Identities

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so, what do all these terms actually mean?

below is an explanation for each of the terms i personally identify with! my goal with this page is just to inform, as i know some peolpe dont see a few of these terms very often.

feel free to use any of these definitions for yourself (like on your own website!)

Transgender or "Trans"

Transgender (often shortened to trans) is a term referring to an individual whose gender identity does not entirely, always, only, or at all correspond with their assigned gender at birth (AGAB).

Transgender is not a gender identity on its own, rather it is a gender modality; it expresses that there is a difference between one's AGAB and one's gender identity.

Aromantic, often shortened to aro, describes people who do not experience romantic attraction, or experience little-to-no romantic attraction. One of the meanings of the A in LGBTQIA+ is Aromantic. Aromanticism is a romantic orientation and may involve forms of attraction that are not necessarily romantic, or interests in relationships that are intimate in other ways. There is no singular experience of aromanticism.

The aromantic spectrum, also known as "aro-spec", ranges from aromantic to alloromantic, referring to people who regularly and consistently experience romantic attraction. People within the aromantic spectrum are part of a community that has much in common. They may use the label aromantic as a close fit for their experiences or use other labels that further describe them.

Queerplatonic [relationship]

not to be confused with just being "close frieds" or "friends with benefits", a queerplatonic relationship is an intimate, significant, committed, and non-romantic relationship which does not follow traditional romantic norms or the bounds of traditional friendship.

Queerplatonic relationships, and the language used to describe them, are an alternative to heteronormative⁽¹⁾ relationships and the amatonormative⁽²⁾ assumption that everyone wants romantic/sexual relationships. Asexual and aromantic people might find utility in naming their significant relationships queerplatonic instead of using words which imply sexual or romantic connection. This does not mean those outside of the aro/ace spectrum cannot be in a queerplatonic relationship.

Queerplatonic intimacy might look like platonic physical affection and/or traditionally "romantic" physical affection, literally sleeping together, living together, co-parenting, etc. Queerplatonic relationship structures tend to be non-exclusive, but can follow any model which feels right for the people involved. This can include choosing whether or not to include stereotypical "romantic" or "sexual" aspects in the relationship. Due to this, the way each queerplatonic relationship looks can vary widely depending on what makes those in the relationship comfortable.

Queerplatonic partners generally refer to each other as "partners", which takes away the romantic connotation that the words "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" may have.

(1) heteronormative

the assumption that everyone is 'naturally' heterosexual and that heterosexuality is an ideal, superior to other sexual identities

the belief that heterosexuality is the default, preferred, or 'normal' mode of sexual orientation.

(2) amatonormative

the assumption that all human beings pursue love or romance, especially by means of a monogamous long-term romantic relationship

the societal assumption that a single, exclusive, romantic relationship is the ideal and that everyone wants one.

Alterous [Attraction]

a type of attraction which can be described as the desire to be emotionally close to someone in a way that is neither exclusively platonic nor romantic, but rather somewhere in the middle.

The grey area between platonic and romantic attraction, can also be described as a strong desire for a deep, special bond with someone without necessarily wanting a romantic relationship.

Generally the type of attraction which leads into seeking a queerplatonic relationship!