Used to denote one’s romantic attractions, particularly when one’s romantic attraction differs to their sexual attraction.

For example, asexual individuals may describe themselves as being asexual (that is, with little or no sexual attraction to others), but heteroromantic, biromantic or homoromantic (having a romantic, rather than sexual attraction); or indeed, may describe themselves as being aromantic (little to no romantic attraction).

Not exclusive to asexual individuals either, though: somebody may be bisexual but exclusively heteroromantic or homoromantic; that is, although sexually attracted to more than one gender, but only romantically attracted to one; or, further; one may be bisexual, but aromantic.

A suffix denoting one’s sexual attraction, and, when aligned, their romantic or emotional attractions too (e.g. homosexual, heterosexual, asexual, bisexual).

However, when one’s sexual and/or emotional/romantic attractions are not aligned, the identity may be followed with a -romantic identity; such as bisexual/homoromantic.

an individual whose sexuality fluctuates rapidly and/or with great intensity, often with the implication that it often feels the sexuality itself changes. Because the implication is that the sexualities involved cover more than one gender, abrosexual is often included under the bisexual+ umbrella.

Many bisexual+ individuals experience a degree of fluidity or fluctuations in their attractions, for example, going through a stage where their attractions gravitate more towards a certain gender or gender expression than another, and may not necessarily mean that they are abrosexual (for example, a bisexual person may find they go through a period of time where they are strongly drawn to people of the same gender).

The difference between this fluctuation may be that it is so rapid compared to other fluctuations, and/or that it is so intense that it almost feels as if they are no longer one sexuality but another – for example, a person who finds they rapidly and/or intensely fluctuate between exclusive or primary attraction to the same gender (e.g. being gay or lesbian), to exclusive or primary attraction to a different gender (e.g. being straight), or even between those and being attracted without consideration for gender (e.g. bisexual, pansexual, etc), to the point where each label feels temporary.

In a general sense, the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something; for example, alcohol. However, it has become commonly associated with the abstaining of sex – and in Queer lexicon, typically refers to the conscious decision not to engage in same-sex relations, usually because a religious, cultural or political belief forbids it.

For example, in many conservative, homophobic religions, they may insist that same-sex attracted people abstain from sexual relations to abide by their religion. Abstinence is usually part of the course in “conversion therapy“.

This should not be confused with asexuality, which is not a conscious choice, but a lack of sexual desire.

A term for those on the asexual spectrum, and the asexual spectrum itself.

a slang term for someone who is asexual, but alloromantic (not aromantic)

a slang term for someone who is both asexual and aromantic.

an individual on the asexual spectrum, who finds their sexuality fluctuates between being asexual and allosexual.

The romantic equivalent is aroflux.

The range of negative attitudes, intolerance and resentment of asexual individuals and/or individuals on the asexual spectrum. This results in the erasure and invisibility of asexuals (asexual erasure).

Acephobia is unfortunately not restricted to the heterosexual community, as asexuals have, and continue to face, opposition from members of the Queer community; particularly, but not restricted to, asexual people who are not homoromantic or biromantic.

an individual who possesses acephobia; an adjective describing attitudes and behaviours that are hostile or negative towards asexual people and/or those on the asexual spectrum.

an umbrella term for same-gender loving men or man-aligned people, such as gay men and bisexual+ men; an alternative to terms such as men who have sex with men, and used to describe the topics, activities and ideas around it: for example, achillean relations, achillean people, achillean literature.

It arose in the mid-2010s as a masculine equivalent to the term sapphic. It is named after Achilles, a Greek mythological figure who has been interpreted as having a close romantic or sexual relationship with his close wartime comrade, Patroclus.

an asexual spectrum identity, in which individuals experience arousal at the thought of sexual behaviours, but experience no or little sexual attraction towards other people, or someone who experiences sexual attraction, but does not want to participate in sex; for example, an individual may masturbate, watch pornography or watch other sexual content, but still not desire to engage in sexual behaviours with other people.

This may manifest in a myriad of ways, for example, an aegosexual individual may fantasise about watching other individuals engage in sex, and not about in engaging in it themselves.

Aegosexuality was previously known as autochorisexual, a term coined by Dr. Anthony Bogaert, a psychologist that specialised in human sexuality; however, it was considered a kind of psychological disorder (along with asexuality in general). Whilst some within that identity attempted to reclaim the term, others felt uncomfortable with the negative connotations, and aegosexual was coined by a Tumblr user named Sugar-and-Spite.

in Polari, it is a term for a ‘lover’.

Outside of Polari, an affair is a relationship between two people in which one of them (or perhaps both) is also engaged in a relationship with someone else – for example, if someone is “having an affair”, it means they are engaging in a relationship outside of their existing, committed relationship (usually in secrecy, or supposed secrecy).

A model for sexual orientation and its application in real life, based around attraction, identity and behaviour (AIB).

