Regular The queer ABCs

The queer Labels can be liberating once you know them, but they can also be confusing. Every issue of FRUITY will provide you with a guide to useful terminology so you will not have to reach for Urban Dictionary when discussing queerness. Words by MARTINE AAMODT HESS A

Ally

Do not identify as queer but stand with the community, support LGBT+ rights and educate themselves.

Bisexuality

Attraction to two or more genders. A misconception is that it refers to men and women but it can be any gender.

Cisgender (cis)

Opposed to someone who is trans, a cisgender person identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Dyke

A slur, usually used about masculine-presenting lesbians, that have been reclaimed by the community.

Fruity

Describes a member of the LGBT+ community. A slur that has been reclaimed by Gay TikTok.

Gay TikTok

Content made by and for queer people on TikTok. It can be informational, inspirational and comedic.

Heteronormativity

The concept that heterosexuality is preferred or “normal” because that is what we are socialised to believe.

Intersex

Generally used to describe someone born with anatomy that cannot be categorised as “male” or “female”.

Non-binary

Do not identify with the gender binary. Instead, they can identify as male and female, neither or fluid.

Out

Being open about sexuality, whether to family or co-workers. An alternative often preferred to “openly gay”.

Pronoun

Replaces a noun in a sentence and can therefore communicate gender identity. Example: she/they.

Queer

An umbrella term often used about people whose gender and/or sexuality does not fit the “norm”.

Sexual orientation

Refers to attraction (can be sexual, romantic and emotional). Should not be mistaken for gender identity.

U-haul

Stereotype about lesbians getting serious and moving in together shortly after starting to date.

Womxn

A much-debated alternative to “woman”. Used to remove the term from its patriarchal origins.

Yassification

A viral trend in the community. Heavily edited photos (makeup, airbrush, glamour) mocking influencer culture.