Alex's Answer

Hi, you are so welcome to Ask Alex,  

Thank you so much for your question and we hope we can help and support you with this.  

Learning about your sexual orientation and gender identity is a big part of every young persons life. For some they find this easy but for others it can be difficult to figure out. 

With that in mind we have listed some terms that you may wish to look at in relation to gender identity. You can also find out lots more information on our website which you can access on this link www.childline.ie/a-list-of-sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-terms/ 

Bigender A gender identity which can be literally translated as ‘two genders’ or ‘double gender’. These two gender identities could be male and female, but could also include non-binary identities. 

Bisexual A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender or gender identity though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree. 

Gay A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to members of the same gender. Men, women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves. 

Gender Binary A system in which gender is constructed into two strict categories of male or female. Gender identity is expected to align with the sex assigned at birth and gender expressions and roles fit traditional expectations. 

Gender Dysphoria Term used to describe the discomfort caused by an incongruence between one’s true gender and their sex assigned at birth. 

Gender-Fluid Gender fluid individuals experience different gender identities at different times. A gender fluid person’s gender identity can be multiple genders at once, then switch to none at all, or move between single gender identities. Some gender fluid people regularly move between only a few specific genders, perhaps as few as two. 

Lesbian A woman who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to other women. Women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves. 

LGBTQ An acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.” 

Non-binary Various umbrella terms for gender identities that fall outside of the binary of man or woman and thus do not conform to traditional gender roles. 

Questioning A term used to describe people who are in the process of exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Sexual Orientation The term used to describe the gender or genders that someone is attracted to. Note: an individual’s sexual orientation is independent of their gender identity, which is the gender or genders the person is. 

(It’s important to note that sexual orientation and gender identities are constantly evolving so if you don’t see your personal orientation represented by popular terms, it doesn’t mean you’re alone. It just means there isn’t a description of how you identify yet but there will be in time.) 

Sources: https://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms
https://www.teni.ie/resources/trans-terms/  

Hopefully,  you found some of this helpful and please don’t forget you can contact Childline on 1800 66 66 66 at any time 24-hours a day, 7 days a week or contact via online chat by clicking on the orange Live Chat tab. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

 Take care, 

Alex