As such, one can divide their experience of sexuality by describing their attraction (e.g. being attracted to multiple genders), the identity they choose (e.g. bisexual, pansexual, whether or not they are ‘out‘, or present publicly as heterosexual), and the behaviours they engage in (whether they choose to act on same-gender attractions, whether they engage in polyamorous relationships, etc).

a less prominent alternative term to lithromantic (a form of romantic attraction on the aromantic spectrum in which individuals experience romantic attraction but do not want it to be reciprocated).

alternate term for lithosexual, although not as common (a form of sexual attraction on the asexual spectrum in which individuals experience sexual attraction but do not want it to be reciprocated).

the assumption that an individual is allosexual – that is, that a person is not asexual.

an individual who is not aromantic; that is, an individual who experiences a romantic attraction to other people.

a term that refers to those who are not asexual. Simply, those who regularly experience a sexual attraction; those who are not on the asexual spectrum.

Ambisexual has had two meanings in parlance, relating to either sexuality or gender identity. However, the sexual identity is now more prevalent.

Ambisexual – in sexuality – means someone of an ambiguous sexuality, meaning, somebody who is bisexual+.

In gender identity, it is someone of an ambiguous gender; for example, someone who is androgynous.

Alternative term for androsexual.

an individual who is romantically, but not necessarily sexually attracted, to men, male-aligned people and/or masculinity (e.g. masculine expression). An androromantic person may not necessarily be androsexual.

Androromantic individuals may not consider themselves to be homoromantic or heteroromantic, as it may be an attraction to masculinity regardless of gender identity, or describe a nonbinary person’s attraction to masculinity where homo/hetero labels may not be applicable. 

An individual who is primarily attracted – sexually, romantically and/or emotionally – to masculinity, male-align people, masculine expression and/or men, regardless of gender identity or whether they were assigned male at birth, and without reference to one’s own gender identity: as such androsexual people may not be heterosexual or homosexual; for example, an androsexual person may be nonbinary, or attracted to those who are on the “masculine spectrum”, regardless of gender and sex.

Androsexuality is often used as alternative to homosexual/heterosexual in the attraction spectrum, where femininity (gynesexuality) is on one end, masculinity (androsexuality) on the other, and bisexuality inbetween. Androsexuality is also sometimes included in the bisexual+ umbrella.

an abbreviation of aromantic.

an individual who is asexual, aromantic – (aro–ace).

an identity on the aromantic spectrum, in which an individual fluctuates between being aromantic and alloromantic.

an individual who experiences little or no romantic attraction (but may experience sexual attraction – e.g. aromantic/bisexual); as such aromantic people may not necessarily be asexual.

Aromantic is also an umbrella term for the wide array of identities that fall under the aromantic umbrella: such as demiromantic, lithromantic, frayromantic, greyromantic and others.

Aromanticism and aromantic identities are typically included in the asexual spectrum.

the wide array of aromantic identities that can be loosely defined as being either aromantic, or somewhere between being aromantic and alloromantic; for example, greyromantic, lithromantic, demiromantic, frayromantic, aroflux.

the wide variety of identities that can be loosely grouped as being aromantic to some degree, and therefore on the aromantic spectrum.

the wide range of negative attitudes, opposition to, and/or resentment of aromantic individuals and aromanticism. This may manifest itself in many ways, such as disregarding aromantic identity and experiences, exclusion from Queer spaces, and/or viewing aromanticism as a disorder that needs to be cured.

An umbrella term for a variation in romantic/sexual attractions on the asexual spectrum, but typically, an individual that experiences little or no sexual attraction to others, or those with a lack or little romantic attraction in others.

Those who are asexual may also have further labels to describe their romantic attractions (e.g. asexual, biromantic – someone having a romantic attraction to multiple genders, but no sexual attraction to them); demisexual, fraysexual, lithosexual, etc. Asexuals may not necessarily be aromantic.

the acts and attitudes of ignoring, removing or falsifying asexual and aromantic people and identity. In its most extreme form, this could be the belief that asexuality doesn’t exist, or is the result of people on the asexual spectrum being ‘broken’ or the result of a mental/sexual dysfunction, rather than as a legitimate, sexual orientation.

Erasure of asexual people is often the result of acephobia, even though it does not always involve overt antagonism; asexual erasure and invisibility inevitably has a detrimental effect on asexual people’s individual health and well-being.

the wide variety of identities that can be loosely defined as being either asexual or aromantic; the spectrum in which these identities are placed upon in relation to one another.

The complicated set of thoughts and feelings that evoke one into having a likeness, desire or interest in something.

In relationships, this can be typically broken down into sexual, romantic and emotional attractions. Typically, these three things are aligned, but not always – and breaking down the attractions can be complicated.

For example, an individual may be sexually attracted to more than one gender (bisexual) but only romantically attracted to one (e.g. homoromantic, heteroromantic). Further, someone’s emotional attractions may not be the same as their romantic ones.

Human relationships, and therefore their attractions, are complex; as too, can defining the various kinds of intimacy that form attractions. One can be intimate on sexual, romantic and emotional levels that may share many features, but also be completely distinct from one another – sexual intimacy may share many features to emotional intimacy, but not all forms of emotional intimacy have sexual elements, similarly not all features of emotional intimacy have romantic elements. Similarly; sexual intimacy or attraction does not necessarily require emotional or romantic intimacy or even attraction.

