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| + | A '''microlabel''' is a label for some form of [[gender identity]] or [[sexual orientation]] that falls under, or otherwise overlaps with, a broader term.<ref name="Henry">{{Cite web|url=https://detester.org/publications/110micro|title=Micro Labeling: Approach with Caution|author=Henry, Maya|publisher=Detester Magazine}}</ref><ref name="Walia">{{Cite web|url=https://westerngazette.ca/features/special_editions/sex_issue/putting-a-name-to-the-feeling-microlabels-in-the-lgbtq2-community/article_29ff66a0-62ee-11eb-8033-5be7f14bdec9.html|author=Walia, Kirat|title=Putting a name to the feeling: Microlabels in the LGBTQ2+ community|publisher=Western Gazette|date=2021-02-09}}</ref><ref name="Garcia">{{Cite web|url=url=https://www.voicesofgenz.com/post-1/the-importance-of-microlabels|title=The Importance of Microlabels|author=Garcia, Wendy|publisher=Voices of Gen Z|date=2021-07-05}}</ref>Microlabels tend to be described as "hyperspecific", meaning that they describe a very specific experience of a gender/sexuality/etc.<ref name="Walia" /> A term being a microlabel does not mean that the term is not widely used, nor is the term invalid as an identity. |
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| − | {{Infobox |
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| − | | image = |
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| − | | caption = |
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| − | | altname = Masc |
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| − | | term = Gender expression |
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| − | | different = <!-- List any distinct identities that are similar to but different from the topic of the page --> |
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| − | }} |
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| − | '''Masculinity''' is a set of behaviors, presentations and roles which are culturally associated with being a man and/or possessing male sex characteristics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculine|title=Masculine definition|author|Merriam Webster}}</ref> People of any [[gender identity]] or [[sexual orientation]] can be masculine, as masculinity is not designated by biological sex or gender. It is labeled as possessing many traits, including "strength, drive, and leadership", which many individuals are capable of feeling.<ref>{{Cite print|author=Constance L. Shehan|title=Gale Researcher Guide for: The Continuing Significance of Gender|publisher=Gale, Cengage Learning, 2018|date=2018-08-30|isbn=1535861177, 9781535861175}}</ref><ref>{{Cite print|author=Judith Worell|title=Encyclopedia of Women and Gender, Two-Volume Set: Sex Similarities and Differences and the Impact of Society on Gender|publisher=Academic Press|date=2001|isbn=0122272455, 9780122272455 |
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| − | |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7SXhBdqejgYC&q=%22associated+with+women%22#v=snippet&q=%22associated%20with%20women%22&f=false}}</ref> |
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| + | == Etymology== |
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| − | {{Stub}} |
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| + | "Micro-" is a prefix of Greek origin, from the word μικρός (''mikrós'') which means "small". |
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| − | == |
+ | == Community == |
| + | Some people may find microlabels useful, as they can be used to describe their own specific experience with gender/sexuality/etc. In these cases, they may feel that using a broader term simply does not feel right for them. In essence, "labels that are perfect for one person may be too specific [for another person], while [also being] not specific enough for someone else."<ref name="Henry" /> Whether or not a person finds a microlabel useful does not determine whether or not said microlabel is valid as an identity. |
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| − | ''Elaborate on the origins of the name.'' |
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| + | In addition, a person identifying with a microlabel does not mean they do not also identify with its broader umbrella term. Some may say publicly that they identify with a broader term, while discussing their microlabels in private to whoever they want to share that information with. This can be useful for finding other people who share a person's specific experiences.<ref name="AoC">{{Cite web|url=https://artoverchaos.wordpress.com/2020/02/04/about-lgbtq-mircolables/ |title=LGBTQ Mircolabels – The Address of Your Soul|publisher=Art Over Chaos Publishing|date=2020-02-04}}</ref> |
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| − | ==Community== |
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| − | Masculinity is shaped by socio-cultural settings and is not reliant on biology - it is plural and dynamic; it changes with culture and individuals. Defining traits belonging to masculinity are subject to change based on an individual's culture, class, religion, national culture, and other societal influences. Moreover, many individuals regardless of [[gender identity]] or [[gender expression]] partake in forms of masculinity consciously or unconsciously. Many of the typical "masculine behaviors" are learned via media, educational materials, and societal implications.<ref name="Stanford">{{Cite web|url=https://genderedinnovations.stanford.edu/terms/femininities.html|title=Femininities & Masculinities|author=Stanford university}}</ref> |
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| − | === |
+ | === Examples === |
| + | Various identities can serve as umbrella terms for more specific microlabels. For example, apothisexual is a term that is defined as being "repulsed by the idea of engaging in sexual activity". This term is considered to be under the asexual umbrella or [[asexual spectrum]], hence it is considered a microlabel of asexual.<ref name="Walia" /> |
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| + | Another example is the term [[bisexual]], which can be defined as "attraction to more than one gender". In this way, bisexual can also act as an umbrella term for various microlabels related to attraction to multiple genders, including [[pansexual]], [[polysexual]], and [[omnisexual]].<ref name="Garcia" /> |
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| − | ===History=== |
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| − | ''Document the community's most important history, including facts such as key events, breakthroughs in improving the community's wellbeing and rights, or historical figures known to belong to the community.'' |
