More LGBTQ+ Terms!
This segment will go over various ways to be a better Ally to the LGBTQ+ people in your life. Keep in mind that being an Ally is NOT something you ARE but something you DO. It takes constant work and if you slip up it’s important to listen to what your LGBTQ+ friends and family are telling you in how to be better. This segment will also go over some ways to keep self-care in mind when dealing with specific issues. Now let’s talk about-
More LGBTQ+ Terms!
One thing I hear a lot from folks when they stop by the Center or at any of the trainings we offer (email us if you want to schedule one!) is that there are a lot of terms, and it can be confusing to keep up and learn everything. Which is true there are a lot more terms now than when I first came out and sometimes definitions can change over time to be more specific or more inclusive. This newsletter is going to go over some terms that might not come up in day-to-day conversation but can be used to expand your inclusive vocabulary and be aware of what people are talking about if they are describing their own experience. Most of these terms will be focused on trans and polyamorous terms, and if someone uses one it is always best practice to mirror their language. If you are unsure if you can or should mirror language, ASK if it is appropriate for you to do so!
The definitions I am giving below is how I have learned these terms. Some people may have their own definition or may relate to them differently compared to another person.
Transmasculine (transmasc)
An umbrella term used by people who were assigned female at birth but identify with a masculine identity. This can include trans men and non-binary people. There may be some variation depending on how one person defines masculinity compared to another. Note that this does NOT mean that a transmasc person is always okay with being called a man or a guy depending on their identity.
Transfeminine (transfemme)
An umbrella term used by people who were assigned male at birth but identify with a feminine identity. This can include trans women and non-binary people. There may be some variation depending on how one person defines femininity compared to another. Note that this does NOT mean that a transfemme person is always okay with being called a woman or a girl depending on their identity.
Genderqueer
A gender identity that doesn’t fit neatly into the traditional binary of man and woman. It is similar to nonbinary, and a genderqueer person may also identify as nonbinary or trans. Genderqueer people may also identify as a mix or both man and woman.
Gender fluid
A gender identity that is not fixed, meaning that a gender fluid person may experience one gender for a time and then swing to another, or even experience a mix of genders at any given time. Depending on the person the fluidity may be a gradual swing or a rapid change from day to day which may also mean having different pronoun usage for different moods. Gender fluid people may also identify as nonbinary or trans.
Polycule
The network of people within a specific polyamorous relationship. For example if your relationship was with two other people (A, B, C), but they both had single partner (D & E) that only they were seeing, the five people would be a polycule.
Metamour
The partner of your partner that you are NOT directly involved with in a romantic or sexual way. Use the example from Polycule if you are in the original trio as partner A, either of people that your partners were seeing (D & E) would be your metamours.
Hinge
A person who is romantically involved with two partners who are not romantically involved with each other. The two people would be metamours to each other, but their relationship is with the hinge.
Hope these terms can help expand your vocabulary when talking to trans or polyamorous people! There are more terms to learn and if you are ever curious see what information you can find online or ask people what terms and language they use and what is appropriate for you to use when talking to or about them.