You can, on a basic level, be emotionally or romantically attracted to someone without being sexually attracted to them, as you can be sexually attracted to someone without being emotionally or romantically attracted to them.

an individual who is aroused by sexual material, thoughts and fantasies, but has no desire or ambition to seek sexual relations with other people; for example, an individual who may masturbate and watch pornography, but does not have any desire to engage in sexual behaviours with other people.

a slang term for a woman that a gay man marries or has a relationship with in order to hide his homosexuality.

The term can be problematic when used to describe relationships in which the male participant is presumed to be exclusively gay, when in fact, he could be bisexual+.

abbreviation of bisexual.

the idea that bisexual+ people should be excluded from Queer spaces and venues, typically due to them not being “gay enough”, typically, but not exclusively, when they are currently in an opposite-sex couple – or a coupling that people perceive as heterosexual.

Such biphobic discourse has also included the idea that the visibility and acceptance of bisexual individuals are a threat to gay and lesbian identity, and can often be found among trans-exclusionary radical feminists and their allies.

It’s a form of discrimination, biphobia and bisexual erasure that sadly isn’t rare in the Queer community, and an example of Queer gatekeeping.

a person who is experiencing an interest in relationships, romance or sexual experiences with a person of the same gender or sex. Typically used to describe heterosexual people considering or interested in experiences with people of the same gender/sex for the first time (although not exclusively). Sometimes spelt bi-curious.

The range of negative attitudes, intolerance and resentment of bisexual+ individuals, that results in the erasure and invisibility of bisexuals (bisexual erasure).

Biphobia is sadly not restricted to heterosexual people, as bisexual+ individuals have also experienced biphobia from members of the LGBT+ community, such as negative and intolerant attitudes towards bisexuals from gay men and lesbians.

Somebody who possesses biphobia can be described as biphobic.

an individual who possesses biphobia; an adjective describing attitudes and behaviours that are hostile or negative towards bisexual+ people.

a person who experiences romantic, but not necessarily sexual, attractions to multiple or all genders. A biromantic person may not necessarily be bisexual.

a person who experiences romantic/sexual (or exclusively sexual when used with an -romantic qualifier) to multiple or all genders; somebody who is neither monosexual or asexual.

An increasingly common misconception is that bisexuality is an attraction to men and women exclusively, to the exclusion of nonbinary or transgender people, due to the prefix “bi”, meaning “two”, referring to the two extreme points of the gender binary. This has been fiercely rejected by the bisexual community; many of whom are transgender or nonbinary themselves.

The definition of bisexuality has also referred to being simultaneously heterosexual and homosexual in varying degrees (“homo-” meaning same, “hetero-” meaning different).

Bisexuality can also be seen as the middle spectrum between androsexuality and gynesexuality, or as being simultaneously androsexual and gynesexual. 

As a result, bisexuality – in the theoretical sense – encompasses a wide variety of other identities, such as polysexual, pansexual, bicurious, multisexual, omnisexual, etc. Together, these form what is known as the bisexual+ umbrella.

As such, bisexual people may also identify alongside other identities such as polysexual, omnisexual or pansexual, and it’s also important to note that pan, poly, omni, etc, people may not necessarily identify as bi as well.

Bisexuals may not necessarily experience attraction to every gender in similar amounts; for example, somebody who identifies as bisexual may be primarily more attracted to one gender more than another.

the acts and attitudes of ignoring, removing or falsifying bisexual/bisexual+ people and bisexual identity. In its most extreme form, this could be the belief that bisexuality doesn’t exist – a belief that had long been traditionally held by straight and gay people alike (“you’re either gay or straight”).

In more subtle forms, this could be misconceptions such as that bisexual people are merely undecided, not fully out-of-the-closet, hypersexual, in a phase, following a fad, or the acceptance of bisexuality in women but not men. Another common form of bisexual erasure is in media where people and characters are designated as gay or straight respectively, depending on the sex/gender of their partner, which ignores a large part of their identity and agency.

Bisexual Erasure is often the result of biphobia, although it does not always involve overt antagonism. Bisexual Erasure and Invisibility has been shown to have a detrimental effect on bisexual individual’s health and well-being.

an alternative term for bisexual erasure.

an umbrella term encompassing sexualities that are not monosexual or asexual in nature; an umbrella term for bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, omnisexual, etc identities.

An alternative umbrella term for bisexual+ is multisexual.

the romantic and/or sexual attraction and behaviour related to bisexual+ individuals; topics related to bisexual people, distinct from discussions related to homosexuality.

A fairly outdated term for anal sex; although originally it also included oral sex and bestiality: basically, inserting the penis anywhere other than a human vagina. Laws against same-sex relations were known as “Buggery Acts” or “Buggery Laws” in the UK, elsewhere, they were known as “Sodomy Laws”.

Related: bugger; sodomy.

a Polari term, meaning “funny, flamboyant”, that is now used in both Queer and popular culture, referring to kitsch, flamboyant, exaggerated, theatrical, deliberately ironic and/or outrageous styles – which as a result, has come to describe many activities within the Queer community; for example, due to her outfits, Cher would be described as a camp icon.