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| + | The various specific [[xenogender]]s are yet another form of microlabels. An example of this is the term chaosgender which is defined as "gender [that] is erratic and ever-shifting".<ref name="Maverick">{{Cite web|url=https://saltyworld.net/what-are-xenogenders-the-evolving-self-identity-landscape|title=What ARE Xenogenders? The Evolving Self-identity Landscape|author=Lumen, Maverick|publisher=Salty World|date=2022}}</ref> |
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| − | ===Distinction=== |
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| − | ''Optional section: If the topic has similarities to another gender/orientation, use this section to highlight the differences between them.'' |
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| − | ===Controversy=== |
+ | === Controversy === |
| + | There is a layered history regarding the use of labels within queer spaces – notably the "important tradition of rejecting categorisation within queer history"<ref name="IDV">{{Cite web|url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/akg975/micro-sexua|title=What are micro-sexualities and why are people arguing about them?|author=Greig, James|publisher=i-D||date=2021-10-21|accessdate=January 29, 2022}}</ref> while at the same time acknowledging the important role labels played in establishing communities and raising awareness<ref name="IDS">{{Cite web|url=http://spl.ids.ac.uk/sexuality-and-social-justice-toolkit/1-issues-and-debates/whats-wrong-labels|title=What's wrong with labels?|publisher=Institute of Development Studies|accessdate=January 29, 2022}}</ref> for non-cisgender, non-heterosexual people.<ref name="IDV" /> Some authors have argued that the community needs "more queer identity labels, not fewer";<ref name="Slate">{{Cite web|url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2018/01/lgbtq-people-need-more-labels-not-fewer.html|title=Why We Need More Queer Identity Labels, Not Fewer|author=Myers, Alex|publisher=Slate|date=2018-01-16|accessdate=January 29, 2022}}</ref> however, such labelling has been criticized as being based on 'Western' understandings of sexual identity and of being too focused on the "identities and rights of individuals rather than of communities"<ref name="IDS" /> by actions such as alienating older generations of LGBT+ people.<ref name="Henry />. |
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| − | ''Optional section: If this topic has been the subject of any controversies, detail them in this section. For example, it could explain outdated or disputed terms, disagreements about how this identity is defined, identity-phobic discourse around popular flags, or other conflicts.'' |
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| + | Other criticisms include what some see as the inherent social reductionism in "compartmentalizing the variations [of identity] inside the boxes we’ve already created";<ref name="Medium">{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@IdahoSocialist/sexual-egoism-a-critique-of-labels-7ece8eac7bf8||title=Sexual Egoism: A Critique of Labels|author=Raven|publisher=IdahoCommie|date=2018-12-26|accessdate=January 29, 2022}}</ref> such actions, therefore, can lead to greater prejudice for LGBT+ individuals to choose a label and conform.<ref name="Henry" /> |
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| − | ===Perceptions and discrimination=== |
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| − | ''This section focuses more on the specific kinds of discrimination and oppression that these people may face. Examples would be mentioning systematic transphobia and non-binary erasure on the page for agender, mentioning rates of mental health issues in this group, etc.'' |
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| + | Microlabels in general have faced many criticisms, mostly due to their specificity. It has been discussed that older generations of the LGBTQIA+ community find microlabels frustrating and confusing since they must learn new specific terms, compared to the broader terms they are already used to. Others claim that creating a microlabel for a broader umbrella term may cause tensions between people who identify as one or the other. An example of this is pansexual as a microlabel of bisexual, which some believe had "led to a surge in both biphobia and panphobia, with some claiming that bisexuality is exclusive and others claiming that pansexuality is anti-bisexual".<ref name="Henry" /><ref name="Garcia" /> |
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| − | ==Media== |
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| + | |||
| − | ''This section should be used to elaborate on the portrayal and representation of this identity in various forms of media, which can include a listing or links to various artists or movies, series, etc. Subheadings like Film, Television, Literature, and Music should be used where appropriate.'' |
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| + | Others still argue that microlabels are unnecessary, because they believe that most of these labels tend to overlap too much, or otherwise "basically say the same thing". One analysis done specifically with sexuality microlabels demonstrated that most of them could be organized into a handful of broad categories of attraction. This includes a large number of sexuality microlabels that are claimed to be "more about feelings and thoughts around sex than about describing gendered attraction".<ref name="Sidhe">{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/sexography/how-many-letters-does-lgbt-really-need-3b9373a6421b|author=Sidhe, Cameron|title=How Many Letters Does LGBT Really Need?|publisher=Medium|date=2021-07-08}}</ref> |
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==Resources== |
==Resources== |
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| + | *The [[LGBTQIA+ Wiki:Manual of Style#Microlabels|Manual of Style section on microlabels]] for this wiki. |
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| − | ''Here you can place useful resources relevant for the described topic.'' |
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==References== |
==References== |
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| + | <references /><br /> |
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| − | {{Reflist}} |
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| + | [[Category:Terminology]] |
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| + | [[Category:Emerging terminology]] |
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Revision as of 03:12, 9 February 2022
A microlabel is a label for some form of gender identity or sexual orientation that falls under, or otherwise overlaps with, a broader term.[1][2][3]Microlabels tend to be described as "hyperspecific", meaning that they describe a very specific experience of a gender/sexuality/etc.[2] A term being a microlabel does not mean that the term is not widely used, nor is the term invalid as an identity.
