Different Labels

Sgriffin2382

So since this is a safe place, made out of love, I thought I would ask all of you who are much more knowledgeable than I. What do all the different labels mean? Like pansexual, aesexual, etc. I tried Wikipedia, but I am sure you all could explain it much better, and not so scientific :-) Thank you!

Mindful_Trent

I can only speak for myself, but I use "pansexual" because I am open to relationships with anyone regardless of gender identity or what body parts they may have. I don't use "bisexual" because that implies there are only 2 genders or sexes, which I don't agree with.

Unwrapping_Candy

Here's a great source with some very decent definitions of terms commonly used in the LGBT+ community:

http://www.lgbtmap.org/file/allys-guide-to-terminology.pdf

Sgriffin2382

Thanks all! Candy, that link was very helpful. I thought I knew all the terms, but after joining this group, pansexual was a new one to me!

xLyric

I can only speak for myself, but I use "pansexual" because I am open to relationships with anyone regardless of gender identity or what body parts they may have. I don't use "bisexual" because that implies there are only 2 genders or sexes, which I don't agree with.

I agree with this, and probably identify more with pan than bi, but when talking to other people in the rare occasions the topic comes up, I use bi. To me, it means the same thing and it's way less confusing to people who have no idea what I'm talking about.

Mindful_Trent

I can only speak for myself, but I use "pansexual" because I am open to relationships with anyone regardless of gender identity or what body parts they may have. I don't use "bisexual" because that implies there are only 2 genders or sexes, which I don't agree with.

I agree with this, and probably identify more with pan than bi, but when talking to other people in the rare occasions the topic comes up, I use bi. To me, it means the same thing and it's way less confusing to people who have no idea what I'm talking about.

I actually do the same thing - use "bi" when I'm speaking with someone who has a more binary (traditional) understanding of sex and gender.

I also use the term Queer - personally I like it more than pansexual. This is because it applies to both my sexual orietation and gender identity, whereas pansexual (in my opinion) is only a term for sexual orientation. However, in some circles of the rainbow community that word is still frowned upon even if you're using it for yourself, so I tend to be careful about when/where/with whom I use that label, even though I feel it's the best fit for me.

JennBrown83

Not sure if this "label" is on the link Candace mentioned but I identify as "heteroflexible". For me that means that while I am largely attracted me men there are the occasional woman (like Christina Hendricks or Jeri Ryan) and a few others (who are not famous) that I find attractive and would be comfortable being in a realtionship with. I also identify as a Polyamorous, which is bascially being able to love, deeply and commitedly, more than one person at a time. Right now I am in a monogamous, hetero relationship so kinda blows that out of the water but I couldn't be happier.

DietingMommy08

Thanks all! Candy, that link was very helpful. I thought I knew all the terms, but after joining this group, pansexual was a new one to me!

Its a new one to me too and reading the definetly I feel it might even fit me better then Bi-sexual.

Thank you. )

kyle4jem

Here's a great source with some very decent definitions of terms commonly used in the LGBT+ community:

http://www.lgbtmap.org/file/allys-guide-to-terminology.pdf

That is so politically correct... but I guess it's a cultural thing :ohwell:

I sometimes think there are too many labels - not just in LGBT community - and the more confusing it becomes, the harder it is to integrate and become one mutual society of friends.

I also understand that my sexual orientation does influence who I am, the choices that I make and in many ways how I act with others and how they might interact with me. But then again, so does my ethnicity, my belief system and even my physical being.

And that's why I'm here ... because hopefully I can find some other fat gay men to chat and swap experience with :flowerforyou:

coatsie79

Labels are a big weight arounds some people's neck. My sexuality doesn't define me and I don't feel the need for other people to define me by my sexuality either. I don't really think about it, but I guess I'm a lesbian because I am a woman and am attracted to other women.

Thomasm198

Here's a great source with some very decent definitions of terms commonly used in the LGBT+ community:

http://www.lgbtmap.org/file/allys-guide-to-terminology.pdf

Thanks for posting that link Candy.

krystonite

Unwrapping_Candy

That is too awesome. LOL