Aromantic individuals are those who do not experience romantic attraction towards others. It’s important to note that this orientation varies greatly among individuals; some aromantic people may experience sexual attraction, while others might not. Additionally, aromantic individuals who do feel sexual or occasional romantic attraction often identify with other sexual orientations as well. This means they might use terms like gay, bi, lesbian, straight, or queer in combination with asexual to more accurately describe the direction or nature of their attraction

Bigen­der is a term used to describe individuals who identify with two distinct gender identities. This identity can manifest in various ways: some bigender people might experience both gender identities simultaneously, while others may shift between them at different times. The specific gender identities of bigender individuals can span across the spectrum, encompassing binary genders like male and female, as well as nonbinary identities.

Cisgender refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex, male or female, that was assigned to them at birth, meaning they are not transgender. Pronounced as ‘sis-gender,’ this term exclusively describes a person’s gender identity without implying anything about their sexual or romantic attractions. It’s important to note that ‘cisgender’ is sometimes casually abbreviated as ‘cis.’

Demisexual is an umbrella term used to describe individuals who experience sexual or romantic attraction only after forming a strong emotional bond with someone. This orientation is part of the broader spectrum of human sexuality and varies greatly among individuals. Demisexual people may also identify with other sexual orientations, using terms like gay, bi, lesbian, straight, or queer in conjunction with ‘demi’ to more accurately define the direction of their romantic or sexual attraction.

Questioning means that someone is still figuring out their gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression. Some people use questioning as an identity, if they still have not exactly figured out what their gender or sexual orientation is, or if they have no desire to figure it out and are happy with the label questioning.

Genderqueer is a term used by people who do not identify exclusively as male or female. It’s an umbrella term for a diverse range of gender identities that fall outside the traditional binary. Also known as Non Binary

A term used in South Asia to refer to a diverse group of people who are not considered to be strictly male or female: This includes transgender individuals, intersex people, and eunuchs. Hijras have a long and complex history in South Asia, and their communities have traditionally played specific roles in various cultural and social practices. However, they have also faced marginalization and discrimination. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the rights of hijras, and some countries in South Asia have now legally recognized them as a third gender.

Refers to a woman who has a romantic and/or sexual orientation towards women. Some non-binary people may also identify with this term

Omnisexuality is a sexual orientation where someone is attracted to people of all genders. This includes men, women, non-binary people, and anyone else on the gender spectrum.

Pocket Genders are gender identities that are used by one or a couple of people. These genders are often highly personal, or based on a highly specific concept.

For some people, their inner sense of who they are (gender identity) doesn’t match the sex they were assigned at birth. These individuals are often called transgender, or trans for short. Under the umbrella of transgender, there are many experiences:

• Trans men and trans women: Their gender identity is the opposite of their assigned sex. Some may choose to medically transition to align their bodies with their internal sense of self.

• Non-binary or genderqueer: Their gender identity falls outside the traditional categories of “male” or “female”. This can include people who feel like a blend of both genders, experience their gender fluidity across time, or don’t identify with any gender at all.

• Other definitions: Some cultures recognize a third gender, and some define transgender people as belonging to this third category.

The term “two-spirit” is used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe people who have both a masculine and a feminine spirit. It is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of gender identities and expressions, and is not simply synonymous with being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

Asexual, frequently abbreviated as ‘ace’, describes individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction towards others, or have a minimal interest in engaging in sexual activities. This orientation is diverse and exists on a spectrum, allowing for a range of experiences. People identifying as asexual might feel absolutely no sexual attraction, limited attraction under specific conditions, or a partial attraction that varies over time.

Bisexual is a term used to describe individuals who are attracted to more than one gender. It’s crucial to understand that this attraction is not necessarily based on sexual experiences. A person can identify as bisexual regardless of whether they have had specific sexual encounters or any at all. The essence of bisexuality is the capacity for emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to people of more than one gender.

The term ‘gay’ refers to men who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to other men. Additionally, it is broadly used as a generic term for lesbian and gay sexuality. Importantly, some women prefer to identify as gay rather than lesbian. Furthermore, this term is not exclusive to binary gender identities; some non-binary individuals may also resonate with and identify as gay.

The Gilbert Baker flag, also known as the LGBTQ Pride flag, is a vibrant symbol composed of six horizontal stripes: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

Baker designed the flag in 1978 as a symbol of diversity and hope for the LGBTQ community. Initially, it contained eight stripes, including hot pink and turquoise, but production difficulties led to the current six-stripe version becoming the widely recognized icon.

Genderfluid is a term used to describe people whose gender identity does not fit neatly into the categories of “male” or “female.” Instead, their gender identity can move or flow along a spectrum over time, or exist outside of the spectrum altogether

Greysexual, also known as grey-A, is an umbrella term that encompasses individuals who experience sexual attraction occasionally, rarely, or only under specific circumstances. This term highlights the variability in sexual attraction and acknowledges that it can be fluid and different for everyone. People who identify as greysexual might also use additional terms like gay, bi, lesbian, straight, or queer in conjunction with ‘grey’ to more precisely describe the nature and direction of their romantic or sexual attractions.

Intersex refers to individuals born with sex characteristics that don’t fit the typical definitions of male or female. This can include variations in chromosomes, gonads, or genitals.

Some people with intersex traits have genitals that appear ambiguous, meaning they don’t clearly resemble typical male or female genitalia. Others may have internal reproductive organs that differ from what’s expected based on their external anatomy. In some cases, intersex traits may not be noticeable at birth and only become apparent during puberty or even later in life.

The term “lipstick lesbian” is a slang term used to describe a lesbian who expresses traditionally feminine gender attributes. This can include, but is not limited to, wearing makeup, dresses, or skirts, and having other characteristics associated with femininity.

It’s important to note that this term can be complex and nuanced. While some lesbians embrace the term as a way to describe their identity, others find it limiting or even offensive.

Neutrois is a non-binary gender identity where someone experiences their gender as neutral, absent, or nullified. It’s like existing outside the traditional binary of male and female.

Pangender is a gender identity defined as experiencing many or all genders. As an identity that is multigender—experiencing or having multiple genders—the number of genders experienced may be unknown or may fluctuate, and they may be experienced one at a time or simultaneously.

Pangender encompasses so many genders that is difficult or impossible to list all of them, and can be described as experiencing an immense number of genders

The practice of, or desire for, intimate relationships with more than one partner, with the informed consent of all partners involved. It has been described as “consensual, ethical, and responsible non-monogamy”.

Trigender is a gender identity that describes someone who experiences three genders simultaneously or fluidly. These three genders can be any combination of the traditional binary (male and female) and/or non-binary identities. Some people who identify as trigender might feel like they have all three genders within them all the time, while others might experience their genders as fluid, moving between the three over time.