glossary
-
AFAB - Assigned Female At Birth
used to characterize someone who, at birth, was assumed to be female based on their physical attributes.
-
AMAB - Assigned Male at Birth
used to characterize someone who, at birth, was assumed to be male based on their physical attributes
-
Androgyne
individuals identifying as androgyne may feel positioned between masculine and feminine, male and female, or identify as neither entirely masculine nor feminine. Although androgyne falls under non-binary and transgender umbrellas, individuals may or may not choose to identify with these broader terms.
-
awareness
perception or knowledge of something. Accurate reportability of something perceived or known is widely used as a behavioral index of conscious awareness.
In a sex-positive context, awareness helps create safer, more respectful spaces. Being present, mindful, and attentive to your own and others feelings, boundaries, and signals.
-
BDSM (Bondage-Discipline-Sadism-Masochism)
BDSM describes a range of consensual sexual or relational dynamics involving power exchange, control, restraints, sensation play, punishment, and other activities. At its core, BDSM emphasizes open communication and mutual consent. Practices vary widely—some integrate BDSM into their lifestyle, while others engage occasionally
-
Bisexual
bisexuality refers to attraction to two or more genders/ sexes, with the attraction being sexual, romantic, and/or emotional. It can include cisgender and non-binary individuals, though not necessarily. Individuals may also identify simultaneously or interchangeably as bisexual and ceterosexual.
-
Ceterosexual
is also called skoliosexuality or allotroposexuality. The term describes attraction primarily or exclusively to non-binary or binary transgender individuals. Attraction to cisgender individuals who challenge traditional gender roles may also occur, although this aspect is debated.
-
consent/consensus
consent means an enthusiastic, informed, and ongoing yes - freely given without pressure, guilt, or manipulation.
It must be mutual, clearly communicated, and respected by all parties involved.
Consent is a shared responsibility, and it can be withdrawn at any time.
-
Demisexual
demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which a person experiences sexual attraction only after forming an emotional bond with someone. Demisexual individuals can identify as gay, straight, bisexual, demiromantic, sapiosexual, gray-asexual, or pansexual, and may have any gender identity.
-
Discrimination
Inequitable actions carried out by members of a dominant group or its representatives against members of a marginalized or minoritized group.
-
Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM)
an umbrella term for all forms of ethical, consensual, and loving non-monogamy. Denotes consensually being in/open to multiple loving relationships at the same time. Some polyamorists (polyamorous people) consider “polyam” to be a relationship orientation.
-
Fantasy
sexual fantasies refer to mental imagery of sexual activity with an emotional component that absorbs the fantasizer. Unlike sexual activity that requires compromise between partners’ desires, fantasies are unconstrained by physical and social reality.
One of the most common forms of kinky sex involves creating imagined scenarios. This could be as simple as talking about a fantasy in bed, to as complex as wearing costumes or acting out scenes in front of strangers.
Beginner's Guide to Kinky Sex: What Is It, Health Benefits, Rules
-
Fetish
as a sexual interest in an object or in another part of the body apart from sexual organs.
examples: feet, latex
-
Kink
a sexual interest or behavior that is not considered "normal" or "vanilla".
examples: BDSM, role play
-
LGBTQIA+
abbreviation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual. The additional “+” stands for all of the other identities not encompassed in the short acronym. An umbrella term that includes everyone in the community as a whole.
It celebrates the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
-
mindfulness
the act of consciously noticing your body, mind, and emotions in the present moment, believed to foster a sense of calm
-
Monogamy
having only one intimate partner at any one time; also known as serial monogamy
-
polyamory
refers to consensually having or being open to multiple loving/romantic relationships simultaneously. For some, polyamory is considered a relationship orientation, and the term is often used broadly to encompass all forms of ethical, consensual non-monogamy
-
Polygamy
marriage to more than one spouse at the same time, which is an accepted form in certain cultures
-
Role-play
acting out a fantasy while engaging in sexual activity. Each person takes on a character role. This may include dressing up for the roles, using props, and/or creating or finding the right setting.
One of the most common forms of kinky sex involves creating imagined scenarios. This could be as simple as talking about a fantasy in bed, to as complex as wearing costumes or acting out scenes in front of strangers.
Beginner's Guide to Kinky Sex: What Is It, Health Benefits, Rules
-
sex positivity
an open, respectful attitude towards all consensual expressions of sexuality. Sex positivity celebrates pleasure, diversity, communication, and the belief that sexuality is a healthy part of life.
-
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
infections primarily transmitted through any sexual contact, including oral/ anal and vaginal sex especially when protection, such as condoms, is not used. Although some STIs can occur without noticeable symptoms, symptoms are common. STIs can be detected through blood tests and oral, genital, or anal swabs at the doctors office. Early detection makes a difference!
-
Voyeurism
watching someone undress or watching a couple have sex without their knowledge are common voyeur fantasies, while having sex in a public place.
Voyeurism is surprisingly common (and kinky). 35% of adults surveyed were interested in voyeurism.
Beginner's Guide to Kinky Sex: What Is It, Health Benefits, Rules