LGBTQI+ Vocabulary in Japanese

In this article, we will explore LGBTQI+ vocabulary in Japanese, including the most common words and phrases used to refer to homosexuals, gays, lesbians, transgender people, and others.

Language and vocabulary play an important role in the acceptance and representation of gender diversity and sexual orientation. 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 does not have grammatical gender, which means that words are not classified as masculine or feminine. A single adjective can be used for any gender, including animal names, which also do not have gender.

This can be an advantage in terms of gender neutrality, 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 may be perceived as inappropriate or offensive.

One of the few things that have gender in the Japanese language is pronouns, but there are still neutral pronouns that 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 fluid gender concepts, including the concept of “onnagata,” which refers to men who portray 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 and sexual orientation diversity.

List of LGBTQI+ Words in Japanese

The list of words below contains various terms and words from LGBTQI+ vocabulary, some are repeated, as they have their writing in katakana, kanji, and also some slang and abbreviations.

• Homosexual: 同性愛 (douseiai)
• Sexual minority: セクマイ (sekumai)
• Same-sex marriage: 同性婚 (douseikon)
• Homosexual: ホモ (homo)
• Hetero: ノンケ (nonke)
• Lesbian: レビン (rebin)
• Bi: バイ (bai)
• Intersex, androgynous: 中性 (chuusei)
• Asexual: 無性愛 (museiai)
• Gender: 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)
• Gender: 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)
• Transgenders: 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 (andorogino)
• 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 FTM, MTF, FTX, and MTX slang. If any terms are missing from this list, just get in touch.

The Meaning of Okama, Onabe, and Okege

Okama, Onabe, and Okege are words generally used derogatorily 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 vulgar word used to refer to men who exhibit a flirtatious personality or display behaviors considered feminine.
• Onabe: It is a word similar 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.