Etymology
"Micro-" is a prefix of Greek origin, from the word μικρός (mikrós) which means "small".
Community
Some people may find microlabels useful, as they can be used to describe their own specific experience with gender/sexuality/etc. In these cases, they may feel that using a broader term simply does not feel right for them. In essence, "labels that are perfect for one person may be too specific [for another person], while [also being] not specific enough for someone else."[1] Whether or not a person finds a microlabel useful does not determine whether or not said microlabel is valid as an identity.
In addition, a person identifying with a microlabel does not mean they do not also identify with its broader umbrella term. Some may say publicly that they identify with a broader term, while discussing their microlabels in private to whoever they want to share that information with. This can be useful for finding other people who share a person's specific experiences.[4]
Examples
Various identities can serve as umbrella terms for more specific microlabels. For example, apothisexual is a term that is defined as being "repulsed by the idea of engaging in sexual activity". This term is considered to be under the asexual umbrella or asexual spectrum, hence it is considered a microlabel of asexual.[2]
Another example is the term bisexual, which can be defined as "attraction to more than one gender". In this way, bisexual can also act as an umbrella term for various microlabels related to attraction to multiple genders, including pansexual, polysexual, and omnisexual.[3]
The various specific xenogenders are yet another form of microlabels. An example of this is the term chaosgender which is defined as "gender [that] is erratic and ever-shifting".[5]
Controversy
There is a layered history regarding the use of labels within queer spaces – notably the "important tradition of rejecting categorisation within queer history"[6] while at the same time acknowledging the important role labels played in establishing communities and raising awareness[7] for non-cisgender, non-heterosexual people.[6] Some authors have argued that the community needs "more queer identity labels, not fewer";[8] however, such labelling has been criticized as being based on 'Western' understandings of sexual identity and of being too focused on the "identities and rights of individuals rather than of communities"[7] by actions such as alienating older generations of LGBT+ people.[1].
Other criticisms include what some see as the inherent social reductionism in "compartmentalizing the variations [of identity] inside the boxes we’ve already created";[9] such actions, therefore, can lead to greater prejudice for LGBT+ individuals to choose a label and conform.[1]
Microlabels in general have faced many criticisms, mostly due to their specificity. It has been discussed that older generations of the LGBTQIA+ community find microlabels frustrating and confusing since they must learn new specific terms, compared to the broader terms they are already used to. Others claim that creating a microlabel for a broader umbrella term may cause tensions between people who identify as one or the other. An example of this is pansexual as a microlabel of bisexual, which some believe had "led to a surge in both biphobia and panphobia, with some claiming that bisexuality is exclusive and others claiming that pansexuality is anti-bisexual".[1][3]
Others still argue that microlabels are unnecessary, because they believe that most of these labels tend to overlap too much, or otherwise "basically say the same thing". One analysis done specifically with sexuality microlabels demonstrated that most of them could be organized into a handful of broad categories of attraction. This includes a large number of sexuality microlabels that are claimed to be "more about feelings and thoughts around sex than about describing gendered attraction".[10]
Resources
- The Manual of Style section on microlabels for this wiki.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Henry, Maya: "Micro Labeling: Approach with Caution". detester.org. Detester Magazine.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Walia, Kirat: "Putting a name to the feeling: Microlabels in the LGBTQ2+ community" (2021-02-09). westerngazette.ca. Western Gazette.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Garcia, Wendy: "[url=https://www.voicesofgenz.com/post-1/the-importance-of-microlabels The Importance of Microlabels]" (2021-07-05). [url=https://www.voicesofgenz.com url=voicesofgenz.com]. Voices of Gen Z.
- ↑ "LGBTQ Mircolabels – The Address of Your Soul" (2020-02-04). artoverchaos.wordpress.com. Art Over Chaos Publishing.
- ↑ Lumen, Maverick: "What ARE Xenogenders? The Evolving Self-identity Landscape" (2022). saltyworld.net. Salty World.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Greig, James: "What are micro-sexualities and why are people arguing about them?" (2021-10-21). i-d.vice.com. i-D.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "What's wrong with labels?". spl.ids.ac.uk. Institute of Development Studies.
- ↑ Myers, Alex: "Why We Need More Queer Identity Labels, Not Fewer" (2018-01-16). slate.com. Slate.
- ↑ Raven: "Sexual Egoism: A Critique of Labels" (2018-12-26). medium.com. IdahoCommie.
- ↑ Sidhe, Cameron: "How Many Letters Does LGBT Really Need?" (2021-07-08). medium.com. Medium.