It also used to describe effeminate, flamboyant men – typically those who are outrageous and theatrical in their mannerisms.

a portmanteau of celebrity and lesbian, celesbian is a slang term for a female celebrity known or reputed to be a lesbian that is popular in the Queer community.

the conscious and deliberate decision to abstain from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious reasons, but also as part of the harmful practices of “conversion therapy” which seeks to erase homosexual or bisexual feelings and identities.

This should not be confused with being asexual.

The act of a couple choosing to have an open, non-exclusive romantic or sexual relationships; this may be polyamory or swinging, for example. That is, a situation in which both partners agree that one or both of them may partake in sexual or romantic relationships outside of their relationship.

This is different to cheating or adultery, where one partner is unaware of what is happening and believes they are in an exclusive relationship.

a term used in polyamorous contexts to describe the arrangements and structure of polyamorous relationships.

an individual who experiences no or little romantic attraction until a strong attachment of some sort is formed, such as an emotional attachment (or perhaps sexual connection) is formed. May be compounded to form gender orientations, e.g. demi-homoromantic.

an individual who experiences no or little sexual attraction until they have formed an emotional, romantic connection towards someone. It must be noted that demisexuals are not abstaining or choosing to be celibate until forming a romantic connection – they experience little or no sexual attraction whatsoever until a romantic bond is formed.

Related: demiromantic

a slang term describing gay and bisexual men who are not out of the closet and not planning to be; on dating apps such as Grindr, individuals describing themselves as ‘discreet’ are generally looking for or offering sexual encounters that are casual, one-off and/or taking place without any romantic interest that will be kept secret – for example, a man who may be in a heterosexual relationship looking for no strings attached sex with another man; or a heterosexual-identified person who may be bicurious and looking to explore that side of their sexuality without people knowing.

Discreet may also be used by people in same-sex relationships who are looking for sexual encounters behind their partner’s back.

the policy adopted by the United States regarding gay, lesbian and bisexual people serving in the military – in which openly same-sex attracted people continued to be barred from military service, but closeted same-sex attracted people could serve so long as the kept their sexual orientation to themselves which the implication that other serving military personnel weren’t to inquire into a person’s sexuality either.

Similar policies were – officially or unofficially – in place elsewhere in the world.

This was eventually repealed in the United States, where gay and bisexual people can now serve openly.

a slang term referring to men who identify as heterosexual but secretly have sex with men. Typically used in communities of colour.

a slang term for lesbian (and by connotation, anyone perceived to be one – including bisexual+ women), and commonly a particularly masculine or butch one. Although originally, and still often used in a derogatory manner, it has been reclaimed by many lesbians and sapphic women as a positive term; for example, the lesbian motorcycle group Dykes on Bikes, and various Dyke Marches that take place during Pride events.

the capacity that evokes an individual’s desire to engage with emotionally intimate behaviour. Although often conflated with sexual attraction, emotional attraction may be seen by individuals to be distinct from their sexual or romantic attractions.

a celebrity who claims to be Queer or plays on Queer sexuality or identity in order to court publicity; for example, a straight, female musician that will engage in same-sex erotic activity in a music video to court controversy or publicity, and in the process trivialising Queer identity as being an “outrageous” novelty, rather than a lived experience.

Using Queerness as a marketing ploy is known as Queerbaiting.

the female condom; a thin pouch that is inserted into the vagina to prevent semen and other bodily fluids from entering the vagina.

In Queer contexts, fluid refers to one’s sexual or gender identity in which things change or fluctuate over time; that is, a sexual or gender identity which is not static or fixed, or, that they can be subject to change unexpectedly.

Examples may be genderfluid/genderflux, or various bisexual+ identities. Many people may not realise their fluid identities until they actually experience it; for example, a heterosexual or homosexual person may enter one, or many, bicurious phases throughout their life.

Bisexual+ people may find that their attractions towards certain genders increase or decrease on a fluid basis.

Fluidity should not be confused with bisexuality being a “phase”, nor homosexuality or heterosexuality as something that something that can be changed through intervention; nor should it be considered a “transitional” period between identities; rather, it should be seen as a distinct.

One’s own personal fluidity is not applicable to other sexual and gender identities anymore than any other identity is (e.g. the existence of heterosexuals does not diminish the existence of homosexuals or bisexuals; nor do genderfluid people diminish the existence of transgender or cisgender individuals – and vice versa).

an identity on the aromantic spectrum, in which the romantic attraction fades once the individual develops a deep connection. As such, it can be seen as a comparable ‘opposite’ to demiromantic.

an identity on the asexual spectrum, in which attraction fades once the individual develops a deep connection. As such, it can be seen as a comparable ‘opposite’ to demisexual.

a gay slang term for a gay man, and more broadly, any Queer-identified person. A euphemism that originates as far back as World War II in the United States, when homosexual acts were illegal – thus, a way of asking about someone’s sexual orientation without being explicit.

an individual who is primarily, or solely, attracted to people of the same gender; e.g. gay men and gay women (lesbians) – homosexuals. It is also used – such as in the case of the gay community – to describe LGBT+ people as a collective.

Related: lesbian, gay man

the social and political movement for rights for gay and lesbian people and to counter shame with Pride and self-acceptance. It began with the gay liberation movement of the 1960s-80s, and has continued to the modern day with rights issues such as the equal age of consent and equal marriage.

a male-identified person who is also a homosexual: that is, a male-identified person who is attracted solely, or primarily, to other male-identified people.

an individual who is willing to perform homosexual acts for money, even if they are not same-sex attracted themselves.

