Photo Credit: Unknown.
If you know the source of this image, please contact me so I can give proper credit!
I found this on Instagram and had a good laugh over it. It reminded me of when I came out about my gender identity and an old friend jokingly asked if he could refer to me as "Your Majesty" in place of my old pronouns since it is technically a gender neutral term.
But in all seriousness, this was a huge thing for me when I was coming to terms with my gender identity. What would happen when I was in a relationship someday? I had no idea what I would prefer to be referred to as. The only gender neutral term I really was aware of was partner,
which I personally cannot stand because it just reminds me of...
Photo credit: @cowboywoodyy on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/cowboywoodyy
But as I stepped foot further into the transgender community I discovered there are actually many different terms someone can use in place of boyfriend or girlfriend (or partner, thankfully for me!) when referring to your non-binary lover - and don't worry...not all of them are as ridiculous as "Daffodil".
(Although, I will fully accept anyone referring to me as their "sick meme" anytime.)
Try some of these out if you or your significant other prefers non-binary relationship terms:
Accomplice
I had not actually thought of this one until I was making this list
(ironically it became first because of alphabetization)
but I really like this one!
Although, people may think you just committed a crime together...
Baby/Babe
Definitely not an uncommon term to hear in regards to a person someone is in a relationship with.
But you may need to watch the context so people do not confuse your "baby" for an actual infant.
Bae
Different from baby or babe because this one actually stands for "Before Anyone Else".
Personally, this one is one of my favorites.
Even if it does get a harsh rep from the internet for translating to "poop" in Danish.
Beloved
Powerful, but effective.
Betrothed
Typically only used in the context of marriage.
So unless you're married to or planning to marry the person at hand, another term may be less confusing.
Boo
Did I scare you?
Bothfriend
This one could be perfect for someone who identifies as or switches between two different genders!
Companion
Everyone needs one.
Complement
As in someone who completes you.
How sweet!
Cuddle Buddy
Netflix and chill, anyone?
Darling
Translates to "one dearly loved."
Date/Datefriend/Datemate
These are becoming a lot more common, especially in queer spaces.
Although "date" is usually seen as someone you're not necessarily exclusive with yet,
these are still great options even for an exclusive relationship.
Enbyfriend
Exclusive for non-binary relationships, with "enby" standing for NB, which stands for non-binary.
Did you catch all that?
Epox
Derives from the French word "epoux", which translates to "spouse".
Feyfriend
Another one specific to non-binary relationships.
According to the Internet, this one is commonly used for people leaning more towards a queer identity.
Flame
For some reason I'm really drawn to this one.
It's just so...hot!
(Sorry.)
Genderfriend
YES!
An ex used to refer to me as their "GF" which apparently stood for "Genderfluid Friend" to them,
but I like this a lot better.
Honey
Just make sure you don't shrink the kids.
Imzadi
The Internet tells me this one comes from Star Trek and was used as a term similar to "beloved."
Live long and prosper.
Infatuate
Add this to the list of names I was unaware of until this list.
Gotta say, I really like this one too.
Loveperson/Lovefriend
Maybe not short - but these are sweet and to the point.
Lover
Someone once told me that to them this term specifically denotes a sexual relationship.
So if that bothers you, you may want to keep that implication in mind.
Match
Even better if you met on Tinder.
Mate
To our Australian friends it means just that - a friend,
but in the animal kingdom it refers to two animals who really love each other.
Other Half
Because you're incomplete without them.
Aw.
Paramour
No, not like the band.
Apparently this term also has sexual implications.
Partner
Just because I hate it does not mean you have to!
Really, this is probably the most common term for any relationship
that chooses not to label themselves with "boyfriend" or girlfriend".
Partner in Crime/PIC
* See: Accomplice.
Person
Definitely my favorite from this list.
It's simply put yet easy to define and understand.
Playmate
Not quite like your elementary school playmates.
Queerfriend
Obviously meant for someone who prefers or likes a queer label.
Sidekick
All the best people have one.
Batman had Robin, Timon had Pumba, Spongebob had Patrick...
Significant Other/SO
Another common one that's easy to understand.
Kinda formal, but sweet.
Soulmate
Aw.
Special Friend
Personally, this is another one that makes me cringe
because when my mom started dating again this is what she called every random guy
that was suddenly in our kitchen for breakfast in the morning.
Suitor
Taking it way back to the Middle Ages.
Sweetheart
How...sweet?
