LGBTQI+ Vocabulary in Japanese

In this article, we're going to explore the LGBTQI+ vocabulary in Japanese, including the most common words and phrases used to refer to people who are homosexual, gay, lesbian, transgender, and others.

Language and vocabulary play an important role in accepting and representing gender diversity and sexual orientation. The LGBTQI+ vocabulary in Japanese is a fundamental part of understanding and representing the LGBTQI+ community in Japan.

It is important to understand and use the correct vocabulary when referring to LGBTQI+ people in Japan and around the world, to promote equality and acceptance.

The Japanese language is Neutral

The Japanese language has no grammatical gender, which means that words are not classified as masculine or feminine. A single adjective can be used for either gender, even animal names are also genderless.

This can be an advantage in the gender neutral issue, as there is no need to specify a person's gender when referring to them. This can be especially important for people who identify as non-binary or who do not identify with a traditional gender, as there is no need to use pronouns or nouns that could be perceived as inappropriate or offensive.

One of the few things that have gender in the Japanese language is pronouns, but there are still pronouns that are neutral and can be used by both genders. It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is quite formal, so it is necessary to know when to use each pronoun.

Additionally, the Japanese language has a cultural tradition of gender-fluid concepts, including the concept of “onnagata,” which refers to men playing female characters in Kabuki theater. This can be seen as an expression of acceptance of gender fluidity in Japanese culture.

However, it is important to highlight that, despite these linguistic advantages, Japanese society still faces some challenges in accepting gender diversity and sexual orientation.

LGBTQI+ Word List in Japanese

The list of words below has several terms and words from the LGBTQI+ vocabulary, some are repeated, as they are written in katakana, kanji and also some slang and abbreviations.

  • Homosexual: 同性愛 (douseiai)
  • Sexual Intuition: セクマイ (sekumai)
  • Homosexual Marriage: 同性婚 (douseikon)
  • Homosexual: ホモ (homo)
  • Straight: ノンケ (nonke)
  • Lesbian: レビン (rebin)
  • Bi: Bi Gays: Gays Queer: Queer Intersex: Intersex
  • Intersexual, androgynous: 中性 (chuusei)
  • Asexual"無性愛 (museiai)
  • Genre: 性別 (seibetsu)
  • Sexual orientation: 性的指向 (seiteki shikō)
  • Gender Equality: 性別平等 (seibetsu byōdō)
  • Heterosexuality: 异性恋 (isei ren)
  • Homosexuality: 同性恋 (dōsei ren)
  • Bisexuality: 双性恋 (sōsei ren)
  • Transsexuality: 性别变换 (seibetsu henkan)
  • Intersexuality: 性别多样性 (seibetsu tayōsei)
  • Genre: 性别 (seibetsu)
  • Sexual orientation: 性欲方向 (sei yoku hōkō)
  • Gender Diversity: 性别多样性 (seibetsu tayōsei)
  • Gender Equality: 性别平等 (seibetsu byōdō)
  • Gays: ゲイ (gei)
  • Lesbians: レズビアン (rezubian)
  • Bisexuals: バイセクシュアル (baisekushuaru)
  • Transgender: トランスジェンダー (toransujendā)
  • Queer: クィア (kuia)
  • Intersex: インターセックス (intāsekksu)
  • Asexual: アセクシュアル (asekushuaru)
  • Androgynous: アンドロギノ (andorogynous)
  • Non-binary: ノンバイナリー (non bainarī)
  • Asexuality: 無性愛 (museiai)
  • Pansexuality: パンセクシュアリティ (pansekushuariti)
  • Gender Fluidity: ジェンダーフリュージョン (jendā furyūjon)
  • Gender Diversity: ジェンダー・ダイバーシティ (jendā daibāsiti)
  • Heterosexuality: ヘテロセクシュアリティ (heterosekushuariti)
  • Homosexuality: ホモセクシュアリティ (homo sekushuariti)
  • Bisexuality: バイセクシュアル (baisekushuaru)
  • Transsexuality: トランスセクシュアル (toransusekushuaru)
  • Intersexuality: インターセクシュアル (intāsekushuaru)

The Japanese recognize and also use slang terms FTM, MTF, FTX and MTX. If any term is missing from this list, just contact us.

The Meaning of Okama, Onabe and Okege

Okama, Onabe, and Okege are words often used derogatoryly to refer to people who identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community in Japan. Here are the definitions of each of these words:

  • Okama: It is a rude word used to refer to men who have a flirty personality or who exhibit behaviors considered feminine.
  • Onabe: It's a similar word to okama, but used specifically to refer to lesbian women.
  • Okege: It is a pejorative word used to refer to transgender or transsexual people.

These words are considered offensive and should be avoided as they reinforce negative stereotypes and discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.

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