By extension, it has become a humourous remark in relation to heterosexual actors who play homosexual or bisexual roles.

alternative to greysexual.

An umbrella term for the various identities on the asexual spectrum that fall between being asexual and being allosexual – that is, “grey” because their sexuality isn’t “black” or “white”.

Such individuals may identify as being greysexual, and/or demisexual.

an individual who experiences aromanticism – that is, little or no romantic attraction to others, but not to the extent of being completely aromantic: they may experience, in some degree or at fluctuating times, a romantic attraction to others, or a romantic attraction under certain circumstances.

This can manifest in a variety of different ways, from experiencing a very weak romantic attraction, experiencing romantic attraction very infrequently, experiencing romantic attraction but not wanting a romantic relationship, or experiencing a form of romantic attraction which is not aligned with the expectations of society and other alloromantic people.

As such, greyromantic is the romantic equivalent of greysexual.

an individual whose sexuality is somewhere on the asexual spectrum between asexual and allosexual; that is, that their asexuality isn’t “black or white”.

As such, grey-asexuality and greysexuals encompasses a wide variety of experiences and therefore definitions.

Demisexual is an example of a greysexual identity, although demisexual is more specific in that it is a lack of sexual attraction except when there is a strong emotional and romantic bond formed; this may not be the case with other greysexual people, whose capacity and potential for sexual attraction may be dependent on something else or different to the demisexual definition.

Can be used in combination with other identities, for example, homoromantic/greysexual.

There is a -romantic equivalent, greyromantic.

An alternative to gynesexual.

an individual who is romantically, but not necessarily sexually attracted, to women and/or femininity. A gyneromantic person may not necessarily be gynesexual.

Gyneromantic individuals may not consider themselves to be homoromantic or heteroromantic, as it may be an attraction to femininity regardless of gender identity, or describe a nonbinary person’s attraction to femininity where homo/hetero labels may not be applicable. 

an individual who is primarily attracted – sexually, romantically and/or emotionally – to femininity, feminine expression and/or women, regardless of gender identity or whether they were assigned female at birth, and without reference to one’s own gender identity: as such androsexual people may not be heterosexual or homosexual; for example, an androsexual person may be nonbinary, or attracted to those who are on the “masculine spectrum”, regardless of gender and sex.

Gynesexuality is often used as alternative in the attraction spectrum, where femininity is one end, masculinity on the other, and bisexuality inbetween. Gynesexuality is also sometimes included in the bisexual+ umbrella.

Alternative: gynephilic.

Related: androsexual

A prefix that denotes “other, different”; used to describe sexual and romantic identities, such as heterosexual, heteroromantic.

See also: a-, bi-, homo–

a bisexual+ identity in which an individual is primarily/mostly heterosexual, but occasionally or rarely experiences some same-gender attraction.

the assumption that everyone is heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is the ‘default’ or ‘norm’; often with the belief that heterosexuality is the superior. It also possesses the attitude that only masculine men and feminine women are straight; and that heterosexual relationships may be the only ones deserving of access to institutions like marriage, law, etc.

Heteronormativity also refers to the ascribed gender roles placed on men and women in a society, and the expectation that men and women should, ideally, conform to them, particularly when it comes to relationships.

Heternormative roles may be place onto individuals in Queer relationships, such as viewing same-gender couples of consisting of a “feminine” and “masculine” one, where one individual – regardless of their sex assigned at birth or gender identity – takes on the “woman’s role” and one takes on the “man’s role”.

An individual who is exclusively or predominantly attracted to members of the opposite sex or gender; but may not be heterosexual.

For example, an asexual person who is heteroromantic.

Somebody who is straight in sexuality, that is not homosexual, bisexual+, asexual. An individual who is primarily, or solely, attracted to people of a different sex or gender, typically the “opposite” one.

However, a heterosexual person may also be biromantic.

Commonly known as straight.

Related: heteroromantic

the romantic and/or sexual attraction and behaviour related to heterosexual individuals and heterosexual acts.

gay slang term for a heterosexual.

an abbreviation of homosexual, referring to people who have sex with people of the same gender – as a result, bisexuals may also be referred to as a “homo“.

The term is problematic due to the term having been used in a pejorative sense against the gay community; however, the term has been reclaimed to some extent and is in use in common Queer parlance.

A prefix used to signify “the same”, typically used in sexual/romantic identities, such as homosexual, homoromantic.

See also: a-, bi-, hetero–

something that evokes arousal or desire towards/for someone, or between people, of the same gender, regardless of their sexuality; or something that depicts or is suggestive of same-gender love, sexual activity, desire or arousal.

Although sometimes used as a synonym for homosexuality, homoeroticism is distinct due to sexual orientation being irrelevant. For example, some people may perceive man-on-man wrestling to be homoerotic, as it involves two men in close proximity, often in little or tight clothes, with their bodies intertwined.

