This blog will be the second half of my list of some of the terms most commonly used around sexuality, and the third in my "Terminology" series. For the list of the first half of my list of terms, please read my previous blog post.
Polysexual- (used to
define orientation, identity, attraction and behavior) the
sexual orientation of those attracted to multipe sexes; a sexual
identity used by those attracted to multiple sexes; attraction to
multiple sexes; can be used as an adjective to describe sexual
behavior of an individual with others of multiple sexes; those of a
polysexual orientation may also be bisexual or pansexual.
Queer- (used to define
identity) historically used as a derogatory term or slur for sexual
minorities; more recently, queer is becoming accepted as a positive
umbrella term for sexual minorites; often used interchangeably with
LGBT.
Straight-
(used to define identity and behavior) a sexual identity used by
those attracted to the opposite sex; also used as an adjective to
describe sexual activity between individuals of the opposite sex; not
all individuals that are attracted to the opposite sex identify as
straight (some identify as bisexual or do not take on a sexual
identity); the term straight is frequently used to describe a sexual
orientation, though the correct term for the orientation is
heterosexual.
Same Gender Attracted-
(used to define identity and attraction) an identity used by those
attracted to the same gender, usually as an alternative to the
identities gay, lesbian or bisexual (though not all those attracted
to the same gender identify as same gender attracted); used as an
adjective to describe those attracted to the same gender (regardless
of whether the individual identifies as such); often shortened to the
acronym SGA; often used interchangeably with the term same sex
attracted, though the term technically is different as gender is a
social construct that may or may not match an individual's biological
sex.
Same Gender Attraction-
(used to define attraction) attraction
to the same gender (for example, the attraction of those that are
male to those that are male, and those that are female to those that
are female); often shortened to the acronym SGA; often used
interchangeably with the term same sex attraction, although the term
technically is different as gender is a social construct that may or
may not match an individual's biological sex.
Same
Sex Attracted- (used to define identity and attraction) an identity
used by those attracted to the same sex, usually as an alternative to
the identities gay, lesbian or bisexual (though not all those
attracted to the same sex identify as same sex attracted); used as an
adjective to describe those attracted to the same sex (regardless of
whether the individual identifies as such); often shortened to the
acronym SSA; often used interchangeably with the term same gender
attracted, though the term technically is different as gender is a
social construct that may or may not match an individual's biological
sex.
Same
Sex Attraction- (used to define attraction) attraction to the same
sex (for example, the attraction of those that are male to those that
are male, and those that are female to those that are female); often
shortened to the acronym SSA; often used interchangeably with the
term same gender attraction, although the term technically is
different as gender is a social construct that may or may not match
an individual's biological sex.
Sexual
Minority- (used to define orientation, identity and behavior) used as
a grouping of sexual orientations, identities or behaviors that
differ from those of the majority of surrounding society (typically
any orientation, identity or behavior that is not heterosexual or
straight); used as an umbrella term to include all individuals whose
sexual orientation, identity, or behavior is different than that of
the majority of society.
SGA-
(used to define identity and attraction) an acronym for same gender
attraction or same gender attracted; often used interchangeably with
the acronym SSA, though they are technically different as gender is a
social construct that may or may not match an individual's biological
sex.
SSA-
(used to define identity and attraction) an acronym for same sex
attraction or same sex attracted; often used interchangeably with the
acronym SGA, though they are technically different as gender is a
social construct that may or may not match an individual's biological
sex.
Transgender-
(used to define identity) the identity of individuals who do not
identify with the gender of their biological sex; may also be used as
an adjective to describe such individuals regardless of whether they
identify as such; often used interchangeably with the term
transsexual, though there are differences, and individuals may prefer
one term over the other.
Transsexual-
(used to define identity) the identity of individuals who do not
identify with the gender of their biological sex; may also be used as
an adjective to describe such individuals regardless of whether they
identify as such; often used interchangeably with the term
transgender, though there are differences, and individuals may prefer
one term over the other.
One more disclaimer about these definitions: These definitions are by no means authoritative or exhaustive. They are my own, and as such, represent my understanding of each of the terms used.
Thanks for reading.
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