disability refers to a decreased ability or functionality compared to the perceived norm. This can encompass mental, cognitive, or physical disabilities.

Gay

A gay person is someone who experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction exclusively or primarily towards individuals of the same gender. This term is synonymous with homosexuality. However, some individuals use "gay" specifically to describe homosexual men.

Genderfluid

Genderfluid individuals have a gender identity that fluctuates over time.

Genderqueer (GQ)

Genderqueer is a term used by individuals who identify as existing between or beyond the traditional gender categories of woman and man. It is sometimes used interchangeably with "non-binary."

LGBTQIA+

LGBTQIA+ is a collective term encompassing individuals who are homosexual, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex. The "H" and "B" represent sexual orientation, specifically who one is romantically or sexually attracted to. The "T" refers to how individuals define and express their gender identity. "Queer" can encompass various aspects such as sexual orientation, gender identity, relationships, and sexual practices, while also reflecting a critical perspective on prevailing norms. The "I" pertains to individuals whose bodies deviate from societal expectations and norms surrounding gender.

They/them

"They" and "them" are gender-neutral pronouns used to refer to individuals who identify as genderqueer or non-binary, among other identities. These pronouns can also be used when someone's gender identity is unknown.

Heteronormativity

Heteronormativity encompasses a set of norms related to gender and sexuality. According to these norms, individuals are categorized strictly as either girls/women or boys/men, with no room for other possibilities. Women are expected to embody femininity, while men are expected to display masculinity. Heterosexuality is assumed as the default orientation. Conforming to these norms often brings economic, political, and social advantages. Deviating from heteronormativity can result in various forms of punishment, ranging from social exclusion to physical violence. (Also see binary gender norm and monogamy norm).

Heterosexual

A heterosexual person is someone who experiences romantic or sexual attraction to individuals of a different gender than their own.

Homophobia

Homophobia refers to a negative attitude or prejudice towards individuals who are homosexual or bisexual, or the belief that being gay/bisexual is inferior to being heterosexual. Homophobia often intersects with transphobia.

Homosexual

A homosexual person is someone who experiences romantic or sexual attraction to individuals of the same gender.

Non-binary

Non-binary individuals do not exclusively identify as either female or male. However, the term "non-binary" does not have a singular meaning for everyone who identifies as such. Some individuals may feel a combination of both female and male identities, while others may perceive themselves as existing between these categories. Many non-binary individuals do not align with any specific gender category. Some non-binary individuals may experience gender dysphoria and seek hormone therapy or surgery to align their bodies with their gender identity. Others use "non-binary" as an umbrella term for various gender identities that defy the traditional binary gender norm.

Intersectionality

Intersectionality explains how different norms and power structures intersect, influence each other, and reinforce existing systems of privilege and oppression. This concept recognizes that various aspects of an individual's identity, such as race, sexuality, gender, religion, ability, and age, intersect and impact their opportunities and agency.

Intersex/Intersex Variation

Intersex refers to the condition when an individual's physical characteristics do not conform to societal norms regarding gender. There are several different conditions and diagnoses that fall under the term "intersex." Intersex variations are congenital conditions in which chromosomes, gonads (testes or ovaries), or the development of reproductive organs do not align with expected norms. Individuals with intersex variations may identify as intersex. They can have diverse gender identities, including male, female, or non-binary. It is important to note that being intersex does not determine a person's sexual orientation.

Gender

The term "gender" is commonly used to categorize individuals as either women or men based on social and cultural distinctions. However, gender is a multifaceted concept that can be broken down into four different aspects:

1. Body: This aspect encompasses internal and external reproductive organs, chromosomes, hormone levels, and secondary sexual characteristics. There is a range of variations and not simply a clear division into two gender categories.
2. Legal gender: This refers to the gender recorded in official documents such as civil registries, passports, or identification documents.
3. Gender identity: Gender identity refers to an individual's self-perception of their gender. It is how they personally understand and experience their own gender, regardless of societal expectations or assigned sex at birth. For example, someone may identify as a woman, man, non-binary, or another gender.
4. Gender expression: Gender expression relates to how individuals present and express their gender to others, including their clothing, behavior, and appearance. It can be influenced by societal expectations and personal preferences.

Gender-affirming care

Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of approaches to aligning one's body with their gender identity and reducing gender dysphoria. This includes hormone therapy, various surgical procedures, hair removal, and voice training. Many individuals also undergo legal gender changes as part of their treatment. Previously known as "sex reassignment" or "gender correction," gender-affirming care is provided to transgender women, transgender men, and non-binary individuals. In Sweden, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is required to access gender-affirming care. Additional information about gender-affirming treatment and its process can be found here.

Gender dysphoria

Gender dysphoria refers to a profound and enduring sense of being assigned the wrong gender, leading to significant psychological distress and often impairing daily functioning. It can manifest both physically and socially. Physical gender dysphoria involves experiencing significant discomfort or anxiety related to certain body parts or one's voice not aligning with their gender identity. Social gender dysphoria arises when others do not acknowledge an individual's true gender, such as by using incorrect pronouns. While many transgender individuals experience gender dysphoria, not everyone does. Gender-affirming care and treatment often help alleviate gender dysphoria.

Gender Euphoria

Gender euphoria entails experiencing positive emotions when one's gender identity as a transgender person is affirmed. The experience of gender euphoria varies for each individual. It can be influenced by personal factors, such as the alignment of the body with one's gender identity. Affirmation by others, including the use of correct name and pronouns, can also contribute to gender euphoria.