These are just some of the terms I've come across through the web or through people in LGBTQA+ spaces sharing their preferences. Anyone else out there have any others they like?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But in all seriousness, this was a huge thing for me when I was coming to terms with my gender identity. What would happen when I was in a relationship someday? I had no idea what I would prefer to be referred to as. The only gender neutral term I really was aware of was partner,
which I personally cannot stand because it just reminds me of...
https://twitter.com/cowboywoodyy
But as I stepped foot further into the transgender community I discovered there are actually many different terms someone can use in place of boyfriend or girlfriend (or partner, thankfully for me!) when referring to your non-binary lover - and don't worry...not all of them are as ridiculous as "Daffodil".
(Although, I will fully accept anyone referring to me as their "sick meme" anytime.)
Try some of these out if you or your significant other prefers non-binary relationship terms:
Accomplice
I had not actually thought of this one until I was making this list
(ironically it became first because of alphabetization)
but I really like this one!
Although, people may think you just committed a crime together...
Baby/Babe
Definitely not an uncommon term to hear in regards to a person someone is in a relationship with.
But you may need to watch the context so people do not confuse your "baby" for an actual infant.
Bae
Different from baby or babe because this one actually stands for "Before Anyone Else".
Personally, this one is one of my favorites.
Even if it does get a harsh rep from the internet for translating to "poop" in Danish.
Beloved
Powerful, but effective.
Betrothed
Typically only used in the context of marriage.
So unless you're married to or planning to marry the person at hand, another term may be less confusing.
Boo
Did I scare you?
Bothfriend
This one could be perfect for someone who identifies as or switches between two different genders!
Companion
Everyone needs one.
Complement
As in someone who completes you.
How sweet!
Cuddle Buddy
Netflix and chill, anyone?
Darling
Translates to "one dearly loved."
Date/Datefriend/Datemate
These are becoming a lot more common, especially in queer spaces.
Although "date" is usually seen as someone you're not necessarily exclusive with yet,
these are still great options even for an exclusive relationship.
Enbyfriend
Exclusive for non-binary relationships, with "enby" standing for NB, which stands for non-binary.
Did you catch all that?
Epox
Derives from the French word "epoux", which translates to "spouse".
Feyfriend
Another one specific to non-binary relationships.
According to the Internet, this one is commonly used for people leaning more towards a queer identity.
Flame
For some reason I'm really drawn to this one.
It's just so...hot!
(Sorry.)
Genderfriend
YES!
An ex used to refer to me as their "GF" which apparently stood for "Genderfluid Friend" to them,
but I like this a lot better.
Honey
Just make sure you don't shrink the kids.
Imzadi
The Internet tells me this one comes from Star Trek and was used as a term similar to "beloved."
Live long and prosper.
Infatuate
Add this to the list of names I was unaware of until this list.
Gotta say, I really like this one too.
Loveperson/Lovefriend
Maybe not short - but these are sweet and to the point.
Lover
Someone once told me that to them this term specifically denotes a sexual relationship.
So if that bothers you, you may want to keep that implication in mind.
Match
Even better if you met on Tinder.
Mate
To our Australian friends it means just that - a friend,
but in the animal kingdom it refers to two animals who really love each other.
Other Half
Because you're incomplete without them.
Aw.
Paramour
No, not like the band.
Apparently this term also has sexual implications.
Partner
Just because I hate it does not mean you have to!
Really, this is probably the most common term for any relationship
that chooses not to label themselves with "boyfriend" or girlfriend".
Partner in Crime/PIC
* See: Accomplice.
Person
Definitely my favorite from this list.
It's simply put yet easy to define and understand.
Playmate
Not quite like your elementary school playmates.
Queerfriend
Obviously meant for someone who prefers or likes a queer label.
Sidekick
All the best people have one.
Batman had Robin, Timon had Pumba, Spongebob had Patrick...
Significant Other/SO
Another common one that's easy to understand.
Kinda formal, but sweet.
Soulmate
Aw.
Special Friend
Personally, this is another one that makes me cringe
because when my mom started dating again this is what she called every random guy
that was suddenly in our kitchen for breakfast in the morning.
Suitor
Taking it way back to the Middle Ages.
Sweetheart
How...sweet?
These are just some of the terms I've come across through the web or through people in LGBTQA+ spaces sharing their preferences. Anyone else out there have any others they like?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gender Identity: A person's personal perception of their own gender
Pronouns: A replacement for nouns and noun phrases (He, she, they, ze, you, etc.)
Gender Neutral: Applicable to any or all genders.
Transgender: Someone whose biological sex does not align with their gender identity.
Non-Binary: Any gender identity that is not specifically male or female.
Queer: An in-group term sometimes used to refer to the entire LGBTQA+ community, or certain people in the community who define themselves this way.
Enby/NB: Stands for non-binary
Genderfluid: Someone whose gender identity fluctuates between two or more identities.
LGBTQA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Asexual, +
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