Terms

There are many terms, or labels, associated with each of the spectrums, and sometimes it can be difficult to remember them all. If you’re feeling lost, you’re in the right place! Here you will be able to find a list of terms (in alphabetical order). If you notice a term is missing or incorrectly defined, please contact me.

Anything I link which is not a part of this website is not mine unless explicitly stated, and if it is yours and you would like it changed or removed please contact me and I will respond accordingly.


Agender:
No identification with a gender.
Feeling as though you do not have a gender.

Androgyne:
Between the two binary/traditional genders.

Androsexual:
Attraction to males.

Aromantic:
Not experiencing romantic attraction.

Asexual:
Not experiencing sexual attraction.

Bigender:
Identification with two genders.

Biological Sex:
(not to be confused with gender identity or gender expression)
The sex someone is assigned at birth (male or female).

Biromantic:
Romantic attraction to the same and other genders.

Bisexual:
Sexual attraction to the same and other genders.

Cisgender:
Identification with the gender assigned at birth.

Cupioromantic:
Not experiencing romantic attraction, but still desiring a romantic relationship.
A subset of aromance.

Cupiosexual:
Not experiencing sexual attraction, but still desiring a sexual relationship.
A subset of asexuality.

Demiromantic:
Not experiencing romantic attraction without the presence of a strong bond first.

Demisexual:
Not experiencing sexual attraction without the presence of a strong bond first.

The Gender Binary:
A view of gender which only includes two genders, male and female. These are accompanied by rigid ideas of masculinity and femininity, respectively.

Gender Expression:
(not to be confused with biological sex)
The way an individual expresses his/her/their/etc. gender identity.

Gender Fluid:
When gender identity varies and can change at any time.

Gender Identity:
(not to be confused with biological sex)
The way an individual feels about his/her/their/etc. gender.

Gender Spectrum:
Can be used to describe any gender identity which is not on either end of the binary system of gender (male or female). This includes, but is not limited to: demigirl/demiboy, genderqueer, androgynous, etc.
Also see: The Genderbread Person

Genderqueer:
An umbrella term or catch-all for people who are non-binary or on the gender spectrum.
Also see: Genderqueer Identities (this site also has a page of terms).

Gyneromantic:
Romantic attraction to females.

Gynesexual:
Sexual attraction to females.

Heteronormativity:
The idea that heterosexuality is the “normal” way to be; also enforces the gender binary.
Also see: GoodTherapy.org’s Explanation; OED Definition.

Heteroromantic:
Romantic attraction to individuals of the opposite biological sex.

Heterosexual:
Sexual attraction to individuals of the opposite biological sex.

Homoromantic:
Romantic attraction to individuals of the same biological sex.

Homosexual:
Sexual attraction to individuals of the the same biological sex.

Nonbinary:
Any gender identity which does not conform to the gender binary. Can also be used as an identity on its own.

Panromantic:
Romantic attraction to all genders/gender identities.

Pansexual:
Sexual attraction to all genders/gender identities.

Polyromantic:
Romantic attraction to a combination of two or more genders/gender identities.

Polysexual:
Sexual attraction to a combination of two or more genders/gender identities.

Preferred Pronouns:
A set of pronouns a person prefers over other sets of pronouns from a group of pronoun sets with which they are comfortable identifying.

Pronouns:
Words used to refer to any already stated noun.
Examples (not at all exhaustive): she/her, he/him, they/them, ey/em. 
Also see: List of Pronouns; Pronoun-Learning App.

Quoiromantic:
Cannot usually tell the difference between a friendship and a romantic relationship.

Romantic Spectrum:
(not to be confused with the sexual spectrum)
Can be used to describe any romantic identity which falls between or outside of being either romantic or aromantic . This includes, but is not limited to: homoromantic, grayromantic, quoiromantic, etc.

Sexual Spectrum:
(not to be confused with the romantic spectrum)
Can be used to describe any sexuality which falls between or outside of being either sexual, or asexual . This includes, but is not limited to: heterosexual, demisexual, gynesexual, etc.

Skolioromantic:
Romantic attraction to individuals who identify outside of the gender binary.

Skoliosexual:
Sexual attraction to individuals who identify outside of the gender binary.

Spectrums:
There are numerous spectrums, but the three main spectrums discussed on this site (and on most sites concerning LGBTQ+ themes) are the gender spectrum, the romantic spectrum, and the sexual spectrum.

Trans*:
Refers to anyone who is not cisgender and who is on the gender spectrum.

Trigender:
Identification with three genders.