Lesbian

Lesbian refers to an individual, typically identifying as a girl or woman, who experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction to other girls/women.

Monogamous

Monogamous describes an individual who engages in romantic and sexual relationships with one person at a time. The term "monoamorous" is sometimes used to refer to individuals who develop romantic feelings for one person at a time.

Norm criticism

Norm criticism is an educational approach aimed at fostering greater equality in society. It involves shifting the focus from individuals who deviate from norms to examining the norms themselves. This includes identifying the beneficiaries and disadvantaged individuals resulting from these norms. Norm criticism aims to develop strategies for changing norms that lead to invisibility, exclusion, or discrimination.

Conversion attempts/conversion therapy

Conversion attempts or conversion therapy involve coercive or pressured measures to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These attempts can cause physical and psychological harm, and the United Nations has equated them with torture. More information about conversion attempts can be found here.

Pansexual

Pansexual describes a person who experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction to individuals of all genders or regardless of gender.

Polyamorous 

Polyamorous or poly refers to having sexual and/or emotional relationships with multiple individuals simultaneously. The term is often used to indicate various forms of non-monogamy, whether it involves sexual and/or emotional connections.

Polygamy 

Polygamy refers specifically to being married to multiple people at the same time. In some instances, the media may use it interchangeably with polyamorous, but polygamy refers to multiple marriages.

Pronouns

Pronouns, such as she, he, they, or it, are used to refer to individuals. Hen and den are also employed in situations where a person's gender identity is unknown. Pronouns cannot be determined solely based on appearance. Using the correct pronouns is a way to affirm a person's gender identity.

Queer

The term "queer" is often used in the LGBTQI acronym to represent a deviation from societal norms related to gender, sexuality, and relationships. It encompasses various identities and expressions, including being transgender, being involved in non-monogamous relationships, or choosing alternative family structures. Queer can also refer to the theories and activism that challenge traditional notions of gender and sexuality and examine their connection to power dynamics.

Racialization

Racialization is a social process in which individuals are categorized based on attributes such as skin color, ethnicity, or religion. Society assigns certain characteristics and expectations to these groups based on historical and contemporary ideas of "race," creating power dynamics between them. Racialization is closely tied to the norm of whiteness, which grants social, economic, and political advantages to white individuals.

Rainbow Family

In the LGBTQI community, the concept of family extends beyond traditional definitions. A rainbow family is a term used to describe a family in which one or more individuals identify as LGBTQI. It includes diverse family structures, such as those with children, blended families, and chosen families. While not all LGBTQI individuals with children use this term to describe their families, it has become increasingly used as an umbrella term in different contexts and by organizations like RFSL.

Relationship Anarchy

Relationship anarchy challenges societal norms and expectations regarding relationships. It questions the idea that romantic relationships should take priority over friendships and challenges the notion that individuals should only have romantic and sexual connections with a single partner. The practice of relationship anarchy can vary, but it fundamentally challenges the hierarchy and expectations placed on different types of relationships.

Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation refers to whom a person is attracted to or falls in love with. While Swedish anti-discrimination law recognizes three sexual orientations—heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual—individuals use a broader range of terms to describe their sexual orientation beyond the traditional categories of gay, straight, and bi.

Transphobia

Transphobia involves negative attitudes and prejudice towards transgender individuals or those whose gender expression deviates from societal norms. It can manifest as the belief that being transgender is inferior to being cisgender or as a form of discrimination and mistreatment. Transphobia often intersects with homophobia, which is the prejudice against individuals based on their sexual orientation.

Transition

Transition refers to the period in which a person undergoes changes to align their gender identity and expression with their affirmed gender. This process may involve changing one's name, pronouns, and undergoing medical interventions or other forms of gender-affirming care.

Transgender Person

A transgender person is someone whose gender identity and/or expression does not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. They identify with the term "trans" and may undergo a transition to live authentically in their affirmed gender. Being transgender is distinct from sexual orientation, as it relates to gender identity rather than attraction.

Transsexual

Some transgender individuals may use the term "transsexual" to describe themselves. Transsexualism is one of the medical diagnoses used to access gender-affirming care and treatment. Different diagnoses of gender dysphoria exist, granting access to care, but the diagnosis of transsexualism is currently required for legal gender changes and certain medical procedures. Specialized gender dysphoria teams make this diagnosis, and it indicates a need for care rather than a state of illness. The terminology around this diagnosis is undergoing changes.

Transvestite

The term "transvestite" is synonymous with "crossdresser," referring to individuals who enjoy wearing clothing typically associated with a different gender. Transvestism is often seen as a form of self-expression or a means of exploring gender identity, but it does not necessarily imply a transgender identity.

Gender Binary/Norm

The gender binary or gender norm refers to the societal expectation that all individuals can be categorized as either male or female based on their genital appearance. It assumes that these two genders are fundamentally different and influences people's thinking and societal institutions. This binary norm leads to the marginalization of non-binary individuals and can result in involuntary medical interventions for some individuals with intersex variations.

Mononormativity

Mononormativity is a norm that promotes the belief that having or desiring only one romantic partner is positive, desirable, and considered the norm. It places a special status on monogamous relationships, often prioritizing them over other types of relationships, such as friendships. Mononormativity influences private life and societal expectations.

Whiteness/White Norm

The concept of whiteness or the white norm refers to a societal structure that grants social, economic, and political advantages to individuals who are considered white. This norm is closely connected to racism and the process of racialization. It exists globally and has its roots in colonialism, where whiteness or having light skin became a marker of status and privilege, even in countries where white individuals are a minority.