Sexuality Speak: Terminology
by DAISY THOMAS
The world is moving at an ever evolving pace, as does our language. Words of yesteryear have taken on new meanings, some are dropped altogether (or cancelled) and annually dictionaries release a list of words of our modern lexicon, moving them from the common tongue of the streets and internet highway and into the hallowed halls of the confusing world of the English language.
And the verbiage of sex and sexuality have also morphed, moving fluidly through time like the Raleigh-Taylor instability of a lava lamp, a beautiful dance of varying ingredients as forces push and pull them apart to form and reform, evolve into something new or different, familiar, and/or whole. But this is not the 70s (or 90s) and although many a tween would say otherwise, not everyone is into lava lamps, and many remain confused when words like “pansexual” are used in headlines, whether it be Demi Lovato or Nevada Assemblywoman Sarah Peters.
It can be intimidating to learn that the world you exist in is bigger and grander than you knew or imagined and understanding the unfamiliar, the improper, the taboo, is a challenging task many feel ill-prepared to take on, especially in our current cancel culture world. But not knowing the right words, ignorantly using out of date terminology -- while absolutely inappropriate and harmful -- will not go away on its own. If we remain ignorant or if we withhold knowledge that enlightens others, all we do is contribute to a world of hate and increasing social bullying that we should not accept, let alone condone.
Thankfully, people around the world share their knowledge, their stories, and their views, helping us better understand ourselves, our existence, and our place in the world. According to Healthline:
“familiarizing yourself with language that describes different types of sexual and romantic feelings and orientations will help you, your partners, and your friends navigate and understand the many ways people experience and identify their sexuality.”
The Utah Bee has compiled a few links to help our readers have a better grasp on some of the terminology they may have read in one of our articles, or perhaps have definitions but don’t know that a word exists for that. Below you will find various websites for our varied readers to help define sexuality terminology.
American Psychological Association - Definitions Related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, as well as Key terms
Healthline - 46 Terms That Describe Sexual Attraction, Behavior, and Orientation
It’s Pronounced Metrosexual - Comprehensive List of LGBTQ+ Vocabulary
Utah State University - LGBTQIA+ Terminology and History
University of Houston - Sexuality Terminology
Wikipedia - Sexual Slang