fluid / fluidity
Last updatedWhat to know
“Fluid” is a term used generally to describe one’s sexual, romantic, and/or gender identity, with the understanding that it exists on a spectrum, isn’t permanent, and may shift over time. The term can be used to describe sexual or romantic attraction to multiple genders, as well as attractions that shift over time.
Fluid can be used as an umbrella term, making it ambiguous — intentionally so, in many cases. Since the term doesn’t always point to a particular identity, specifying which orientation(s) or identity (or identities) are being discussed can be helpful for clarity. Fluid may also be a useful term if an individual prefers to identify only as “fluid,” or if coverage is speaking generally about gender or sexual/romantic fluidity. “Fluid” is often closely associated with “queer,” though not everyone will identify as both. It’s appropriate to ask how people identify. It’s important to recognize that people with fluid identities are not “confused” or “going through phases.” It is as valid an identity as any other.
In the case of sexual orientation, bisexual people make up more than 50 percent of LGBTQ+ individuals, making them the largest group under the acronym. However, fluid and queer individuals are the least likely to be out, in comparison to lesbians and gay people. Since fluid people can be attracted to multiple genders and their sexual orientation can change over time, their relationship dynamics can vary. If identifying someone as fluid (when necessary and relevant), it’s important to verify they are comfortable with being publicly referred to as such.
Additional resources
- Gender fluidity: What it means and why support matters (Harvard Health Publishing)
- The pansexual revolution: how sexual fluidity became mainstream (The Guardian)
- Bisexual FAQ (Human Rights Campaign)
- How Many People are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender? (UCLA Williams Institute)
Summary
“Fluid” is a term used generally to describe one’s sexual, romantic, and/or gender identity, with the understanding that it exists on a spectrum, isn’t permanent, and may shift over time. The term can be used to describe sexual or romantic attraction to multiple genders, as well as attractions that shift over time. Since the term doesn’t always point to a specific identity, specifying which orientation(s) or identity (or identities) are being discussed can be helpful for clarity.