
Go beyond LGBTQ – here are all the basic terms and labels commonly used by the queer community you should know.
Here’s an honest confession: LGBTQ+ terms can be daunting to learn and use, especially for someone like me who found themselves part of the queer community at a time when such labels are used to discriminate rather than validate. However, I’ve come to learn that owning a label and accepting it as part of your identity can be liberating and empowering. That’s why using the correct terms is so important. While Hong Kong has come a long way with a growing number of queer artists, drag queens, and plenty of gay bars, many people remain unfamiliar with LGBTQ+ terms and their meanings. So, I’ve put together a list of some basic terminology that’ll help you show appreciation and respect for the community.
LGBTQ+ terms that you need to know
Sex and gender: An overview

To understand the nuances of LGBTQ+ identities, you have to understand the difference between sex and gender. The use of “sex” in gender politics is commonly defined as “biological sex,” which assigns a gender according to one’s reproductive organs (i.e. people with a penis is a man, people with a vagina is a woman). “Gender” on the other hand is more fluid and appears as a spectrum.
Sociologist Judith Butler uses the term “performativity” to describe gender, where “feminine” and “masculine” qualities are seen as “acts” that a person “performs” rather than direct assignations to a “male” or “female” identity. Since then, queer theorists have built on this definition to highlight the constructed nature of many traits traditionally associated with one gender or another in the male-female binary.
While gender and sexuality scholars have previously considered “sex” a biological binary and “gender” a diverse spectrum, many now dispute even the existence of a “biological sex.”
First things first, what does LGBTQIA+ mean?
1. Lesbian

Typically applied to a homosexual woman attracted to other women. Given the layered history of the lesbian community with the gender spectrum, the term is sometimes broadened to apply to non-men attracted to non-men – like those who may identify as non-binary lesbians.
2. Gay
Typically a homosexual man attracted to other men. The term can also include those who identify as transmasculine. However, the term “gay” is also a common umbrella term and is often used by other non-heteronormative genders and sexualities as well.
3. Bisexual
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation that refers to those that are attracted to more than one gender. Those of any gender may identify as bisexual. Fun fact: bisexuality is one of the largest demographics within the population of queer young people!
4. Transgender

Transgender refers to someone whose gender identity doesn’t align with their sex assigned at birth, and may ‘transition’ to align with said sex. This is in opposition to Cisgender, which means a person’s gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth.
Every transgender individual may choose to express gender differently, with some utilising hormone therapy or undergoing gender-affirming surgery. Others, whether by choice or due to social, legal, or monetary reasons, may not opt for physical changes.
5. Queer/ questioning
Queer people share the same letter with folks that are still Questioning their sexual and gender identities. While the term “queer” was once perceived as derogatory, the LGBTQ+ community have now reclaimed the word for themselves. Today, “queer” is an umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual or cisgender, and works as a more comfortable label for people still questioning and exploring their identities.
6. Intersex
Intersex is a general term used to describe someone born with several variations in their biological sex characteristics. Beyond presenting in terms of anatomy, this can appear in one’s chromosomes or hormones. An intersex person would not fit into the heteronormative definition of a gender or sex binary, but doesn’t automatically affect one’s sexual or romantic orientation. The complex biological nature of the intersex community also makes the existence of a “biological sex” assigned at birth problematic.
7. Asexual/ Aromantic/ Agender

The A in LGBTQIA+ stands for three groups: Asexual, Aromantic, and Agender people.
Asexuality refers to someone that experiences little to no sexual attraction to others, but there are nuances in the spectrum. While asexuals may not be interested in having sex, they can still seek emotional intimacy with others and be in a healthy relationship. As asexuality does not equate to celibacy or abstinence, relationships involving asexual individuals may or may not include sexual activity. Being asexual or “Ace” is its own sexuality and can include heterosexuals, homosexuals, and everything in between.
Broadly categorised as a romantic orientation, aromantic individuals experience little to no “romantic” attraction to others – although, again, this varies within the spectrum. “Aro” folks may still have sexual desires or can be asexual as well. Those on the aromantic spectrum may pursue relationships with others, with varying romantic and sexual aspects based on each individual. You’ll also see strong platonic partnerships with the same level of commitment as romantic relationships – such is the beauty and nuance of queer connections!

