Having trouble understanding terms related to LGBTQ? If so, try reading this article to understand the difference between each term!
Step
Step 1. Learn the terms
Although lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, and queer are the most commonly used terms, there are actually non-binary and asexual terms. To understand the difference (here's how each one lives), try going to the library to find relevant literature
Step 2. First, understand the concept of sexual identity
In fact, sexual identity defines a person's sexual attraction to a particular gender identity. In other words, sexual identity has nothing to do with how they dress, behave, or represent themselves.
- Lesbian: A lesbian identifies as a woman who has a sexual attraction to other women. Some lesbians divide this identity into two categories, namely butch (masculine) and femme (feminine) categories. However, their gender presentation generally varies widely, and not all lesbian couples are a mix of butch and femme.
- Gay: Gay is a term that refers to all homosexuals, both men and women (as opposed to lesbian which is only assigned to women). Gay men can look masculine, feminine, or somewhere in between.
- Straight/heterosexual: Heterosexual refers to people who have a sexual attraction to the opposite sex.
- Asexual: An asexual rarely (or never) experiences sexual attraction. However, they still feel in love, you know! For example, a panromantic asexual can fall in love with someone of any gender, while a homoromantic asexual will only fall in love with someone of the same gender as him. In fact, there are many subcategories in this sexual identity.
- Aromantic: Refers to someone who cannot feel romantic attraction but can experience sexual attraction to other people (if they are not aromantic and asexual).
- Bisexual: Bisexual refers to someone of any gender who likes people of their gender and other genders. Unlike pansexuals, gender usually plays a very important role in growing their attraction.
- Pansexual / omnisexual: Sometimes also referred to as 'gender blind' because a pansexual feels attracted to men, women, and all identities in between (agender, etc.).
Step 3. Learn the concepts of transgender and intersex
Transgender people feel they have a different gender from the sex they were born with. Usually, those feelings arise from an early age; if the surrounding environment is supportive, they will go through the process of transitioning to the gender they think is right. They are also the ones who choose their own “name” and “gender”.
- Transman /Transgender male/FTM/AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth): Men who are considered female at birth.
- Transwoman /Transgender woman/MTF/AMAB (Assigned Male At Birth): Women who are considered male at birth.
- Transsexual: A person who has had genital surgery to make their genitals match their gender. In fact, this term is rarely used because some transgender people feel they don't need surgery to feel comfortable with their bodies. While some people find this term offensive, most transgender people are also reluctant to use the term because of the word “sexual” in it; The word sexual is closely related to sexual orientation, even though gender is not at all related to sexuality.
- Intersex: A person whose genitals at birth do not fit into the “male” or “female” category so they can fit into any gender.
Step 4. Understand the concept of nonbinary gender
In fact, non-binary genders are those who consider themselves neither male nor female; they believe that there is another identity that is more suitable for them (if there is a label that can truly represent them).
- Genderqueer: This term is used for people who are not cisgender (someone whose gender perception matches their gender).
- Nonbinary: This term is used for people who do not identify as male or female, and prefer to use gender-neutral pronouns.
- Bi-gender: This term is used for people who change gender frequently (usually between masculine and feminine).
- Genderfluid: This term is used for people who change two or more genders; in other words, sometimes they feel as men, sometimes as women, and sometimes also as the other gender.
- Neutrois/Neuter/Agender: This term is used for people who feel they have no gender.
- Androgyny: This term is used for people who feel they belong to different genders at the same time.
Step 5. Understand that the letter Q in the LGBTQIA acronym means “queer” or “questioning”
- Queer: In fact, queer is an umbrella term or an umbrella term for various concepts in the same category. In this case, queer is an umbrella term for all the concepts contained in the LGBTQA+ acronym.
- Questioning: People with any gender, identity or situation who consider themselves part of the gender identity or sexual identity described above.
Step 6. Accept them
Show your sympathy and concern for people who are considered different. Understand that love comes in many forms; that's why concepts related to couples can also vary widely. Think of LGBTQ people as your neighbors, family, peers, coworkers, or classmates. They are also humans with dreams, feelings, and talents, just like you!
Tips
- Whenever you're unsure, feel free to ask questions and appreciate whatever the answer is. For example, if you are unsure of someone's gender identity, try asking, "What pronouns would suit me for you?"
- Make sure all questions you ask are polite and not too personal. Think about what kind of questions would make you uncomfortable, and don't ask anyone else. For example, a simple question like, “How is your partner doing?” of course it's fine to ask (you wouldn't mind accepting the question anyway, would you?). However, don't ask if someone has had genital surgery or not; remember, it's not wise to offend personal things like other people's gender!
- If there's something you don't understand but don't want to ask for fear of being seen as rude, try reading a book or browsing the internet for the answers you need.
- If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun, there's no need to feel too guilty. Just correct your diction and apologize to the other person. Trust me, he will appreciate it more if you can handle the mistake wisely instead of overdoing it.
- Don't use the word "gay" to attack someone; remember, building the notion that being “gay” is a despicable and despicable choice is not a wise move.
- If you want to be discriminatory, at least pause and think about the reasons behind your perspective and understand the logic behind it. However, as much as possible avoid discrimination in any form.
Warning
- Although some LGBT+ people often make fun of their community members with terms that mean insults or insults, be aware that this situation doesn't necessarily mean that you have the right to use similar terms to make fun of them.
- Watch your words. Be careful, some people can feel very offended when they hear certain terms. Therefore, always ask what is appropriate and inappropriate for them. For example, a gay adult would be offended if you called him “queer”; on the other hand, younger people generally don't mind using the term.
- Remember, the term 'transsexual' has actually been widely recognized as an offensive term for LGBTQ+ people.
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Don't divulge their identity on purpose. Try to find out who has and doesn't know this information. Remember, leaking it has the potential to damage their trust in you, destroy your relationship with them, or even threaten their safety. Therefore, never assume!
- Don't be afraid to ask "So, who knows you're a lesbian?" Asking her shows that you value her privacy.
- Don't introduce someone as “my gay friend” or “Tom, my transgender friend.” If he wanted others to know his identity, he would definitely tell it himself.
