History of Common Pride Labels

By Vic Gipson, BSW Candidate

Prefacing this article, identities and labels are both complex and fluid. Definitions used in this article are based on popular recognition of these terms, but may not be applicable to every community member’s experience. Keep reading to learn more about some labels and terms used within the LGBTQ+ community you may encounter at Pride!

Content Warning: Mention of discriminatory language/slurs.

We want to include that some community members, especially older folks, may find comfort in reclaiming certain labels that have been identified as hate speech. Learn more about other commonly reclaimed terms in the LGBTQ+ community here. Learn more about reappropriation and the reclaiming of derogatory terms here.

“Gay”, “Achillean”, and “MLM”

Gay: A man exclusively attracted to other men.

Achillean: A man or nonbinary person who’s attracted to other men or masculine-identifying people, inclusive of broader attractions outside of men (bisexual, pansexual, etc.).

MLM: Men-Loving-Men. An umbrella term used to describe all men attracted to men, including gay, bisexual, pansexual, or other same gender attracted orientations.

“Lesbian”, “Sapphic”, and “WLW”

Lesbian: A woman exclusively attracted to other women.

Sapphic: A woman or nonbinary person attracted to other women or feminine-identifying people, inclusive of broader attractions outside of women (bisexual, pansexual, etc.).

WLW: Women-Loving-Women. An umbrella term used to describe all women attracted to women, including lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, or other same gender attracted orientations.

Butch: A term used to refer to masculine-presenting/masculine-identifying lesbians (also adopted by some transmasculine individuals).

Stud: A racially rooted term to refer to black masculine lesbians.

Femme: A term used to refer to feminine-presenting/feminine-identifying lesbians (also adopted by some transmasculine individuals).

Fish: A racially rooted term to refer to black feminine lesbians.

Futch/Stem: Terms used to refer to lesbians who express themselves an equal mix of femininely and masculinely- Futch being a more general label, and Stem being a racially rooted term for black lesbians.

“Bisexual” and “Pansexual”

Bisexual: Someone who is attracted to two or more genders.

Pansexual: Someone who is attracted to someone regardless of their gender identity. Places more value on emotional connection.

Omnisexual: Someone who is attracted to all genders. Places more value on presentation.

“Asexual” and “Demisexual”

Asexual: A spectrum regarding sexual attraction. People who identify as asexual or “ace” may share decreased to non-existent interest in sex. (Opposite of allosexual).

Aromantic: Someone who does not feel romantic attraction toward others.

Allosexual: An umbrella term for someone who feels sexual attraction toward others. (Opposite of asexual).

Demisexual: Someone who only experiences sexual attraction after an emotional bond has been formed.

Androsexual: Someone attracted to men, masculine-aligned people, and masculinity.

Gynesexual/Gynosexual: Someone sexually attracted to women, feminine-aligned people, and femininity.

Skoliosexual: Someone attracted to nonbinary people and androgyny.

Homosexual: An individual attracted to someone of the same sex/gender.

Heterosexual: An individual attracted to someone of a gender different from their own.

T4T: Trans-For-Trans, a label held by many transgender individuals who look to only date other transgender people.

Polyamorous: An individual who engages in ethical non-monogamy.

*Less commonly represented identities

“Queer” and “Questioning”

Queer: A reclaimed term now used as an umbrella label for people within the LGBTQ+ community. Historically, this label was used by gay men to self-identify, and then was used as a slur, so it is best to ask someone’s preference before grouping them under this label.

Questioning/Curious: Someone who is unsure of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or is experimenting with such many identify as “questioning” or “curious”.

“Transgender”, “Nonbinary”, and “Gender Non-Conforming”

Transgender: An individual whose gender identity does not align with their birth sex. Sometimes interchangeably used with “Transsexual”, but this label has become more outdated, so it is always best to ask how someone identifies.

FTM: Female-to-male. Mainly used in medical contexts.

MTF: Male-to-female. Mainly used in medical contexts.

AGAB/ASAB: Assigned gender/sex at birth.

Trans Female: An individual assigned “male” at birth, who identifies as female.

Trans Male: An individual assigned “female” at birth, who identifies as male.

Nonbinary/Enby/Genderqueer: An individual who does not identify as male or female.

Genderfluid/Genderflux: An individual whose gender identity fluctuates over time.

Agender: An individual who does not identify with any gender.

Bigender: An individual identifying with two or more genders.

Two-Spirit: An identity rooted in indigenous culture, meaning the individual possesses masculine and feminine qualities.

Intersex: An individual whose reproductive organs, hormones, or chromosomes do not align with traditional binary designations. Not all intersex individuals identify as LGBTQ+.

NBLNB: Nonbinary-Loving-Nonbinary. An umbrella term used to describe all nonbinary people attracted to nonbinary people, including bisexual, pansexual, or other same gender attracted orientations.

Xenogenders: Gender identities outside of the traditional binary, often likening gender to concepts that are not traditionally gendered. Xenogenders have been most commonly adopted by neurodivergent individuals.

Neopronouns: “New” pronouns, in addition to traditional pronouns [she/he/they], are commonly used by individuals who have xenogenders, but not exclusively.

Labels bring some comfort, and others discomfort. In addressing these labels, it is important to acknowledge that everyone deserves to self-identify (or have the autonomy to choose not to) on their own timeline.This blog is not the totality of all recognized community labels. Many terms are continuing to be developed and utilized within various community spaces. It is strongly encouraged that readers do their own research and engage in community spaces to learn more about different terms folks identify with.