Indeed, many have said that Jesus is depicted in a homoerotic manner in religious artwork, due to being depicted topless with a muscular physique in scant clothing around the waist.

a bisexual+ identity in which an individual is primarily/mostly attracted to people of the same gender, but rarely or occasionally experiences attraction to people of a different gender.

an alternate term to homosexual or gay that rose to prominence in the early start of the gay rights movement – used as preferred term as homosexual was deemed as too clinical, with connotations of being a psychiatric disorder.

However, it fell out of favour by the early 1970s, when gay, lesbian and bisexual became preferred terminology.

It is seldom used now in the English-speaking word (particularly due to the “phile” having connotations related to words such as paedophile), but in some other languages it continues to be the dominant term.

The range of negative attitudes, intolerance and resentment of homosexuals, homosexuality and therefore, by extension, anyone associated or perceived as being homosexual (and, as such, may include biphobia and transphobia).

Discrimination against gay and Queer people is deep-rooted in society; in much of the world, such attitudes tend to stem from religious teachings, which has led to the criminalisation of homosexuality and homosexual acts, and continues in the form of discrimination.

Someone who possesses homophobia would be described as homophobic.

an individual who possesses homophobia; an adjective that describes attitudes and behaviours that are hostile towards homosexual people, or, by association, the entire gay/Queer community.

An individual who is exclusively, or predominantly, romantically attracted to people of the same sex or gender.

People who are homoromantic may not be homosexual; for example, a bisexual/homoromantic person may be sexually attracted to more than one gender, but only romantically attracted to members of the same gender.

The term is particularly useful to describe asexual people who may be asexual/homoromantic.

More commonly known as gay or lesbian, a homosexual is somebody who is attracted to exclusively, or predominantly, towards people of the same gender or sex.

Many people choose not to use the term homosexual, due to its negative connotations in the past (such as homosexuality being seen as a medical/psychological disorder), and its usage as a negative term.

Related: homophile

the romantic and/or sexual attraction and behaviour between people of the same gender; things related to homosexuals and/or homosexual acts (and therefore, by extension, bisexual+, homoromantic/biromantic individuals).

a term used to describe bisexual males; used in the late 19th century based on a term used at Oxford amongst Lord Byron and his compatriots.

an individual who displays an unusually high or excessive sex drive, to the extent that it is a problem for either themselves or those they are close with.

having a low sex drive; an autonym to hypersexual.

infidelity is the breaking of a promise or assumed commitment to an individual by engaging in sexual or romantic relationships behind a partner’s back – that is, without the other partner’s knowledge.

This is different to open relationships, where one or more of the partners in a relationship agree to allow the other/each other to engage in sexual activity outside of the relationship; or sexual activity between people in committed relationships where people outside of the relationship are invited to join in. It should also not be confused with polyamory, which may be a relationship compromising of three or more people.

the idea held by some gay, lesbian and bisexual people that heterosexuality is the “correct” way to be, and that their own sexuality is immoral or a disorder, which may lead to feelings of self-disgust or self-hatred.

Internalised homophobia may lead to individuals living in the closet or coming out at a late age; living in denial as a heterosexual (in which they may marry and raise families in the hope of being “cured”); seeking dangerous and harmful conversion therapies; disgust and/or contempt for other Queer people, particularly those who are out; denial of homophobia/biphobia in society; unsafe sexual practices with ‘discreet‘ people; mental health issues, substance abuse and obsessive behaviours; and suicide.

It may also lead to more low-levels forms of homophobia, such as wishing to prevent access to Queer people in cultural or social institutions (for example, an aversion to marriage equality), low opinions of other gay/bisexual people (particularly those who are out and proud) or those who are ‘stereotypically’ gay (e.g. effeminate men) – and as such, making yourself sexually unavailable to same-sex attracted people and falling solely for straight people, or even just referring to one’s partner as a “friend” to avoid disclosing a same-sex relationship.

Internalised homophobia may also lead to attitudes that, on the surface, do not appear homophobic: such as an intense dislike of heterosexuals, or a feeling of superiority to them – in itself a reactionary attitude towards the homophobia experienced.

Much like other forms of homophobia, it stems from social, religious and cultural attitudes in which homosexuality is painted in a bad light.

the closeness between two people in personal relationships, and the connection they feel. Intimacy may be sexual, emotional and/or romantic in nature.

To be intimate is to experience that intimacy with another person; part of which may be physically intimate behaviour.

in reference to sexuality, a kink is an activity that highly arouses an individual, typically an activity that is unusual or atypical in mainstream society; for example, BDSM.

alternatively known as the Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale, was developed by Alfred Kinsey, an American biologist and sexologist, as a way to describe a person’s sexual orientation from 0 to 6. 0 is seen as being exclusively heterosexual, and 6 being exclusively homosexual; 1-5 being degrees of bisexuality between the two extremes. “X” was designated to those who indicated ‘no socio-sexual contacts or reactions’, which can be interpreted as asexuality.

The scale was revolutionary; not only did it contribute to the discussion and study of same-sex attractions, it also gave an identity and acknowledgement to those who were not exclusively heterosexual or homosexual, although Kinsey himself did not use the term “bisexual“, which at the time was popularly used to describe fauna and flora that were hermaphrodites (in the reproductive biological sense of the word). Kinsey did not believe, and his studies gave weight to this, that human sexuality was binary, but on a continuum or spectrum.

a gay woman; that is, a woman who solely and/or primarily attracted to people of the same gender – a homosexual female.

