Understanding Aromanticism and Asexuality

Aromanticism and Asexuality

• Aromanticism exists on a spectrum, ranging from those with no romantic attraction to those with minimal attraction under specific conditions.
• Asexuality also exists on a continuum, from individuals experiencing no sexual attraction to those with low levels or attracting under specific conditions.
• Both terms are often abbreviated: "aro" for aromantic and "ace" for asexual.

Gender Identity and Expression Terms

• Bisexual refers to individuals attracted to both men and women, differing in capacity for sexual attraction until strong romantic connections develop.
• Bigender individuals fluctuate between traditionally recognized genders (male and female), identifying with both or a third gender.
• Gender non-conforming individuals display a non-traditional gender presentation that does not align with societal gender norms.

Gender Variants and Fluidity

• Genderqueer is a term for those who do not identify strictly within the male/female binary, often encompassing various non-binary identities.
• Gender fluid describes a gender identity that may change between traditional gender categories, feeling more masculine or feminine at different times.
• The concept of gender binary restricts identity to two genders—male and female—contradicting non-binary identities.

LGBTQ+ Terminology

• Biphobia represents negative attitudes towards bisexual individuals, including intolerance and erasure, found within both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual communities.
• Dyke can refer to masculine-presenting lesbians, reclaimed as a positive identity by some individuals.
• Same Gender Loving (SGL) is a term used by some in the Black community to express non-straight orientations without colonial implications.

Emotional and Romantic Attraction

• Emotional attraction can drive intense intimacy and sharing, differing from romantic and sexual attraction.
• Romantic attraction leads to desires for romantic engagement, varying in intensity similar to emotional attraction.

Sexual Orientation and Attraction

• Sexual orientation defines the types of attraction (sexual, romantic, emotional) felt towards others based on gender relations.
• Sexual attraction is the desire for physical intimacy, often confused with romantic and emotional attraction.

Additional Terms and Concepts

• Stealth refers to trans individuals who are perceived as cisgender and choose not to disclose their transgender status.
• Gender identity is the internal understanding and naming of one’s gender based on various gender perceptions.
• Spiritual attraction ties intimate desires to supernatural beliefs or experiences, again similar in complexity to other forms of attraction.

Medical and Surgical Terms

• Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) is a group of surgical procedures to alter biological sex, often referred to as Gender Confirmation Surgery for a more affirming connotation.
• Top surgery focuses on altering physical characteristics of the chest, relevant in gender-affirming processes.

Cultural Context and Labels

• The term "Queer" serves as an umbrella for diverse non-straight and/or non-cisgender identities, historically problematic yet reclaimed by many.
• Down low (DL) typically describes men who identify as straight while secretly engaging sexually with men, commonly within communities of color.

Identity and Self-Expression

• Femme identifies individuals who embrace femininity physically, mentally, or emotionally, often used affirmatively within queer communities.
• Stud usually refers to a specific identity within Black/African-American lesbian culture, indicating a masculine-presenting queer woman.