Agender refers to someone who doesn’t identify as having any particular gender, with some rejecting the concept of gender entirely. Though this doesn’t mean agender people are automatically asexual or aromantic. Many still pursue meaningful and committed relationships with others and form bonds that are just as strong.
What’s included in the “+”?
8. Nonbinary
Nonbinary is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit exclusively within the binaries of “man” and “woman.” There is a vast spectrum of identifying as non-binary as every individual’s own gender identity may be different. Physical expressions of being non-binary will vary, with some opting for hormone therapy or surgery while others may not alter their physical appearance at all.
9. Pansexual/ Panromantic/ Polysexual
Sometimes confused with bisexuality, pansexuality is a sexual orientation for someone who is attracted to people regardless of their gender. Pansexual individuals may be attracted to some people and not others, but gender or sex largely doesn’t matter in terms of the attraction. It’s truly what’s on the inside that counts!
Other terminology associated with the LGBTQ+ community
10. AGAB/ ASAB, AFAB/ AMAB

AGAB and ASAB are commonly used by the queer community to refer to one’s “assigned gender” or “assigned sex at birth.” Since many medical systems still subscribe to the binary definition of male and female, a person who’s assigned female at birth is referred to as “AFAB,” and male as “AMAB.”
11. FTM/ MTF
FTM and MTF are more specific terms used to refer to transgender people. FTM, “female to male,” refers to transgender men and MTF, “male to female,” refers to transgender women. These individuals may have completed or are in the process of transitioning, and this can take the form of changing one’s physical appearance, hormone therapy, and/or gender-affirming surgeries. Others may not wish to alter their physical appearance at all.
12. Transmasculine (transmasc)/ Transfeminine (transfem)
With the many nuances in the spectrum of gender identity, one may identify as transmasculine or transfeminine, but not necessarily as transgender. For example, a transfeminine person may have been assigned male at birth, but have a gender identity or expression that is more feminine – although not entirely female. In fact, some may physically transition to align more with a masculine or feminine expression, but still not identify as strictly a man or woman.
13. Drag

Drag is a form of performance art pioneered by the queer community. It usually involves individuals dressing up in partly exaggerated representations of the other genders. A large representation of drag in popular culture is cis gay men donning female attire as Drag Queens, but drag is not always cis individuals dressing as another sex. Trans women and trans men have a long and rich history with drag as an art form. Being a Drag Queen or King does not automatically mean you identify with a certain sexual orientation.
14. Gender non-confirming
Gender non-conforming refers to expressing gender in a way that differs from societal norms and/or sex assigned at birth. Representations of masculinity and femininity by gender non-conforming individuals may be different from stereotypical expressions in heteronormative culture.
15. Heteronormativity
Assuming that cisgender heterosexuality is the norm or default is considered heteronormativity. When you meet a new female friend, do you automatically ask her whether she has a boyfriend (instead of a girlfriend)? When you talk about marriage, do you assume it’s a man and a woman instead of two men or two women? That’s heteronormativity.
TL;DR: LGBTQ+ terms

Do: Embrace changes in terminology
Unfortunately, this isn’t a concrete list of terms you can memorise and use for the rest of time. As part of language, LGBTQ+ terms are constantly changing and evolving with the rest of society. Labels can start out as slurs and end up being reclaimed by the community as a positive affirmation of their identity, like “queer” and “butch” in recent years, and the opposite can happen. The best way to stay on top of changes with LGBTQ+ terms is be part of the community, whether as a member or ally.
Do: Respect self designations
While LGBTQ+ terminologies are useful in helping the cishet population comprehend our queerness, they are not categories you should pigeon hole people in. If someone comes off as one label but identifies as another, stick with their interpretation – it’s their body, their identity, and their life after all.
Do: Apologise when you mislabel accidentally
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes! Most queer people are accepting of accidental labelling, as long as you apologise, recognise your mistake, and try to avoid making the same one, they’ll appreciate your effort in respecting their identity.
Don’t: Mislabel on purpose
Mislabelling someone from the queer community on purpose is probably one of the most disrespectful things you can do. As LGBTQ+ terms are fundamental to how a person defines themselves and are recognised by others, mislabelling on purpose means you’re invalidating their identity, life, and existence.
Got more questions? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to learn and use correct LGBTQ+ terminology?
Learning and using correct LGBTQ+ terminology is crucial for fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. Language is fundamental to how individuals define themselves and how they are recognised by others. Using accurate terms shows respect for someone's identity and lived experience, affirms their existence, and helps create safer spaces. It also plays a vital role in understanding and discussing issues of equality, discrimination, and human rights within the queer community.
How can I stay updated on LGBTQ+ terminology, as language can evolve?
It's true that language, especially around identity, can evolve. To stay informed, pay attention to how people within the community refer to themselves and others, consult regularly updated resources from queer advocacy organisations, be open to correction, and respect self-identification.
What should I do if I accidentally use the wrong term or pronoun for someone?
If you accidentally use the wrong term or pronoun, the best approach is to correct yourself quickly and politely, and then move on. There's no need to make a big apology that draws more attention to the mistake. The goal is to show that you acknowledge your error, you respect their identity, and you're making an effort to get it right in the future.