The term is derived from the island of Lesbos in Greece, where the poet Sappho – who wrote about same-sex female love – came from.

the concept that lesbian couples experience a decrease in sexual activity after two or so years of being in a relationship. It is based on findings made on a survey in the early 1980s by Philip Blumstein and Pepper Schwartz. The survey claimed that those in same-sex female relationships tended to follow a pattern that the longer the relationship continued, the less sexual activity was experienced, when compared to other couples, including same-sex male couples, opposite-sex couples co-habitating and opposite-sex couples that are married.

However, the study has been criticised as it surrounds ideas about what constitutes as “having sex“, particularly as at the time, and even today, modern discussions surrounding what sex is are usually limited to acts of penetration (that is, vaginal or anal intercourse), and may not have taken into account the vast variety of other sexual or intimate behaviours that take place between couples, and may conflict with studies surrounding differences in female sex satisfaction and orgasms in opposite-sex and same-sex couples (raising the question of whether same-sex female couples outperformed on a “quality vs quantity” basis), or that the results do not extend to considering factors like negative self-esteem and internalised homophobia.

Despite this, lesbian bed death soon became well-known in the Queer lexicon as the subject of dismay and intense debate in lesbian communities, and mockery elsewhere. Some have argued that the pervasive myth around lesbian bed death is due, in part, to lesbophobia.

a woman is who is solely or primarily romantically attracted to other women; a woman who is homoromantic, but not necessarily a homosexual – a woman who is romantically attracted to other women without necessarily being sexually attracted to them, or exclusively sexually attracted to them.

For example, a woman who is asexual/lesbiromantic; or a woman who is bisexual/lesbiromantic.

short for lesbian, it has been used pejoratively in the past but has also been embraced by lesbians in much the same way dyke has. When used prejoratively, it is often applied to any sapphic  woman, or someone who is perceived to be a sapphic woman.

the range of negative attitudes, intolerance and resentment towards lesbian people (and, by association, other sapphic women, such as bisexual women), which may be different to homophobia; such as discrimination, hatred, abuse and/or hostility.

Lesbophobia may differ from homophobia in that it may also encompass sexism and misogyny as well as homophobia, or sexism in spite of homophobia: for example, the belief that same-sex male love is legitimate, “real” or acceptable, but that same-sex female love isn’t.

Lesbophobia, sadly, is not restricted to heterosexual people.

the acceptance of homosexuality as long as it remains hidden; the idea that one may tolerate or accept same-sex attracted people, as long as they keep it to themselves and any discussion of, or relating to, homosexuality is oppressed.

Such an example is the sentiment that, “I have nothing against gay people, I just don’t know why they have to shove it in our faces” – where essentially, the sentiment is that gay people should exist in the closet, and not live as openly as their heterosexual peers.

a term to describe lesbians who are feminine, or possess traditionally feminine attributes.

a form of sexual attraction on the asexual spectrum in which individuals experience sexual attraction but do not want it to be reciprocated. Lithosexual individuals may feel uncomfortable at the thought of someone being attracted to them and/or feel a decrease in sexual attraction towards somebody when it is reciprocated.

Also known as akoisexual, although that term is nowhere near as prominent.

a form of romantic attraction on the aromantic spectrum in which individuals experience romantic attraction but do not want it to be reciprocated. Lithromantic individuals may feel uncomfortable at the thought of someone being attracted to them and/or feel a decrease in romantic attraction towards somebody when it is reciprocated.

Also known as akoiromantic, although that term is nowhere near as prominent.

often intialised to MSM, it is often used in medical terminology to describe male individuals who engage in intimate behaviour with other men.

It is preferred to using sexuality labels because it is inclusive of the vast array of sexual identities within the sexuality spectrum, and avoids making assumptions of somebody’s sexual orientation (e.g. by assuming an individual is gay, rather than bisexual).

A common alternate term for this is Achillean.

an arrangement in which a married or committed couple live together with the lover of one of them; for example, a husband and wife arrange to allow the husband’s mistress to move in with them.

Has also come to mean a threesome.

in polyamorous relationships, metamour is the name given to your partner’s other partners, with whom you do not share a romantic or sexual relationship with.

either, the practice of being in a committed relationship with only one person at a time, such as being married to one person at a time; or, the practice of only having one sexual partner at a time.

People who are non-monogamous may be polyamorous, have open relationships, invite other people to join them in their sexual activity, and/or engage in sexual activity outside of the relationship on a recreational basis: though it should be noted, that typically, such relationships work on an open basis, and should not be confused with infidelity.

the assumption that people are monosexual: that is, solely attracted to one gender; the assumption that people are either gay or straight until shown otherwise.

an umbrella term for non-bisexual identities, primarily gay, lesbian or heterosexual.

An initialism for men who have sex with men.

an umbrella term for non-monosexual sexualities; an alternative to bisexual+.

the spectrum of bisexual+ identities; the spectrum of multiple-gender attraction.

in general parlance, it refers to an offer or opportunity made without special conditions or restrictions; in the world of Queer dating, it refers to offers of sexual encounters without any expectations – that is, a casual or one-off hook-up.

a person who experiences romantic, but not necessarily sexual, attractions to all genders. An omniromantic person may not necessarily be omnisexual.

depending on definition, it is either synonymous with pansexual – that is, an attraction to all genders – or, alternatively, it is described as being different to pansexual in that pansexuality is gender-blind attraction to all genders, whereas omnisexuality is gender-conscious attraction to all genders.

Part of the bisexual+ umbrella.

a committed romantic relationship in which either partner are free to engage in sexual activity with other people outside of the relationship. Although open relationships may be polyamorous, not all polyamorous relationships are “open”: that is, in polyamorous relationships between three or people, it is not a given that those within that relationship are free to engage in sexual activity outside of that relationship.

a term describing, predominantly a couple, that are of different genders: typically related to the sex binary, to describe a couple in which one is a man and one is a woman.

a person who experiences romantic, but not necessarily sexual, attractions to all genders. A panromantic person may not necessarily by pansexual.

A sexual orientation where an individual is attracted to ‘all’ genders, or regardless of gender.

Sometimes synonymous with omnisexual, although a distinction is often drawn that pansexuality is a “gender-blind” attraction to all genders, whereas omnisexuality is a “gender conscious” attraction to all genders.

Some proponents of the term suggest that pansexual is more inclusive than bisexual, because it encompasses, by its definition of “all”, an attraction to transgender and nonbinary people – although this may wrongly suggest that bisexual people’s attractions are limited to cisgender men and women.

Such a distinction is fiercely disputed by many members of the bisexual community, who insist that bisexuality in itself has always been inclusive of nonbinary and transgender people; especially as that before the pansexual identity became prevalent in common parlance, gender non-conforming, nonbinary and transgender people have also identified as bisexual and have been in relationships with bisexual-identified people.

Essentially, it is a personal preference to identify as pansexual or bisexual, and many bisexuals and pansexuals will use the terms interchangeably. Pansexuality falls under the bisexual+ umbrella.

a term describing physical behaviours that take place between people with a close bond or relationship. Although typically associated with romantic behaviours, such as holding hands, sex and kissing, it also includes behaviours that take place between friends, such as hugging.

An individual who desires relationships with more than one more person; people who are in relationships that involve more than two people – a polyamorous relationship.

Polyamorous people identify as polyamorous, and typically seek out other polyamorous people, or people open to polyamorous relationships (even if they themselves are not polyamorous) to form relationships with.

This is not the same as cheating: polyamory is based on informed consent – that is, that everybody involved in the relationship is aware; this could be an open relationship (where individuals involved are free to explore sexual and/or romantic relationships elsewhere), committed relationships which involve more than two people (e.g. a relationship with and between three people), or relationships in which one or both members have other relationships outside of that relationship.

Polyamorous relationships may be between two (or more) committed people in which both/all/some members engage in recreational or social sexual activity with others (such as swinging).

As such, polyamorous relationships can be diverse.

Not to be confused with polysexual.

the practice or desire for intimate relationships with more than one person, with the informed consent of all partners involved. A form of non-monogamy, people that engage in polyamory are known as polyamorous.

A polyamorous relationship may be a relationship between three or more people which each other, or an open relationship.

This is typically different from swinging (although polyamorous people may also be swingers), where the focus is on sexual activity, rather than deep romantic and/or emotional bonds outside of the relationship.

a person who experiences romantic, but not necessarily sexual, attractions to multiple, but not all genders. A panromantic person may not necessarily be polysexual.

A polysexual person is an individual who is attracted to multiple, but not all genders.

Polysexuality falls under the bisexual+ umbrella; and as a result, some bisexuals may further identify as polysexual. Such examples may be individuals who are attracted to nonbinary people and women/femininity, but not men/masculinity.

Within the bisexual+ umbrella, polysexual may describe the distinction between pansexual and non-pansexual bisexuals.

an identity on the aromantic spectrum, in which an individual does not experience a romantic attraction to someone else until they’re aware that someone is romantically attracted to them. Reciproromantic individuals may – or may not – be reciprosexual.

an identity under the asexual umbrella, in which an individual does not experience attraction until they’re aware somebody is attracted to them first. Reciprosexual individuals may, or may not, also be reciproromantic.

the way two or more people feel and behave towards each other; typically, this describes a close bond – romantic, emotional or sexual – between people, such as the term “in a relationship”.

The capacity one has for romantic attractions towards others, which may or may not be aligned with their sexual attraction.

For example, an individual may be sexually attracted to more than one gender, but romantically attracted to only one (e.g. bisexual/heteroromantic).

Asexual people may describe themselves as being asexual but homoromantic, for example.

the variety of methods or devices used to reduce the risks associated with sexual activity; such as using condoms to prevent the risk of acquiring or transmitting sexually transmitted infections, like HIV and other risks such as pregnancy (although most forms of birth control do not protect against STIs).

an umbrella term for individuals who attracted in some way to people of the same gender. Including, but not limited to, gay and lesbian people, bisexual+ people, and those on the asexual spectrum who are romantically attracted to people of the same gender, e.g. homoromantic, biromantic.

An alternative to same-sex attracted.